Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 16.3 times the median Cougar year — the 1987 model ranks #15 of 37 Cougar years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (31% of the total).
49
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
11
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | 31% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 11 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 6 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | new |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence
COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy
INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“Brake pads constantly keeps running out on front driver, passenger front brakes are still good but rotor keeps running out unevenly, no brake fluid leaks but needs refill every 3rd about 3/4 of a pints bottle, making a left turn it accelerated by itself brakes didn't react, instead of causing in a…”
“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, TRANSMISSION FAILS TO FULLY ENGAGE INTO INDICATED GEARS. TT WHEN IN PARK, TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES IS IN REVERSE UNLESS SHOVED INTO BACK FULL FORCE, WHEN IN DRIVE THE INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, CONSUMER STATES THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS…”
“Brake pads constantly keeps running out on front driver, passenger front brakes are still good but rotor keeps running out unevenly, no brake fluid leaks but needs refill every 3rd about 3/4 of a pints bottle, making a left turn it accelerated by itself brakes didn't react, instead of causing in a…”
“THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE CAR HAS GONE HAYWIRE DUE TO THE IGNITON SWITCH. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES OUT AND THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF. *AK VEHICLE WOULD GO ON FINE, WOULD PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE RADIO WOULD TURN OFF TURN THE CORNER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT, VEHICLE WOULD START BACK UP…”
“ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK AND BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. TT CONSUMER TRADED VEHICLE IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE, DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS ONE. *SLC”
NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 1987 model at #15 of 37 Cougar years. It is one of the Cougar years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), seat belts (11 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Mercury Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cougar years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2002, 1992, 1997, 1989, 1990, 2001, 1991, 1996, 1988, 1987. The cleanest record among Cougar years belongs to 1981.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.