1990 Mercury Cougar Fuel system 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 fuel system 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. 1 a fire, 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.
“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“When the fuel tank is full or near full, a strong gasoline odor is present. Appears to be the same as odi id-807696 except we don't see any fuel leakage. What recourse do we have with this?”
NHTSA complaint #706835, filed 1999-05“Fumes have a strong smell at all times since the beginning of december 97. Consumer also sees gas on ground of passenger's side due to a leakage of gasoline from a fractured fuel filler pipe and leaking fuel pump/sender. Consumer would have to drive with windows open if operating this vehicle. There is a recall for this problem on the 92's and 93's. Consumer will be taking vehicle in for check and service between 1-5-98 and 1-10-98.”
NHTSA complaint #820258, filed 1998-02Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 49 | 52% |
| 2001 | 26 | 32% |
| 2000 | 46 | 22% |
| 1999 | 46 | 10% |
| 1997 | 8 | 11% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 8% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1993 | 10 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 10% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1990 Mercury Cougar
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsExterior lighting
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