1989 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 1989 Mercury Cougar problems
Common Problems with the Mercury Cougar 1989:
- Alternator Failure: Another common problem with the Mercury Cougar 1989 is the alternator failing.
- Battery Light Due to Damaged Alternator Wire Harness Connector: This issue is specific to the 1989 Mercury Cougar and is caused by a damaged alternator wire harness connector. This can lead to the battery light coming on, indicating a problem with the charging system.
- Fuel Troubleshooting: Some owners of the 1989 Mercury Cougar have reported issues with the fuel system, such as the car not starting despite having fuel and spark. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors or clogged fuel filters.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical problems are also a common issue with the Mercury Cougar 1989. These problems can range from minor issues like flickering lights to more serious problems like the car failing to start due to an electrical fault.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission problems are another common issue with the Mercury Cougar 1989. These problems can manifest in various ways, such as the car having difficulty shifting or the transmission slipping.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension problems are also a common issue with the Mercury Cougar 1989. These problems can lead to a rough ride or the car pulling to one side while driving.
- Interior Accessories Problems: Some owners of the Mercury Cougar 1989 have reported issues with interior accessories, such as the power windows or radio not working properly.
- Body and Paint Problems: Body and paint problems are also a common issue with the Mercury Cougar 1989. These problems can range from minor issues like chipped paint to more serious issues like rust.
- Braking Problems: Braking problems are another common issue with the Mercury Cougar 1989. These problems can lead to the car taking longer to stop or the brakes feeling spongy.
In conclusion, the Mercury Cougar 1989 has a range of common problems that can affect various parts of the car, from the engine to the interior accessories. While some of these issues can be minor, others can be more serious and require professional attention. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the Mercury Cougar 1989.
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.”
How much horsepower does a 1989 Mercury Cougar have?
| TECH SPECS | |
|---|---|
| ENGINES | LS – 3.8 (232 cid) V6; 140 hp @ 3800 rpm; 215 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm XR7 – 3.8 supercharged V6; 210 hp @2400 rpm; 315 lb-ft torque @ 2600 rpm |
| SPECIFICATIONS | Wheelbase – 113″ Overall Length – 198.7″ Overall Width – 72.7″ Overall Height – 52.7″ Cargo Capacity – 14.7 cubic feet Fuel Capacity – 19.0 gallons |
How many miles per gallon does a Mercury Cougar get?
1999 Mercury Cougar
| EPA MPG | Owner 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 miles | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 1999 Mercury Cougar 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Manual 5-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
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.”
How much horsepower does a 1989 Mercury Cougar have?
| TECH SPECS | |
|---|---|
| ENGINES | LS – 3.8 (232 cid) V6; 140 hp @ 3800 rpm; 215 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm XR7 – 3.8 supercharged V6; 210 hp @2400 rpm; 315 lb-ft torque @ 2600 rpm |
| SPECIFICATIONS | Wheelbase – 113″ Overall Length – 198.7″ Overall Width – 72.7″ Overall Height – 52.7″ Cargo Capacity – 14.7 cubic feet Fuel Capacity – 19.0 gallons |
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.
1989 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Mercury Cougar
The NHTSA has received 99 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Mercury Cougar. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Mercury Cougar vehicles.
2008-11-09
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM6049KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CAR IS NOW TOAST. IT WAS ABOUT 100 MILES PAST ITS SCHEDULED OIL-CHANGE/TUNE UP BUT OTHERWISE HAS BEEN WELL-CARED-FOR AND WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. I WAS DRIVING, AND A BEEPING STARTED. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT'S COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE CAR, AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON WARNING OF VERY LOW BATTERY, BUT NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK (REARVIEW AND SIDE MIRRORS) AND IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING SYNTHETIC IS BURNING (THIS ALL HAPPENS IN SECONDS TIME); SO, I PULL OVER, PARK, TURN THE CAR OFF. MY FRIEND AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITH THE CAR STOPPED I REALIZED THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I CALLED AAA FOR A TOW-TRUCK AND THE SMOKE WAS DYING DOWN. THEN THE SMOKE PICKED UP AGAIN AND I SAW WHAT I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE AS SMALL DROPS OF FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD (PROBABLY DRIPPING, BURNING OIL). I THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ABLAZE WITH A MASSIVE DARK SMOKE PLUME GOING WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN EASILY 100 FEET INTO THE AIR. THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT NOT BEFORE THE EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS TOTALLY BURNED OUT AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES (WHICH ARE NOW MELTED ONTO THE FRAME) HAD EXPLODED RATHER DRAMATICALLY. WHILE SMOKE GOT INTO THE COCKPIT, THE FLAME DID NOT BREACH IT NOR DID THE GAS TANK EXPLODE, BUT THE FUEL LINE MUST HAVE BEEN BREACHED. I'M CALLING A WRECKER TOMORROW MORNING TO TAKE THE CAR TO A SCRAP YARD (NO ONE OPEN SUNDAY EVENING). I'M WONDERING IF THIS IS THE SORT OF THING THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSES SOMEONE FOR. I HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, BUT NOT COMPREHENSIVE. NO ONE WAS HURT, SAVE FOR WHAT I AS A LAYMAN WOULD CHARACTERIZE AS MINOR SMOKE INHALATION WHILE MY FRIEND AND I WERE IN/VACATING THE CAR (I FELT NAUSEOUS I WHILE AFTERWARD, BUT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE SHOCK OF SEEING MY CAR TURN INTO A FIREBALL AS MUCH AS IT WAS THE SMOKE I INHALED). *TR
2003-07-30
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM6044KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PLASTIC BLOCK THAT CONNECTS THE THROTTLE VALVE (TV) CABLE TO THE THROTTLE LEVER BROKE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE THROTTLE LEVER. THE PLASTIC BLOCK, STILL CONNECTED TO THE TV CABLE, DROPPED DOWN AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND A FUEL RAIL AND PREVENTED THE THROTTLE LEVEL FROM GOING BACK TO THE NORMAL IDLE POSITION. WHEN APPROCHING STOPPED TRAFFIC AT AN INTERSECTION THE PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING AS USUAL AND A COLLISION RESULTED. WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3000 RPM. WHEN THE PLASTIC TV CABLE BLOCK WAS UNWEDGED FROM BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND THE FUEL RAIL THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WAS BACK TO THE NORMAL 900 RPM.
2003-07-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-13
- VIN: 1MEPM6044KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, CUSTOMER SMELT A BURNING ODOR. THEN DIGITAL DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. MAYBE CAUSE BY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.
2003-02-20
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-27
- VIN: 1MEPM6041KH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I HAVE TRIED TWICE TO ASK FORD TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF SEATBELT FAILURE IN THE COUGAR. THEY HAVE STATED THAT "ALTHOUGH IT IS A VITAL SAFETY COMPONENT THERE IS NO RECALL AND MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. YOU SHOULD PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED QUICKLY." I REFUSE TO PAY IN EXCESS OF 500.00 TO THE FORD GARAGE TO FIX A STANDARD SAFETY COMPONENT ! AMONG THE HEAD GASKET , E.G.R., TRANS. , P.W. MOTORS, AND COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT, I BELIEVE I HAVE PAID FOR ENOUGH OF THEIR FAILURES IN THIS AUTO! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT A COMPANY WOULD DEVISE SUCH A WORTHLESS SAFETY DEVICE AND THEN NOT ONLY ADMIT IT IS HAZARDOUS, BUT TELL CUSTOMERS OF SUCH AN EXPENSIVE ITEM THAT THEY NEED TO GET IT FIXED BY THEMSELVES! I RELY ON THIS DEVICE TO SAVE MY FAMILY AND MY LIFE! I ONLY WANT THE CHANCE FOR US TO STAY IN THE VEHICLE IN A CRASH, NOT BE EJECTED AND KILLED BECAUSE FORD DID NOT THINK THESE RESTRAINTS WERE USELESS.
2003-01-06
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEPM6045KH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A REREATED BRAKE PROBLEM; WHEN SLIGHTLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN, DURING HIGH/LOW SPEEDS, CITY/HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUES TO DEPRESS ON ITS OWN UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN SLAPS THE CONSUMERS FOOT AS IT COMES BACK UP TO NORMAL POSITION, WHEN THE A/C IS RUNNING FOR 15 MINS, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT LOW/NO SPEED-AND HAS HAPPENED TO THE CONSUMER WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT/ON SEVERAL TIMES WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM-@ J & S/DIFEO FORD SERVICE STATION. UNTRUSTING FORDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MIDAS, AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AS WELL. THE CONSUMER THEN RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR SEVERAL RECALLS AND FOUND THAT AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD START EXPERIENCING A REDUCTION IN THE BRAKE PERFORMANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A FULL REIMBURSEMENT OF 978.02, AND REQUEST INFO ON ALL NECESSARY REPAIR INFO AS WELL AS ANY PARTS TO BE REPLACED ALONG W/INSTRUCTIONS TO BE FORWARDED TO MIDAS AUTO SERVICE. REFER TO #89V081000. SCC
2002-12-23
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-30
- Crash: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED GAS PEDAL WHILE IDLING AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. TS
2002-04-07
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-05
- VIN: 1MEPM6040KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DEALER SAID FORD NEW OF THIS PROBLEN BUT DID NOTHING TO CORRECT IT. *AK
2002-03-15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-20
- VIN: 1MEPM62R4KH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED ON MY 1989 COUGAR WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP IN A SMALL DITCH WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED. ATTEMPTED TO GET THE ABS SYSTEM REPAIRED BUT THE REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT IT WOULD COST IN EXCESS OF $4000 TO REPAIR. SPENT OVER $100 FOR DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS TURBO-CHARGED, A NORMAL BRAKING SYSTEM CANNOT BE INSTALLED WHICH WOULD BE MORE REASONABLE PRICED. BRAKING IS SPORADIC. *AK
2002-01-22
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-22
- VIN: 1MEPM6045KH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SHOULDER SEAT BELT IS BROKEN. THREAD TO THE SEATBELT IS COMING APART. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
2001-09-05
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-29
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT. THEN UPON CHANGING TIRE CONSUMER NOTICED RIM WAS SPLIT ON INSIDE ABOUT 12 INCHES LONG. THIS CAUSED TIRE TO GO FLAT.*AK CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.*SLC
2001-04-16
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS GET STUCK IN COLD WEATHER, SOMETIMES IF WEARING BULKY CLOTHES BELTS WILL BE LOOSE, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE BECAUSE IN AN ACCIDENT CONSUMER MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED. *AK
2001-01-26
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEPM6049KH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO FAULTY MOTOR, DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. NLM
2001-01-10
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-09
- VIN: 1MEPM6042KH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VINYL PART OF ROOF MADE A CRACKING NOISE, AND VINYL PART LIFTED OFF, LEAVING METAL PART OF HOOD. VINYL WAS HANGING OVER CAR,.THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. CONSUMER DIDN'T KNOW WHICH WAY IT WOULD FALL.*AK
2000-09-15
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEPM604XKH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEATBELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE HAS FAILED ,IT WILL NOT RETRACT , CAUSING A LOSS OF PROTECTION POSSIBLY DUE TO TEETH THAT GOT CHEWED UP AND OVERWORKED THE MOTOR. *AK
2000-08-21
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: MOTOR CONTROL ON SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY( CALLED THE MOUSE) WILL NOT OPERATE THE SEAT BELT MAKING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE
2000-07-28
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-10
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH AUTOMATIC MOTOR BELTS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING LOCK UP AND 2 INJURIES. *SLC
2000-05-23
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-10
- VIN: 1MEPM6047KH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END KNOCK DRIVERS SIDE. COMPLETE FRONT END REPLACEMENT. STRUTS, SPRINGS, BALL JOINTS, TRANNY MOUNT. NOISE CONTINUES ON BUMPY ROADS.
1999-10-21
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. ALSO, VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRONT END WHEN TRAVELING OVER 50 MPH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURHTER DETAILS. *AK
1999-09-07
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-30
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM6042KH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN PUTTING THE CAR INTO REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING LOUD NOISES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELORATED AT FULL SPEED,COLLIDING WITH OTHER VEHICLES. A CABLE CAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE SYSTEM AND LODGED THE ACCELERATOR OPEN. *AK
1999-03-15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: IMEPM6046KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
1999-03-01
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHT LENSES BECOME FOGGED UP AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. OWNER HAS TO USE HIGH BEAMS TO SEE AT NIGHT. DEALER HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE. *AK
1999-02-18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEPM6040KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER. CONTACTED DEALER. NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1999-02-16
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM6048KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD FOOT ON BRAKE AND HAD VEHICLE IN PARK WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT 35 MPH AND HIT A BRICK WALL. CONSUMRER DOESN'T HAVE A VEHICLE ANY MORE. *AK
1998-10-14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM6042KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WA SPARKED, FACING UPHILL ON A 75 FOOT LONG DOWNWARD SLOPING DRIVEWAY OF ASPHALT. STARTED VEHICLE AND IT SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY REARWARD. VEHICLE RACED BACKWARD, DOWN DRIVE, TOWARD STREET. DRIVER TRIED TO STOP WITH BRAKES, BUT THEY ONLY SLOWED VEHICLE A BIT. FEARING THAT VEHICLE WOULD RACE INTO STREET, SWUNG STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT, TO PUT VEHICLE ON LAWN. REA ROF VEHICLE SWUNG INTO PARKE DVEHICLE, KNOCKING IT FORWARD AND DAMAGING REAR. VEHICLE THEN BOUNCED SIDEWAYS INTO DRIVE AND ATTEMPTED TO CLIMB A HILL. KILLED IGNITION TO STOP. DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND HAD A HEADACHE. .
1998-07-20
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-20
- VIN: 1METM6048KH
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: RUBBER VACUUM HOSE RUBS AGAINST AIR CONDITONER, CAUSING SPILLAGE OF FREON. *AK *SLC
1989 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1989 Mercury Cougar.
1996-04-25
- 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.
1989-05-19
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, THERE MAY BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL FOLLOWING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCETHAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL ACORN TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT NUTS TO ELIMINATE STABILIZER BAR TO BRAKE CALIPER CONTACT.
1989-05-19
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
- Summary: IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE AT THEAFFECTED WHEEL WITH AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE KNUCKLES THAT HAVE THE AFFECTED LOT CODES.
1988-10-18
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.
- Consequence: FUEL OR VAPOR COULD LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEFIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Mercury Cougar problems:
Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/mercury/cougar
Top Mercury Cougar Problems · Battery Light Due to Damaged Alternator Wire Harness Connector · Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust · Check ...
Q&A: 89 Mercury Cougar - Ignition Key Turned, Need Help
https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/96apq-89-ford-mercury-cougar-when-ignition-key-turned.html
Jul 1, 2015 ... One very common problem the 1989 Cougar had was caused by a separating ignition switch . Before you do anything, remove the cover on the ...
1995 Mercury Cougar Xr7 problems : r/mechanics
https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/comments/edwtrm/1995_mercury_cougar_xr7_problems/
Dec 21, 2019 ... The 3.8 v6 used in the Cougar/Thunderbird of 1989-1997 are notorious for head gasket failure. You need a cooling system pressure test and a ...
Q&A: 1989 Mercury Cougar XR7 - Supercharged or Not?
https://www.justanswer.com/car/0apml-hello-1989-mercury-cougar-xr7.html
Jul 22, 2006 ... most common problem is a ruptured diaphram in the idle air control valve...it is a metal or plastic cylinder shaped valve with a black two ...
1989 Mercury Cougar Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mercury/cougar/1989/
May 21, 2006 ... Faults: Water pump & strut bushing replaced at 145,000 miles. Starter motor replaced & Major tune-up performed at 144,000 miles. Installed new ...
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