1988 Mercury Cougar Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%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 2 complaints about the steering of the 1988 Mercury Cougar, 4% of the 55 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“While my wife was driving my Cougar she made a 5-10 MPH left hand turn the driver side tie rod snapped and my wife lost all steering. She side swiped one car and hit head on with another vehicle . I had only had the car for about 9 months when this happened . Now my wife is getting sued for 15000 dollars by one of the other drivers . I just would like to know is there any way you can fix my still broken car or am I at fault for the accident? Thank you for a reply greatfully raymond rose”
NHTSA complaint #702480, filed 1999-01Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 20 | 4% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 5% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 4 | 5% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1984 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1988 Mercury Cougar
16 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
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