1990 Mercury Cougar electrical problems

19 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints: 19
of this car's complaints: 22%
crashes: 0
recalls: 2

Which part fails

Ignition
5
12v/24v/48v battery
4
Wiring
2
Wiring: interior/under dash
1
Wiring: front underhood
1
Ignition: switch
1
Alternator/generator/regulator
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Mercury Cougar electrical problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Mercury Cougar electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 5

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported April 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk: This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported February 12, 1990 · 72 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Battery to starter cables are longer than specified; excessive cable length could contact engine damper pulley.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 90V026000 · Recall details

What 1990 Mercury Cougar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 19, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 235,000 miles · NM

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

Filed Sep 19, 2017 · Electrical · 61,800 miles · DE

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

Filed Sep 18, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · DE

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

Filed Jan 7, 2014 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · LA · fire

Tl* 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.

Filed Jul 1, 2004 · Electrical · FL

Two years ago the consumer received a recall letter the federal safety agency # 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.

Filed May 6, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

The vehicle's ignition module was replaced because it was defective.

Filed May 17, 2001 · Electrical · IN

Ignition went bad. Ford no longer makes the part. Please provide details.

Filed Oct 12, 2000 · Electrical · IN

No summary

Filed Feb 24, 2000 · Acceleration, Electrical · AL

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

Filed Mar 26, 1999 · Electrical · FL · fire

Alternator caught on fire twice, could have caused injuries. Cause unknown. Please provide further information and VIN#.

Questions about the 1990 Mercury Cougar electrical

Does the 1990 Mercury Cougar have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the electrical of the 1990 Mercury Cougar, 22% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1990 Mercury Cougar electrical problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Mercury Cougar electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 96V071000, 90V026000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mercury Cougar have the most electrical problems?

The Mercury Cougar model years with the most electrical complaints are 1999 (99 complaints), 2000 (63 complaints) and 1990 (19 complaints).