1989 Mercury Cougar Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Mercury Cougar, 7% of the 81 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.
“When putting the car into reverse the transmission malfunctioned, causing loud noises and the vehicle accelorated at full speed,colliding with other vehicles. A cable came disconnected from the accelerator linkage system and lodged the accelerator open.”
NHTSA complaint #846943, filed 1999-09“While traveling transmission does not shift into gear. Also, vibration within the front end when traveling over 50 MPH. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer stated the transmission needed replacing. Please provide any furhter details.”
NHTSA complaint #851414, filed 1999-10“While driving pressed on the accelerator pedal and there was sudden acceleration to 75 MPH; also, tapped on the brakes and the vehicle went in neutral. Manufacturer said the transmission cable bushing broke, causing the accelerator to jam.”
NHTSA complaint #807889, filed 1997-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 10 | 11% |
| 2001 | 10 | 12% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 50 | 11% |
| 1997 | 10 | 13% |
| 1996 | 4 | 6% |
| 1995 | 23 | 21% |
| 1994 | 36 | 26% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 4 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 6 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mercury Cougar
21 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsEquipment
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 31, 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