1990 Mercury Cougar Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 21%of 86 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1990 Mercury Cougar, 21% of the 86 complaints for this model year. 5 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.
“The incident occurred twice. First time at 65mph. Cruise control was suspected as problem so it was disconnected. The second occurrence was on 5/7/99. Speed 30mph. In both cases, the acclerator suddenly went to the floor & the vehicle shot forward at a very high rate of speed. The only way to stop it was shutting down the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #707698, filed 1999-06“While traveling at highway speed of 60 MPH with cruise control not being engaged, engine suddenly accelerated and took off. This problem also occurred on two other occasions at 30-35 MPH. Dealer replaced throttle control valve and cleaned out throttle body.”
NHTSA complaint #860625, filed 2000-04“While driving the vehicle at 65mph the accelerator went to the floor by itself and would not come up, no accidents occurred. Continuing a couple of miles further, the vehicle totally stopped. The key would not turn the car off. The vehicle was towed, dealer cannot duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #826502, filed 1998-08“While driving vehicle sudden accelerated. Consumer put foot on the brake in order to stop vehicle, but brakes were inoperative, resulting in an accident. Dealr inspected vehicle and could not find any problems. The problem never happened again.”
NHTSA complaint #835777, filed 1999-03“Driver entered vehicle, put on lap/shoulder belt, put vehicle in drive position, suddenly vehicle accelerated and took off, tried to apply brakes, which did not work, driver steered vehicle towards a wall, vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #800933, filed 1996-08Vehicle 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 1990 Mercury Cougar
19 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 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