1987 Mercury Cougar Problems
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Mercury Cougar (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 1987 Mercury Cougar. The part named most often is electrical system, with 13 complaints (39% of the total), followed by seat belts (11) and brakes (5). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system13 39%
- Seat belts11 33%
- Brakes5 15%
- Engine cooling5 15%
- Vehicle speed control3 9.1%
- Fuel system2 6.1%
- Interior lighting1 3.0%
- Other or unknown1 3.0%
Also reported: Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Brake pads constantly keeps running out on front driver, passenger front brakes are still good but rotor keeps running out unevenly, no brake fluid leaks but needs refill every 3rd about 3/4 of a pints bottle, making a left turn it accelerated by itself brakes didn't react, instead of causing in a big accident, pulled the steering wheel, went through a fence and a brick wall stopped my car, checked all fuses replaced fuses if needed, confirmed fuses AMP Ganges with the vehicle own owners manual, dashboard backlights keeps going on and off on it's own, automatic transmission after complete…”
NHTSA complaint #11534721, filed 2023-07Seat belts: “Automatic transmission failure, transmission fails to fully engage into indicated gears. Tt when in park, transmission sometimes is in reverse unless shoved into back full force, when in drive the indicator shows neutral, consumer states this failure occurred after the catalytic converter was replaced. Shoulder strap refuses to engage and pulls tight against the body.”
NHTSA complaint #973252, filed 1995-10Brakes: “The wire pipe made a loud noise. When pressing the brakes the vehicle made a popping noise. Dealer contacted and attempted to repair. Also, took the heater core apart, and there is now no heat in the vehicle, the problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #828904, filed 1998-10Engine cooling: “The electrical system in the car has gone haywire due to the igniton switch. The instrument panel goes out and the car just shuts off. Vehicle would go on fine, would pull out of the driveway and the radio would turn off turn the corner and the vehicle would shut, vehicle would start back up and maybe the radio would come back on.”
NHTSA complaint #985217, filed 1996-06Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Mercury Cougar version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cougar RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Mercury Cougar 1986–1987, Ford Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Recall details for the 1987 Mercury Cougar → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Mercury Cougar.
Other model years of the Mercury Cougar
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 95 | 66,600 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 82 | 69,900 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 211 | 65,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 454 | 68,217 | 7 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 76 | 71,550 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 62 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 109 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 137 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 195 | 114,664 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 92 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 73 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 86 | 75,400 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 81 | 116,828 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 55 | 67,500 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 33 | — | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1986 | 13 | 100,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 17 | 41,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
All Mercury Cougar model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Mercury Cougar have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 1987 Mercury Cougar as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Mercury Cougar is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 13 complaints (39% of the total), followed by seat belts with 11.
Has the 1987 Mercury Cougar been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Mercury Cougar get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Mercury Cougar (Cougar, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.