1984 Mercury Cougar problems

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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.

1984 Mercury Cougar

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Common 1984 Mercury Cougar problems

The Mercury Cougar, particularly the 1984 model, has been known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • Engine Issues: The 1984 Mercury Cougar's engine can experience various problems, such as overheating, stalling, and rough idling. These issues can be caused by a faulty thermostat, clogged fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these problems.
  • Transmission Problems: The transmission in the 1984 Mercury Cougar can have issues such as slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These problems can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a faulty torque converter. Transmission repairs can be costly, so regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these issues.
  • Suspension and Steering Issues: The suspension and steering system in the 1984 Mercury Cougar can have problems such as excessive play, noise, and vibration. These issues can be caused by worn-out bushings, loose steering components, or damaged suspension parts. Regular inspections and timely replacements can help prevent these problems.
  • Electrical Problems: The 1984 Mercury Cougar's electrical system can have issues such as blown fuses, intermittent electrical connections, and malfunctioning sensors. These problems can be caused by corroded wiring, faulty components, or damaged fuses. Regular inspections and timely repairs can help prevent these problems.
  • Body Rust: The 1984 Mercury Cougar's body can suffer from rust issues, particularly in areas such as the wheel wells, rocker panels, and door sills. Regular inspections and timely repairs can help prevent these problems. However, rust repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
  • Interior Wear: The 1984 Mercury Cougar's interior can suffer from wear issues, particularly in areas such as the seats, carpets, and dashboard. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these problems. However, interior repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
  • Air Conditioning Problems: The 1984 Mercury Cougar's air conditioning system can have issues such as poor cooling performance, leaks, and compressor failure. These problems can be caused by low refrigerant levels, worn-out components, or damaged hoses. Regular inspections and timely repairs can help prevent these problems.
  • Fuel System Issues: The 1984 Mercury Cougar's fuel system can have issues such as poor fuel economy, rough idling, and stalling. These problems can be caused by clogged fuel filters, dirty fuel injectors, or faulty fuel pumps. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these problems.
  • Braking System Problems: The 1984 Mercury Cougar's braking system can have issues such as spongy pedal, noise, and vibration. These problems can be caused by worn-out brake pads, damaged rotors, or leaking brake lines. Regular inspections and timely replacements can help prevent these problems.

In summary, the 1984 Mercury Cougar can have various common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues can range from engine and transmission problems to suspension and steering issues, electrical problems, body rust, interior wear, air conditioning problems, fuel system issues, and braking system problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these problems and ensure the car's longevity and reliability.

1984 Mercury Cougar engine

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.

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.

How many miles per gallon does a Mercury Cougar get?

1999 Mercury Cougar

EPA MPGOwner MPG Estimates
1999 Mercury Cougar 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd
23 combined city/highway MPG 20 city 28 highway 4.3 gals/ 100 milesView Estimates How can I share my MPG?
1999 Mercury Cougar 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Manual 5-spd
Regular GasolineView Estimates How can I share my MPG?

What years of Mercury Cougar to 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.”

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 engine did the Mercury Cougar have?

The 67 cougar shared most of its engine lineup with the Mustang. However Mercury solely offered V8 engines. Standard was the 200 horsepower 289 cubic inch two barrel carbureted V8 options included a

1984 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
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1984 Mercury Cougar complaints

The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Mercury Cougar.

2005-01-06

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-31
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1MEBT9234H7
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION LEFT TIRE MARKS ON THE DRIVEWAY. *TC
2001-09-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-03
  • VIN: 1MEBP9233EH
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLED AT ANY SPEED. HAS STALLED 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED 4 WEEKS AGO. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID THAT TFI MODULE AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO THESE COMPONENTS CAUSED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.*AK
2000-11-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TEMPERAMENTAL AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. *SLC
2000-11-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TEMPERAMENTAL AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. *SLC
2000-09-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1MEBP92FXEH
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VERY RECENTLY I FOUND THAT THE NHTSA HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING PROBLEMS WITH MANY FORD VEHICLES FROM THE 80'S, DUE TO STALLING PROBLEMS. I OWNED A 1984 MERCURY COUGAR FOR 2 YEARS AND PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS VEHICHLE WITH NO SUCCESS. I KEPT ALL MY RECEIPTS KNOWING THAT SOME DAY THE PROBLEM WOULD COME OUT. I WISH TO BE PART OF THESE COMPLAINTS AGAINST FORD AND HOPES OF GETTING MONEY BACK DUE TO FORDS MISTAKE WHEN ASSEMBLING THE VEHICLES. THE MERCURY COUGAR STARTED STALLING ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, BUT GOT WORSE AS TIME WENT ON. DATES INVOLVED REPAIRS WERE FROM JANUARY OF 1989 UP TO APRIL OF 1990. FINALLY IN AUGUST OF 1990 I TRADED THE VEHICLE IN, AFTER MANY SITUATIONS OF ALMOST BAD ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE VEHICLE STALLING WHEN STOPPING OR JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE VEHICHLE WOULD JUST SHUT OFF AND IT WOULD TAKE NUMOROUS TRIES TO GET IT STARTED OR I WOULD HAVE TO GET IT TOWED. THE STRESS AND CONCERN OF MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN WAS MORE THAN I COULD HANDLE. I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL THERE MISTAKES. NO MATTER WHAT IT COSTS, TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE LOST LIVES DUE TO THIS ENORMOUS COMPANY. *AK
2000-07-06

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN EMERGENCY STOPPING SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP. ALSO, A BUMPING AND GRINDING NOISE OCCURS IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE VIBRATES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
1999-05-05

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1MEBPN9239E
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE HOUSING CRACKED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1999-04-16

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-30
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RACK AND PINION FAILED (WORN OUT), CAUSING POOR STEERING ABILITY, RESULTING IN REPAIR. *YC
1998-10-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-09-21
  • VIN: 1MEBP9231EA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE GIVES NO PRIOR WARNING AND CUTS COMPLETELY OFF. WHEN TRYING TO START BACK UP THE BATTERY LIGHT/ ENGINECHECK LIGHT KEEP COMING ON. CONTACTED DEALER . *AK
1998-02-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1MEBP92F4EH
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLS AND IS DIFFICULT TO START.
1997-06-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MELTED WHEN OWNER TRIED TO START VEHICLE. *AK
1996-12-05

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-03-01
  • VIN: 1MEBP9230EH
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BUT CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE/ HAD TO TURN IGNITION SWITCH OFF TO STOP. *AK
1996-04-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: UPON PARKING 1 HOUR LATER FOUND INTERIOR ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
1996-04-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: UPON PARKING 1 HOUR LATER FOUND INTERIOR ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
1996-04-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE IGNITON SWITCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1996-04-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. SHE GOT INTO THE CAR AND STARTED THE IGNITON AND SMOKE CAME OUT/THEN IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK
1996-04-19

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • VIN: 1MEBP9238EH
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER SMELLED A VERY BAD ODOR/FUMES IN THE VEHILCE. *AK
1995-04-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-09
  • VIN: 1MEBP9233EH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE WARNING LIGHT FAILED.
1995-04-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-09
  • VIN: 1MEBP9233EH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: FRONT BRAKE HOSE AT FACTORY CRIMPED CONNECTOR ON CALIPER, CAUSED EQUALIZATION VALVE TO FAIL/LOSS OF BACKUP BRAKING SYSTEM. *SKD
1995-03-09

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-08
  • VIN: 1MEBP92F3EH
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: ENGINE IDLES RXCESSIVELY FAST UNLESS THE HEATER CONTROL SWITCH IS ON. TT

1984 Mercury Cougar recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1984 Mercury Cougar.

1983-12-20
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
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Other years of Mercury Cougar

mercury cougar 1985 photo
Cougar 1985
Mercury

20

1

0

  • 5
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  • 1
mercury cougar 1986 photo
Cougar 1986
Mercury

18

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mercury cougar 1987 photo
Cougar 1987
Mercury

39

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mercury cougar 1988 photo
Cougar 1988
Mercury

69

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mercury cougar 1989 photo
Cougar 1989
Mercury

99

4

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mercury cougar 1990 photo
Cougar 1990
Mercury

90

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1984 Mercury Cougar photo