1989 Mercury Cougar Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 26%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 205,060miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1989 Mercury Cougar, 26% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 205,060 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the vehicle the plastic block that connects the throttle valve (tv) cable to the throttle lever broke where it connects to the throttle lever. The plastic block, still connected to the tv cable, dropped down and wedged between the throttle lever and a fuel rail and prevented the throttle level from going back to the normal idle position. When approching stopped traffic at an intersection the partially open throttle prevented the vehicle from stopping as usual and a collision resulted. When restarting the vehicle after the accident the engine idled at 3000 RPM. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030489, filed 2003-07, 205,060 miles“Consumer son was driving about 20-25 MPH when suddenly the vehicle started to pick up speed, hitting 45 MPH, lost control of car, engine locked up, shift gear got stuck. Due to this defect, consumer had to hit the vehicle in front in order to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #813487, filed 1997-06“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 1997-04“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 1997-02“Consumer had foot on brake and had vehicle in park when vehicle accelerated at 35 MPH and hit a brick wall. Consumrer doesn't have a vehicle any more.”
NHTSA complaint #834851, filed 1999-02Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 8% |
| 1999 | 31 | 7% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 7 | 6% |
| 1994 | 11 | 8% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 8 | 9% |
| 1991 | 9 | 12% |
| 1990 | 18 | 21% |
| 1989 | 21 | 26% |
| 1988 | 10 | 18% |
| 1987 | 3 | 9% |
| 1986 | 2 | 15% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mercury Cougar
17 complaintsElectrical system
12 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 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