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.
1988 Mercury Cougar problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 72 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 24.0 times the median Cougar year — the 1988 model ranks #14 of 37 Cougar years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (28% of the total).
72
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
5
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
8
Injuries
3
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1988 compare to other Cougar years?
What are the most common 1988 Mercury Cougar problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 20 | 28% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 14 | 19% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 10 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 8% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | new |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Does the 1988 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“IGN. SW. RECALL WORK DONE PREVIOUSLY 2 TIMES BY GALPIN LINCOLN-MERCURY. SEAT BELT FAILURE REPORTED BOTH TO GALPIN LINCOLN-MERCURY AND FORD MOTOR CORP. BECAUSE OF NO DOCUMENTED RECALL, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING EVER SINCE WITHOUT SHOULDER BELT PROTECTION.”
“IGN. SW. RECALL WORK DONE PREVIOUSLY 2 TIMES BY GALPIN LINCOLN-MERCURY. SEAT BELT FAILURE REPORTED BOTH TO GALPIN LINCOLN-MERCURY AND FORD MOTOR CORP. BECAUSE OF NO DOCUMENTED RECALL, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING EVER SINCE WITHOUT SHOULDER BELT PROTECTION.”
“WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY ACCELERATED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. TP SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO STALLING. *SLC ”
“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN, BUT ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS WILL STILL BE WORKING, LIKE HEADLIGHTS/ RADIO/ POWER WINDOW, AND AIR CONDITIONER. BUT NOT COLD AND MOTOR WILL STILL BE WORKING; IGNITION MODULE HAD BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES, AND NOW HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.*AK”
“WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH SHORTED OUT, CAUSING LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE TO COME OUT WINDSHIELD VENT, ALSO INTERMITTENT SETTING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS.”
1988 Mercury Cougar — common questions
Is the 1988 Mercury Cougar reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 72 complaints put the 1988 model at #14 of 37 Cougar years. It is one of the Cougar years to avoid.
What are the most common 1988 Cougar problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (20 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), speed control (10 complaints).
Does the 1988 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Mercury Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1988 Mercury Cougar under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercury Cougar years should you avoid?
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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.