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.
1990 Mercury Cougar: fire, smoke or burning smell
5 of the 86 complaints about the 1990 Mercury Cougar describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Alternator caught on fire twice, could have caused injuries. Cause unknown. Please provide further information and VIN#.
Consumer was driving under normal operation when the vehicle caught on fire in the firewall area of the vehicle, consumer note the fire spread rapidly, cause of the fire is unknown.
Vehicle parked in driveway, friend drove by, noticed smoke coming from vehicle, notified friend, called fire dept who put flames out.
The car was sitting in the driveway and the steering column caught on fire. Please describe. There is a recall.*ak
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- 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: cables
- 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
Questions about the 1990 Mercury Cougar fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1990 Mercury Cougar?
5 of 86 owner complaints about the 1990 Mercury Cougar (6%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1991.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1990 Mercury Cougar?
There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1990 Mercury Cougar
VIN decoder
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