1988 Mercury Xr7 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 Xr7 problems
The Mercury Cougar XR7, produced in 1988, was a popular car among car enthusiasts and collectors. However, as with any vehicle, it had its fair share of common problems, primarily related to the interior electrical system and engine-specific issues.
Interior Electrical Problems:
- Faulty Door Locks: Similar to the power window issue, faulty door locks were also a common problem. This issue was often traced back to the wiring, switches, or relays used in the electrical system.
- Intermittent Dashboard Lighting: Some owners reported intermittent dashboard lighting, which could be a sign of faulty wiring or a malfunctioning switch. This issue could affect the driver's ability to read the dashboard instruments, leading to potential safety concerns.
Climate Control System:
- Temperature Regulation: The Mercury Cougar XR7's climate control system used a complex blend of electrical and mechanical components to regulate the temperature inside the car. Problems could arise if any one of these components failed, leading to difficulty in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the car.
Engine-Specific Issues:
- V8 Engines: The Mercury Cougar XR7's V8 engines were known to have issues with oil consumption, overheating, and timing chain failure. These problems could lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- V6 Engines: The V6 engines in the Mercury Cougar XR7 were prone to misfiring, stalling, and fuel injection problems. These issues could affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Four-Cylinder Engines: The four-cylinder engines in the Mercury Cougar XR7 were known to have poor acceleration, valve train issues, and oil leaks. These problems could affect the car's performance and reliability.
While these problems were common in the Mercury Cougar XR7, they were not insurmountable. Many owners of these classic cars have taken steps to address the electrical problems by upgrading the wiring and replacing faulty components with new, high-quality parts. With proper maintenance and repairs, these classic cars continue to be enjoyed by drivers and collectors alike.
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).
How many Mercury Cougar XR7 were made?
1970 Model Year
| MODEL OR OPTION | # PRODUCED |
|---|---|
| XR-7 | 18,567 |
| XR-7 CONVERTIBLE | 1,997 |
| ELIMINATOR | 2,267 |
| BOSS 302 | 469 |
How much horsepower does a 1989 Mercury Cougar XR7 have?
210 horsepower at
The XR7's supercharged, intercooled engine pro- duces 210 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 315 lb. -ft. of torque at 2600 rpm.
What was the first year of the Cougar XR7?
1967
The Cougar XR7-G started life as the high-option XR-7 as produced in the Dearborn Assembly Plant in late 1967 through early 1968. The idea behind this model was to provide a "status" car similar to the Shelby Mustangs being sold and raced by Ford and to bring enthusiast traffic into the Mercury showrooms.
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).
How much horsepower does a 1988 Mercury Cougar XR7 have?
The 5.0L V8 (standard in XR-7, optional for LS) did not receive internal upgrades but the standard dual split-Y exhaust gained the car an overall output of 155hp. Rear seat passengers had their own center-mounted armrest for comfort.
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 much horsepower does a 1989 Mercury Cougar XR7 have?
210 horsepower at
The XR7's supercharged, intercooled engine pro- duces 210 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 315 lb. -ft. of torque at 2600 rpm.
1988 Mercury Xr7 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Xr7 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mercury Xr7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Mercury Xr7 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mercury Xr7.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-04
- VIN: 1MEBM62F2JH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Mercury Xr7 problems:
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