1980 Mercury Cougar problems
The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
In production for 34 years across eight generations (skipping the 1998 model year), the Cougar is second only to the Grand Marquis (36 years) in the Mercury line for production longevity. 2,972,784 examples were produced, making it the highest-selling Mercury vehicle. During the 1970s and 1980s, the marketing of the Mercury division was closely associated with the Cougar, with promotional materials advertising Mercury dealers as "The Sign of the Cat" with big cats atop Lincoln-Mercury dealer signs. Cat-related nameplates were adopted by other Mercury lines, including the Bobcat and Lynx.
During its production, the Cougar was assembled at the Dearborn Assembly Plant (part of the Ford River Rouge Complex) in Dearborn, Michigan from 1967 until 1973, San Jose Assembly (Milpitas, California) from 1968 into early 1969, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) from 1974 until 1997, and at Flat Rock Assembly (Flat Rock, Michigan) from 1999 through 2002.
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Common 1980 Mercury Cougar problems
The Mercury Cougar, produced between 1980 and 1982, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from engine performance to interior comfort and exterior aesthetics.
- Fuel Injection Issues: In 1983, electronic fuel injection was introduced to the Cougar, first in the 5.0 V8 and then in the 3.8 V6. However, this new technology was not without its problems. Some owners reported issues with the fuel injection system, including hard starts, stalling, and poor fuel economy. These problems were often caused by faulty sensors, clogged fuel injectors, or issues with the engine control computer.
- Interior Comfort: Another common complaint among Cougar owners is interior comfort. Some owners have reported issues with the seats, which they find to be uncomfortable and lacking in support. Additionally, the cabin can feel cramped, especially for taller drivers and passengers. The lack of legroom and headroom can make the car feel claustrophobic, which can be a problem on longer drives.
- Exterior Aesthetics: The design of the 1980-1982 Mercury Cougar has also been a source of criticism. Some owners dislike the car's boxy shape and lack of curves, which they find to be unattractive and outdated.
- Transmission Issues: The automatic transmission in the 1980-1982 Mercury Cougar has also been a source of problems. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission shifting roughly or slipping, which can be caused by a variety of issues, including low transmission fluid, a faulty torque converter, or a damaged transmission solenoid.
- Rust Issues: Like many cars of its era, the 1980-1982 Mercury Cougar is prone to rust, particularly in the rocker panels, wheel wells, and trunk. This can be a major problem, as rust can compromise the structural integrity of the car and lead to more serious issues down the road.
- Electrical Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system, including problems with the lights, wipers, and other electrical components. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty wiring, blown fuses, or issues with the car's battery.
In conclusion, the 1980-1982 Mercury Cougar is known for several common problems, including engine performance issues, fuel injection problems, interior comfort issues, exterior aesthetics, transmission issues, rust issues, and electrical issues. While these problems can be frustrating for owners, there are many resources available to help diagnose and fix these issues, including online forums, repair manuals, and aftermarket parts suppliers.
What years of Mercury Cougar should I avoid?
The Cougar has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
What year Cougar is the most desirable?
And you'll have a luxury sports car. . . . With all of the flair of the finest European sports touring machines, Cougar for 1971 is more desirable than ever. It's dramatically new from bumper to bumper — longer, lower, wider with an increased tread for road-gripping stability.”
How much horsepower did the Mercury Cougar have in 1980?
Specifications for Mercury Cougar XR-7 4.2 V8 SelectShift, 117hp, 1980.
Was the Mercury Cougar a muscle car?
For its first two generations, the Cougar was derived from the Ford Mustang. Initially serving as a pony car, the popularity of the Cougar led it to replace the Cyclone muscle car in the Mercury model line. The second generation moved its market position closer to the personal luxury car segment.
What years of Mercury Cougar to avoid?
Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
- 8th Generation Cougar. Years 1999–2002 Reliability 22nd out of 28 PainRank™ 4.77 Complaints 71.
- 7th Generation Cougar. Years 1989–1997 Reliability 3rd out of 28 PainRank™ 0.51 Complaints 17.
How much horsepower did the Mercury Cougar have in 1980?
Specifications for Mercury Cougar XR-7 4.2 V8 SelectShift, 117hp, 1980.
What year Cougar is the most desirable?
And you'll have a luxury sports car. . . . With all of the flair of the finest European sports touring machines, Cougar for 1971 is more desirable than ever. It's dramatically new from bumper to bumper — longer, lower, wider with an increased tread for road-gripping stability.”
Was the Mercury Cougar a muscle car?
For its first two generations, the Cougar was derived from the Ford Mustang. Initially serving as a pony car, the popularity of the Cougar led it to replace the Cyclone muscle car in the Mercury model line. The second generation moved its market position closer to the personal luxury car segment.
1980 Mercury Cougar car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Cougar problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1980 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1980 Mercury Cougar complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1980 Mercury Cougar.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE USING HEADLIGHTS THEY WOULD FLASH INTERMITTENLY AT THE SAME TIME. ALSO, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-17
- VIN: 1MEPM6044LH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THE COST OF THE WINDOW WOULD BE PICKED UP BY THE CONSUMER. *AK
1980 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1980 Mercury Cougar.
- Manufacturer: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES INTENDED FOR OTHER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THE WHEEL CYLINDERS MAY NOT BE THE CORRECT SIZE. THIS COULD AFFECT BRAKING PERFORMANCE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ANY INCORRECT WHEEL CYLINDERS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1980 Mercury Cougar problems:
Car Lot Classic: 1980 Mercury Cougar XR-7 - That Very Common ...
Nov 14, 2018 ... No problem! Speaking of honest cars again, I'll take the blue Corolla/Cornova lurking in the background of the third shot! Reply · avatar.
Junkyard Find: 1978 Mercury Cougar | The Truth About Cars
Feb 8, 2011 ... Sure, it probably stopped working by 1980, but I'm still tempted to buy it for my collection of vintage car clocks. junkyard find 1978 ...
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Oct 28, 2019 ... The period during the 1980s when cars started to re-blossom was truly exciting. When Ford began selling a 200 horsepower Mustang again during ...
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Feb 20, 2014 ... Mainly need the fan relay location. 2002 Cougar XR 1980 Toyota Corolla ... Its a common problem with these cars. Link ... 2001 Mercury Cougar 2.5L ...
Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top Mercury Cougar Problems · Battery Light Due to Damaged Alternator Wire Harness Connector · Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust · Check ...
Other years of Mercury Cougar
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