1989 Mercury Cougar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 15%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Mercury Cougar, 15% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 6 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.
“When in an emergency or upon warning other motorist while attempting to depress the horn pad, consumer had to apply great force to the horn in order for the horn to sound.”
NHTSA complaint #821465, filed 1998-03Related 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 1989 Mercury Cougar
21 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsBrakes
10 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 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