1989 Mercury Cougar Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 12%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,655miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Mercury Cougar, 12% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,655 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The ABS system failed on my 1989 Cougar while traveling at approximately 50 MPH. The car came to a stop in a small ditch with no other vehicle involved. Attempted to get the ABS system repaired but the repair shop indicated that it would cost in excess of $4000 to repair. Spent over $100 for diagnostic check. Since this vehicle is turbo-charged, a normal braking system cannot be installed which would be more reasonable priced. Braking is sporadic.”
NHTSA complaint #759414, filed 2002-03“Vehicle was in idle position in park, put in gear into drive, vehicle went into open throttle position, pedal went the floor, tried to brake, rpms unknown, impact 12:00 position, hitting a parked vehicle. Also, cruise control malfunctioned.”
NHTSA complaint #807829, filed 1997-04Related recalls
- 89V081000May 19, 1989Due to contact between the brake caliper of the inboard front wheel and the front stabilizer bar, there may be increased brake pedal travel following low…Covers: Mercury Cougar 1989, Ford Thunderbird 1989
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 77 | 17% |
| 1997 | 12 | 16% |
| 1996 | 6 | 10% |
| 1995 | 40 | 37% |
| 1994 | 29 | 21% |
| 1993 | 22 | 11% |
| 1992 | 8 | 9% |
| 1991 | 11 | 15% |
| 1990 | 9 | 10% |
| 1989 | 10 | 12% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 5 | 15% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1984 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mercury Cougar
21 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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