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.
1990 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 1990 model ranks #9 of 37 Cougar years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (21), speed control (19), and seat belts (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
104
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
5
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1990 compare to other Cougar years?
What are the most common 1990 Mercury Cougar problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 21 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 19 | 18% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 16 | 15% | — flat |
| Engine | 10 | 10% | — flat |
| Brakes | 9 | 9% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Does the 1990 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE NUTS WHICH HOLD WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO THE WIPER MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED AND MAY LOOSEN OR COME OFF. THIS CAUSES CHANGED WIPER PATTERNS, OR THE WIPERS MAY JAM IF TWO OF THE THREE NUTS COME OFF.
Consequence
CHANGES IN THE WIPER PATTERN OR JAMMING OF THE WIPERSWOULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILTY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Remedy
APPLY TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL TO WIPER MOTOR STUDS AND NUTS AND RETORQUE.
Defect
BATTERY TO STARTER CABLES ARE LONGER THAN SPECIFIED; EXCESSIVE CABLE LENGTH COULD CONTACT ENGINE DAMPER PULLEY.
Consequence
CABLE PROTECTIVE COVERING AND INSULATION COULD WEAR THROUGH AND CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT TO GROUND, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND POSSIBLY A UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON AND WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT A FUSE BOX LOCATED IN THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
“THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND ACCELERATED WAY TOO FAST AND HE BOLTED FORWARD STRIKING A CONCRETE BARRIER. *DT CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL LETTER REGARDING RESULTS FROM INCIDENT. *TGW 04/06/10 THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB”
“WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND REAR ENDED, DRIVERS LAP BELT BUTTON IS STUCK WITH LATCH SEPARATING AND SHOULDER BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN FROM HITTING STEERING WHEEL. TT”
“DRIVER ENTERED VEHICLE, PUT ON LAP/SHOULDER BELT, PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE POSITION, SUDDENLY VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF, TRIED TO APPLY BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT WORK, DRIVER STEERED VEHICLE TOWARDS A WALL, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK”
“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED. CONSUMER PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE, BUT BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALR INSPECTED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. *AK”
1990 Mercury Cougar — common questions
Is the 1990 Mercury Cougar reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 104 complaints put the 1990 model at #9 of 37 Cougar years. It is one of the Cougar years to avoid.
What are the most common 1990 Cougar problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (21 complaints), speed control (19 complaints), seat belts (16 complaints).
Does the 1990 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Mercury Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1990 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.