1990 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 1990 Mercury Cougar problems
The 1990 Mercury Cougar is a car that has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. The most frequently reported issue is with the alternator, which has been known to fail repeatedly.
Another common problem with the 1990 Mercury Cougar is with the engine. This is the worst problem category overall for the Mercury Cougar, with the 1990 model year being no exception.
The 1990 Mercury Cougar has also been reported to have issues with the fuel system. The most common problem in this category is with the fuel pump, which can fail and cause the car to stall or not start at all. The average cost to fix this problem is around $4,500, and it tends to occur at an average mileage of 82,000 miles.
The transmission is another component of the 1990 Mercury Cougar that has been reported to have problems. The most common issue in this category is with the transmission solenoid, which can fail and cause the car to shift roughly or not shift at all. The average cost to fix this problem is around $1,500, and it tends to occur at an average mileage of 85,000 miles.
The 1990 Mercury Cougar has also been reported to have issues with the electrical system. The most common problem in this category is with the battery, which can fail and cause the car to have difficulty starting or not start at all. The average cost to fix this problem is around $200, and it tends to occur at an average mileage of 72,000 miles.
Finally, the 1990 Mercury Cougar has been reported to have issues with the brakes. The most common problem in this category is with the brake pads, which can wear out prematurely and cause the car to have difficulty stopping. The average cost to fix this problem is around $300, and it tends to occur at an average mileage of 65,000 miles.
In summary, the 1990 Mercury Cougar has been reported to have several common problems, including issues with the alternator, engine, fuel system, transmission, electrical system, and brakes. These problems can be costly to repair and tend to occur at relatively low mileage. If you are considering purchasing a 1990 Mercury Cougar, it is important to be aware of these potential issues and to budget accordingly.
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.”
What does xr7 mean on a Mercury Cougar?
It's been suggested that "XR-7" is a cipher for "experimental racing," and there was, in fact, a team of Cougars prepared by NASCAR specialist Bud Moore for drivers Dan Gurney and Parnelli Jones to compete in the 1967 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am road-racing championship.
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.
Is Ford Cougar reliable?
The Cougar may not have been the most popular car when it was new, but used buyers have been quick to cotton on to its excellent reputation for reliability.
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.)
1990 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seat belts problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Mercury Cougar
The NHTSA has received 90 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mercury Cougar. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Mercury Cougar vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-18
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: SEAT BELT DOESN'T STAY LOCKED AND LATCH BROKE, AUTOMATIC HEAD LIGHTS DON'T WORK THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DON'T WORK AND AS SOON AS IS GETS SO HOT IT VAPER LOCKS A LOT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER STARTING VEHICLE FLICKERING ON OFF OF DASH LIGHTS,PANEL COMPLETELY OUT AND NOW WILL NOT COME BACK ON,CREATING AN ISSUE DRIVING,UNABLE TO SEE SPEED,MILAGE GAS USAGE,WHEN CHECKING UNDER HOOD I WAS GIVEN AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK,THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING,IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF MOTOR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-11
- VIN: 1MEPM6042LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: HEAVY TRAFFIC ON STATE HIGHWAY ENGINE OVERHEATING ALARM ACTIVATED,INCIDENT HAS OCCURED TWICE,IN TRAFFIC,EVERYTHING HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND I HAD TO PULL OFF OF HIGHWAY, OTHER COMPLAINT DASH PANEL LIGHTS OUT WITH DEFINITELY ELECTRICAL ISSUE,ALMOST WILL NOT START,THIS OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AND NOW EILL NOT COME BACK ON AT ALL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM6047LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON AND WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT A FUSE BOX LOCATED IN THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM6045LH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND ACCELERATED WAY TOO FAST AND HE BOLTED FORWARD STRIKING A CONCRETE BARRIER. *DT CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL LETTER REGARDING RESULTS FROM INCIDENT. *TGW 04/06/10 THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-01
- VIN: 1MEPM6047LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TWO YEARS AGO THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER NHTSA # 96V071000. DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. ONE YEAR LATER THE RECALLED COMPONENT FAILED AND THIS TIME AN INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. ONCE AGAIN THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S CAMSHAFT SENSOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED . *YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
- VIN: 1MEPM604XLH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS CANNOT REMAIN ON TRACK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON WINDOWS COMING OFF TRACK, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THEY HAVE FIXED OTHER COUGAR WITH THIS PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATED SHE WILL BE DRIVING AND THE WINDOWS WILL JUST FALL DOWN AT TIMES, WINDOWS WILL JUST COMPLETELY GO DOWN IN THE DOOR, CONSUMER HAS TO PAY SOMEONE TO TAKE THE DOOR APART TO GET THE WINDOWS OUT.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION WENT BAD. FORD NO LONGER MAKES THE PART. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-30
- VIN: 1MEPM6045LH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEADS/HEAD GASKETS HAD CAUSED VEHICLE TO OVER-HEAT AS WELL AS SHUT ITSELF DOWN DURING MOTION. PROBLEM WERE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF HOWARD PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS PRESIDENT, THE FOLLOWING DAY USED CAR MANAGER DEAN SCHULATZ HAD OFFERED TO MAKE ANOTHER EVEN TRADE WITH ME TO A OLDSMOBILE ACHEIVA SO HE COULD PUT THE VEHICLE I WERE CURRENTLY OPERATTING BACK IN SERVICE AND DO THE REPAIR WORK NEEDED TO MAKE IT A SAFE VEHICLE FOR THE ROAD, BUT UPON FINDING OUT THAT I HAVE PUT THIS VEHICLE IN A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP HE HAD DECLINED TO COME FORTH WITH THE MONEY TO DO THE REPAIR WORK ,HE WOULD HAVE FOUND IF HE HAD SERVICED THISVEHICLE PRIOR TO THE SALE OF THIS VEHICLE.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-04
- VIN: 1MEPM604XLH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-20
- VIN: 1MEPM6043LH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEAD GASKET FAILED CAUSING WATER AND ANIT-FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE MOTOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO HEAT. SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRAC/ IT COMPLETELY FAILED/ WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION, CAUSING LOSS OF SHOULDER RESTRAINT AND PROTECTION. POSSIBLY CAUSED BY FAILURE OF MOTOR OR BELTS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-02
- VIN: 1MEPM62R9LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-01
- VIN: 1MEPM6045LH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ALSO THE FIRST YEAR I OWNED THE CAR, THE PAINT ON THE FRONT BUMPER STARTED COMING OFF, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOTOR WAS REPLACED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-01
- VIN: 1MEPM6045LH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ALSO THE FIRST YEAR I OWNED THE CAR, THE PAINT ON THE FRONT BUMPER STARTED COMING OFF, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOTOR WAS REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-10
- VIN: 1MEPM62R4LH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REPLACED ACCUMULATOR ON THE ABS ASSEMBLY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM OF INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING 40+ MILES PER HOUR. FOLLOWING THIS PERFORMED ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND HYDRALIC AND PUMP ASSEMBLY LEAKING RENDERING THE CAR UNROADWORTHY AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. ADVISED THE ABS FAILURE IS A REPORTABLE SAFETY CONCERN AND MAY BE A BASIS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF COST FROM MANUFACTURER. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-19
- VIN: 1MEPM6041LH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 60 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL NOT BEING ENGAGED, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF. THIS PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS AT 30-35 MPH. DEALER REPLACED THROTTLE CONTROL VALVE AND CLEANED OUT THROTTLE BODY. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-03
- VIN: 1MEPM6054LH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIE 3.8 ENG IS THE SAME AS THE RECALLS ON OTHER FORD VEHICLE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEPM62R5LH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON A FEW OCCASSION AND THEN LATER THEY WENT OFF AND ON. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AND YOU WOULD CREATE OR BE IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS UNTIL MY BROTHER BORROWED THE CAR FOR A WEEK AND THE PROBLEM RETURNED . IT WAS VERY BAD THAT WEEK. THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AT LEAST ONCE EVERYDAY. I CHANGED THE HEADLIGHT BULB AND CHECKED THE GROUNDS, THE WIRING SYSTEM FOR LOOSE WIRE. I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I WENT TO THE PART STORE TO INQUIRE IF THEY HAD ANY IDEA WHAT COULD BE WRONG AND THEY SAID "IS IT A FORD PRODUCT". I SAID YES AND THEY SAID FORD HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHT SWITCHES. I COULDN'T IMAGINE ANYTHING AS SERIOUS AS THIS PROBLEM WHICH THEY CLASSIFIED AS A KNOW PROBLEM AND NO CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS TAKEN. I CHANGED THE LIGHT SWITCH AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. I CAN'T IMAGINE A DEFECT MORE DANGEROUS THAN HAVING YOUR HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEPM6047LH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHO I CAN TAKE IT TO REPAIR THE FRONT SEAT BELT. ITS THE MANUAL LAP PART THAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-06-30
- VIN: 1MEPM6045LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-06-21
- VIN: 1MEPM6045LH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF BEING PLACED IN SERVICE. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED AND UNBALANCED RESULTING IN UNEVEN AND EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR TO THE FRONT BRAKE PADS.CALIPER RETAINING PINS HAVE INADE
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-06-18
- VIN: 1MEPM6045LH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON THIS VEHICLE NEVER ADJUSTED! NOT NOTIFIED! *AK
1990 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
- Summary: THE NUTS WHICH HOLD WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO THE WIPER MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED AND MAY LOOSEN OR COME OFF. THIS CAUSES CHANGED WIPER PATTERNS, OR THE WIPERS MAY JAM IF TWO OF THE THREE NUTS COME OFF.
- Consequence: CHANGES IN THE WIPER PATTERN OR JAMMING OF THE WIPERSWOULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILTY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.
- Remedy: APPLY TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL TO WIPER MOTOR STUDS AND NUTS AND RETORQUE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: BATTERY TO STARTER CABLES ARE LONGER THAN SPECIFIED; EXCESSIVE CABLE LENGTH COULD CONTACT ENGINE DAMPER PULLEY.
- Consequence: CABLE PROTECTIVE COVERING AND INSULATION COULD WEAR THROUGH AND CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT TO GROUND, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND POSSIBLY A UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Mercury Cougar problems:
Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
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