1990 Mercury Cougar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 22%of 86 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Mercury Cougar, 22% of the 86 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,400 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Heavy traffic on state highway engine overheating alarm activated,incident has occured twice,in traffic,everything had to be turned off and I had to pull off of highway, other complaint dash panel lights out with definitely electrical issue,almost will not start,this occured while driving and now eill not come back on at all”
NHTSA complaint #11024101, filed 2017-09, 60,000 miles“After starting vehicle flickering on off of dash lights,panel completely out and now will not come back on,creating an issue driving,unable to see speed,milage gas usage,when checking under hood I was given an electrical shock,the motor was running,immediately turned off motor”
NHTSA complaint #11024160, filed 2017-09, 61,800 miles“Seat belt doesn't stay locked and latch broke, automatic head lights don't work the digital instrument cluster don't work and as soon as is gets so hot it vaper locks a lot”
NHTSA complaint #11112292, filed 2018-07, 235,000 miles“The contact owns a 1990 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated smoke emitted from underneath the hood when the engine was turned on and within seconds the engine was on fire. The fire department advised the fire originated at a fuse box located in the battery and alternator area. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 89,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10558771, filed 2014-01, 89,000 miles“Two years ago the consumer received a recall letter NHTSA # 96v071000. Dealer replaced the ignition switch. One year later the recalled component failed and this time an independent shop replaced the ignition switch. Once again the ignition switch needs to be replaced. The dealer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10080252, filed 2004-07Related 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
- 90V026000Feb 12, 1990Battery to starter cables are longer than specified; excessive cable length could contact engine damper pulley.Covers: Mercury Cougar 1990, Ford Thunderbird 1990
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 1990 Mercury Cougar
18 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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