How many recalls does the 1989 Mercury Cougar have?

The 1989 Mercury Cougar has 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 1989 Mercury Cougar has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 1989 Mercury Cougar?

Of 104 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is vehicle speed control.

1989 Mercury Cougar Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1989 Mercury Cougar has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 8,023,924 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the vehicle speed control. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 96V071000 1996-04-25 7,900,000 affected

Defect

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 89V081000 1989-05-19 113,200 affected

Defect

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.

SUSPENSION 89V080000 1989-05-19 10,600 affected

Defect

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 88V165000 1988-10-18 124 affected

Defect

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.

Complaints by component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SEAT BELTS

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Total complaints104

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · reported 2008-11-09

“While driving, customer smelt a burning odor. Then digital dashboard lights went out. Maybe cause by electrical system failure.”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2003-07-13

“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…”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES · reported 2003-05-27

“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…”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES · reported 2003-05-27

“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…”

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · reported 2003-01-27

“Blown head gasket. Dealer said ford new of this problen but did nothing to correct it. *ak”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · reported 2002-04-05

“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 · reported 2002-01-30

“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…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · reported 2002-01-20