1987 Mercury Cougar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 39%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1987 Mercury Cougar, 39% of the 33 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2023-07“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 1996-06“While traveling and without any indication vehicle would stall. The vehicle stalled numerous times, but goes smoth again. The technicians after several attempt discovered that the tfi ignition moduele failure was the cause.”
NHTSA complaint #885275, filed 2001-04“Vehicle keeps stalling due to a tfi module that was placed too close to engine which will overheat. Consumer is aware of national class action lawsuit in the state of illinois.”
NHTSA complaint #872880, filed 2000-10Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 15% |
| 2000 | 63 | 30% |
| 1999 | 99 | 22% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 8 | 4% |
| 1992 | 5 | 5% |
| 1991 | 11 | 15% |
| 1990 | 19 | 22% |
| 1989 | 12 | 15% |
| 1988 | 12 | 22% |
| 1987 | 13 | 39% |
| 1986 | 4 | 31% |
| 1985 | 6 | 60% |
| 1984 | 7 | 41% |
Other parts of the 1987 Mercury Cougar
11 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Mercury Cougar
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology