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 electrical system problems
The 1990 Mercury Cougar has 21 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 20% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
21
Electrical System complaints
20%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
2
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
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.
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1990 Mercury Cougar have?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the 1990 Mercury Cougar electrical system — 20% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1990 Mercury Cougar electrical system?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 90V026000, 96V071000.
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.