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.
1989 Mercury Cougar problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 104 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 34.7 times the median Cougar year — the 1989 model ranks #9 of 37 Cougar years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (22), seat belts (17), and electrical system (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
104
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
6
Investigations
18
Crash-involved
11
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Cougar years?
What are the most common 1989 Mercury Cougar problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 22 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 17 | 16% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 13 | 13% | — flat |
| Brakes | 11 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 10 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1989 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
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.
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.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER SON WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20-25 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO PICK UP SPEED, HITTING 45 MPH, LOST CONTROL OF CAR, ENGINE LOCKED UP, SHIFT GEAR GOT STUCK. DUE TO THIS DEFECT, CONSUMER HAD TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT IN ORDER TO STOP. *AK”
“SHOULDER BELT DID NOT GRAB/HOLD DRIVER DURING 3-WAY ACCIDENT; FRONT RIGHT FENDER HIT RIGHT REAR BUMPER OF STOPPED VEHICLE; DRIVER'S CHEST HIT STEERING WHEEL.”
“WHEN IN AN EMERGENCY OR UPON WARNING OTHER MOTORIST WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE HORN PAD, CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY GREAT FORCE TO THE HORN IN ORDER FOR THE HORN TO SOUND. *AK”
“VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE POSITION IN PARK, PUT IN GEAR INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION, PEDAL WENT THE FLOOR, TRIED TO BRAKE, RPMS UNKNOWN, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, HITTING A PARKED VEHICLE. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. *AK”
“CONSUMER SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED GAS PEDAL WHILE IDLING AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. TS”
1989 Mercury Cougar — common questions
Is the 1989 Mercury Cougar reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 104 complaints put the 1989 model at #9 of 37 Cougar years. It is one of the Cougar years to avoid.
What are the most common 1989 Cougar problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (22 complaints), seat belts (17 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints).
Does the 1989 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Mercury Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 Mercury Cougar under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 6 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.