1990 Mercury Cougar Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 86 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 235,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1990 Mercury Cougar, 6% of the 86 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 235,000 miles.
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.
“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 headlights flickered on a few occassion and then later they went off and on. This was very dangerous because you couldn't drive the car for fear the lights would go out and you would create or be in an accident. The problem went away for a few months until my brother borrowed the car for a week and the problem returned . It was very bad that week. The lights went out at least once everyday. I changed the headlight bulb and checked the grounds, the wiring system for loose wire. I couldn't find anything. …”
NHTSA complaint #720869, filed 2000-04“Consumer complained that the lenses on headlights are badly discolored, which causes poor visibility at night while driving. Consumer complained that the dealer would not sell the lenses unless the consumer would buy the whole lighting kit; costing approximately 355.00 dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #826596, filed 1998-08“Husband is a mechanic and said numerous cougars have come in with same problem. I feel your headlights flashing while driving could cause an accident. Confusing others drivers, along the driver him/herself not being able to see.”
NHTSA complaint #718966, filed 2000-02“The plastic lenses in the headlights have deteriorated to a cloudy light yellow condition. The light has gradually lessoned to the point that at night, high beams are necessary in order to see the road.”
NHTSA complaint #522869, filed 1997-08Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 34 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 24 | 12% |
| 1992 | 27 | 29% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1990 Mercury Cougar
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEngine cooling
9 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 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