1988 Mercury Cougar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 22%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Mercury Cougar, 22% of the 55 complaints for this model year. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While driving about any speed vehicle will shut down, but all electrical parts will still be working, like headlights/ radio/ power window, and air conditioner. But not cold and motor will still be working; ignition module had been replaced four times, and now has to be replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #874762, filed 2000-11“Ign. Sw. Recall work done previously 2 times by galpin lincoln-Mercury. Seat belt failure reported both to galpin lincoln-Mercury and ford motor corp. Because of no documented recall, they refused to repair it. I have been driving ever since without shoulder belt protection.”
NHTSA complaint #731200, filed 2000-09“Recall 96 v 071 000/ignition switch: recall repairs was done at bayway lincoln, Mercury; houston, tx; phone# 281/ 929-6500. At the present time problem has reoccurred. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8009718, filed 2002-05“The ignition switch does not ignite if the gear shift is not completely up. It appears there is not enough communication between the electrical ignition switch and the gear shift.”
NHTSA complaint #10037172, filed 2003-09“Son driving vehicle, it began to smoke and burn under dashboard, had to open door to see because of smoke, vehicle soon after caught fire, junked vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #985789, filed 1996-06Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Mercury Cougar 1988–1993, Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mustang 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical 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 1988 Mercury Cougar
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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