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.
1991 Mercury Cougar problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 98 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 32.7 times the median Cougar year — the 1991 model ranks #12 of 37 Cougar years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (21), electrical system (13), and brakes (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
98
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
2
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
8
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1991 compare to other Cougar years?
What are the most common 1991 Mercury Cougar problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 21 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 13 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 12 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 9 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 9 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 9 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1991 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
THE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY CONTAINS A PARK CAM WITH INADEQUATE SURFACE HARDNESS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PARK DISENGAGEMENT OR NO PARK ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE LEVER IS PLACED IN PARK.
Consequence
IF PARK IS NOT ENGAGED AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS OFF, AVEHICLE ROLL-AWAY COULD RESULT.
Remedy
REPLACE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PARKED CAR AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK CONSUMER STATESVEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER IT WAS ON FIRE NEAR STEERING WHEEL AREA.*JB”
“DROVE VEHICLE ABOUT 200 YDS, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, STOPPED & CHECKED UNDER HOOD, FEW MINUTES LATER FLAMES WERE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. *AK”
“CONSUMER EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARPING. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ROTORS ON FOUR OCCASIONS, SINCE NOVEMBER 96 UP TO THE PRESENT TIME. DEALER/MFR. NOTIFIED.*AK RECALL 92B11 - FRONT DISC ROUGNESS, BRAKE SHUDDER INFORMATION ATTACHED, ALSO THE CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. *TT”
“DRIVING AT ANY VARIOUS SPEED HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF AND ON, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE SOMETIMES WITHOUT HEADLIGHT UNEXPECTEDLY,WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.DEALER HAS REPLACED HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES, BUT DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH THE VEHICLE HAD AN OUTBURST OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CONSUMER TRIED AND STOPPED VEHICLE, IT WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AND ALSO PARK, BUT THE VEHICLE KEPT ON GOING. TO STOP VEHICLE CONSUMER HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, AND COASTED THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK”
1991 Mercury Cougar — common questions
Is the 1991 Mercury Cougar reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 98 complaints put the 1991 model at #12 of 37 Cougar years. It is one of the Cougar years to avoid.
What are the most common 1991 Cougar problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (21 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), brakes (12 complaints).
Does the 1991 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Mercury Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1991 Mercury Cougar under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 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.