1988 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 1988 Mercury Cougar problems
Based on the information gathered from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the 1988 Mercury Cougar based on complaints from owners:
- Fuel Pump Problems:
Complaints have been made regarding fuel pump issues in the 1988 Mercury Cougar, particularly with the 4.6-liter V-8 engine. Owners have experienced difficulties starting the car, hearing no sound from the fuel pump, and facing challenges diagnosing the problem. Troubleshooting steps include checking the inertia switch, testing the fuel pump, and examining the fuel pump connection near the front of the tank.
- Mechanical Reliability:
Some owners have expressed concerns about the mechanical reliability of the 1988 Mercury Cougar, mentioning issues with the engine's sound quality, material quality, and overall performance compared to other vehicles like the Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham. Complaints include the engine making agricultural sounds, feeling cheap and plasticky, and lacking the smoothness and luxury expected in a car of its class.
- Lack of Cult Following:
While not a direct mechanical problem, there is a sentiment among some car enthusiasts that the 1983-1997 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar models did not gain a cult following despite their RWD, V8 engines, and affordability. This lack of popularity could be attributed to various factors, including perceived mechanical issues, lack of aftermarket parts, and competition from other models in the market.
These common problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the 1988 Mercury Cougar, ranging from electrical issues to mechanical reliability concerns and the overall perception of the vehicle within the automotive community.
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 engine is in a 1988 Mercury Cougar?
FEATURES UNIQUE TO 1988 COUGARS:
MPFI 3.8L V6 engine with internal balance shaft. Monochromatic XR-7 model (only year for this body style)
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
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 engine is in a 1988 Mercury Cougar?
FEATURES UNIQUE TO 1988 COUGARS:
MPFI 3.8L V6 engine with internal balance shaft. Monochromatic XR-7 model (only year for this body style)
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.
Is a Mercury Cougar the same as a Mustang?
The Mercury Cougar was based on the Mustang, but it took a different approach than General Motors did with its Camaro and Firebird siblings by giving the Cougar entirely different sheet metal and a longer wheelbase. (Chrysler adopted the same method with the E-body Challenger and Barracuda in 1970.)
1988 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Mercury Cougar
The NHTSA has received 69 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mercury Cougar. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Mercury Cougar vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEBM6043JH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON FEB 12, 1994 MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND TOOK MY RED 1988 MERCURY COUGAR LS TO CHURCH AT 6:30 PM. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY FOGGY EVENING. I RECEIVED A CALL AT THE HOUSE AT 6:50 PM THAT MY WIFE HAD BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND THAT I NEEDED TO COME TO THE SITE. MY CAR WAS IN MINT CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. WHEN I SAW THE CAR, IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE!! MY WIFE, WITNESSES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GOODYEAR TIRE CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS THE MERCURY COUGAR?S COMPUTER THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO GO FULL-THROTTLE. DIANE, MY WIFE AND PASSENGER TESTIFIED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE SURGED, SHE PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR. AFTER NO AVAIL, SHE APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN INTO A HEAVILY TRAVELED INTERSECTION. AS THE VEHICLE SPUN, MY WIFE TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO ?PARK?. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE CHANGED INTO ?REVERSE?, SENDING THEM THROUGH A GAS STATION, AT FULL-THROTTLE, BACKWARDS. AT THIS TIME, THE PASSENGER PANICKED. SHE UNBUCKLED HER SEATBELT AND OPENED THE DOOR WHILE TRAVELING IN REVERSE. THE DOOR MOMENTARILY PINED HER TO THE GROUND, RESULTING IN MAJOR FRACTURES OF THE HIP AND OTHER MINOR INJURIES. THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO REST IN THE WOODS ADJACENT TO THE GAS STATION WITH MAJOR FRAME DAMAGE, A SEVERED FUEL LINE AND ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE DESTROYED. MY WIFE WAS SHAKEN, BUT NO INJURIES. WITNESSES STATED THEY CAME WITHIN INCHES OF HITTING THE GAS PUMPS. AT THE TIME, MY FATHER-IN-LAW, A RETIRED GM MECHANIC BLAMED THE EVENT ON MY WIFE. UNTIL I BECAME COMPUTER SMART AND HAVE READ SO MANY ARTICLES THIS WEEK ON FORD VEHICLES SURGING, I THOUGHT I HAD BETTER REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO HELP OTHERS WHO APPARENTLY HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE SAME EXPERIENCE. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-17
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE RIGHT SELTBELT BUCKLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FAILS OFTEN. FORD NO LONGER SUPPLIES THESE BUCKLES, AND THEY ARE VERY SCARCE IN WRECKING YARDS.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEBM62F9JH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TIRE THAT FAILED FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE. FRONT LEFT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM A CHEVROLET BLAZER 1984, AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. VEHICLE HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES, ONE BEING THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE. DURING THE CRASH CONSUMER'S WRIST WAS BROKEN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-29
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT IGNITE IF THE GEAR SHIFT IS NOT COMPLETELY UP. IT APPEARS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH AND THE GEAR SHIFT.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-03
- VIN: 1MEBM62F9JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: RECALL 96 V 071 000/IGNITION SWITCH: RECALL REPAIRS WAS DONE AT BAYWAY LINCOLN, MERCURY; HOUSTON, TX; PHONE# 281/ 929-6500. AT THE PRESENT TIME PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- VIN: 1MEBM62F8JH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN, BUT ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS WILL STILL BE WORKING, LIKE HEADLIGHTS/ RADIO/ POWER WINDOW, AND AIR CONDITIONER. BUT NOT COLD AND MOTOR WILL STILL BE WORKING; IGNITION MODULE HAD BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES, AND NOW HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEBM6047JH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR A ROLLING STOP, RECALL 96V071 WAS COMPLETED ON VEHICLE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS POSSIBLY DUE TO AN ENGINE FAILURE. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEBM6040JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BOTH FORD MOTOR CORP. AND GALPIN LINCOLN-MERCURY REFUSED TO COVER FOR REPAIRS. OWNER HAD TO DO SO AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEBM6040JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: IGN. SW. RECALL WORK DONE PREVIOUSLY 2 TIMES BY GALPIN LINCOLN-MERCURY. SEAT BELT FAILURE REPORTED BOTH TO GALPIN LINCOLN-MERCURY AND FORD MOTOR CORP. BECAUSE OF NO DOCUMENTED RECALL, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING EVER SINCE WITHOUT SHOULDER BELT PROTECTION.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-17
- VIN: 1MEBM6043JH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE UPPER LAYER OF THE FIRESTONE TIRE ON THE FRONT LEFT WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. THIS WAS AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 MPH. THE TIRE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION WITH NO DAMAGE. IT WAS A VERY SCAREY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY (WIFE AND 2 KIDS) IN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, IN THE MIDDLE OF DESERT AND AT NIGHT. CALLED AAA FOR HELP AND WE WERE LUCKY THE CAT DID NOT OVERTURN. I HAVE HEARD VERY SIMILAR CASES WITH FIRESTONE. I BELIEVE THRE FIRESTONE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 215SR17 )
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT THE CAR. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE WINDOW CAN BE FIXED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-17
- VIN: NOT AVAILBL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT THE CAR.DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE WINDOW CAN BE FIXED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE PRIOR TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE REPAIR. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-27
- VIN: 1MEBM60F4JH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: STEEL BRAKE LINE ON REAR AXEL FAILED FIRST. STEEL BRAKE LINE ON TO RIGNT FRONT FAILED THIS TIME. LEFT FRONT STEEL BRAKE LINE SHOWED SIGNS OF FAILURE AND WAS REPLACED TOO. LINES ARE RUSTING THROUGH WHERE ATTACHED TO FRAME OR AXLE. BOUGHT CAR IN INDIANA, BUT LATER FOUND OUT IT CAME FROM WISCONSIN. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEBM6044JH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL VEHICLE WENT INTO A FULL UNWANTED ACCELERATION. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER, CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED. POSSIBLY FAULTY WIRING IN CRUISE CONTROL. *AK *ML
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-22
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEBM6049JH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY COUGAR SHE MADE A 5-10 MPH LEFT HAND TURN THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD SNAPPED AND MY WIFE LOST ALL STEERING. SHE SIDE SWIPED ONE CAR AND HIT HEAD ON WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE . I HAD ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS WHEN THIS HAPPENED . NOW MY WIFE IS GETTING SUED FOR 15000 DOLLARS BY ONE OF THE OTHER DRIVERS . I JUST WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN FIX MY STILL BROKEN CAR OR AM I AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT? THANK YOU FOR A REPLY GREATFULLY RAYMOND ROSE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN ENGINE IS HOTTER THAN NORMAL OR IN WARM WEATHER THE VEHICLE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-30
- VIN: 1MEBM60F4JH
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: FRONT BUCKET SEATBACK LATCHES FAILED TO HOLD THE SEATBACKS IN PLACE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEBM6046JH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD LIGHTS GET CLOUDY CONTINUOUSLY FROM MOISTURE ENTERING UNITS, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEBM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN STOPPING OR SHIFTING INTO PARK VEHICLE SUDDENLY RACES/ACCELERATES. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1NEBM6045JH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY ACCELERATED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. TP SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO STALLING. *SLC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-22
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN DEATH.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-22
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/FATALITY.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT LATCH IS INOPERATIVE. *AK
1988 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Mercury Cougar.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Mercury Cougar problems:
Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
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