1989 Mercury Cougar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Cougar › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Mercury Cougar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1989 Mercury Cougar. Newest first.
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Improperly heat treated rear suspension knuckles could experience high mileage fatigue cracks and eventual fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Plastic rollover valve mounting plate may not be properly sealed to the plastic fuel tank.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel or vapor could leak, which could result in a vehiclefire.
Remedy
Replace fuel tank.
Owner complaints
81 complaints14 involved a crash10 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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
- Vehicle speed control › Cables · Vehicle speed control › Linkages
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…
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.
- Electrical system
While driving, customer smelt a burning odor. then digital dashboard lights went out. Maybe cause by electrical system failure.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
Consumer slightly depressed gas pedal while idling and vehicle suddenly accelerated crashing into a retainer wall. consumer sustained serious injuries. Ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Blown head gasket. dealer said ford new of this problen but did nothing to correct it. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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…
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
- Seat belts
Passenger's shoulder seat belt IS broken. Thread to the seatbelt IS coming apart. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Wheels › Rim
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
- Seat belts
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
- Seat belts
The drivers side automatic seat belt IS inoperative due to faulty motor, dealer refused to fix this problem free of charge. nlm
- Structure › Body
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
- Seat belts
Both automatic motor belts malfunctioning causing lock up and 2 injuries. *slc
- Seat belts
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
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Motor control on seat belt assembly( called the mouse) will not operate the seat belt making the shoulder belt inoperative
- Suspension › Front
Front end knock drivers side. Complete front end replacement. Struts, springs, ball joints, tranny mount. Noise continues on bumpy roads.
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Suspension › Front
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Vehicle speed control
No summary
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer received recall letter. Contacted dealer. no parts available to correct the problem. please give any further details. *ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Rubber vacuum hose rubs against air conditoner, causing spillage of freon. *ak *slc
- Vehicle speed control
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Transmission failed.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Faulty seatbelt buckles
There is no summary currently available
- Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
- Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
- Hood latches fail
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
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Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3030300Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39717Wiper motor replacement - upgraded service kits.
- 39237Revised wiper motor.
Every Mercury Cougar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.