1990 Mercury Cougar Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1990 Mercury Cougar. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Mercury Cougar 1988–1993, Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mustang 1988–1993 +12 more
Reported issue: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Possible consequence: This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › MotorCovers: Mercury Cougar 1990–1991, Ford Thunderbird 1990–1991
Reported issue: The nuts which hold windshield wiper motor to the wiper module may not have been sufficiently tightened and may loosen or come off. This causes changed wiper patterns, or the wipers may jam if two of the three nuts come off.
Possible consequence: Changes in the wiper pattern or jamming of the wiperswould result in reduced driver visibilty in inclement weather conditions.
Remedy: Apply torque retention material to wiper motor studs and nuts and retorque.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Mercury Cougar 1990, Ford Thunderbird 1990
Reported issue: Battery to starter cables are longer than specified; excessive cable length could contact engine damper pulley.
Possible consequence: Cable protective covering and insulation could wear through and cause a direct short to ground, resulting in overheating of the cable insulation and possibly a underhood fire.
Remedy: Replace battery to starter cable with correct length cable.
NHTSA investigations
- PE90073Hood latches failClosed · Apr 11, 1990
← 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.