Headlights go out for various intervals and is preceded by flickering and/or blinking which causes loss of visibility which increases my risk of a crash. Also note a burning smell from vents when this happens. My vehicle is a 1991 cougar and I went online to see if there was a recall for this problem. Noted recall for same problem on 1992 and 1993 models not for 1991. Called ford motor company and asked if there was a recall for my model since it has the same issue as 1992 and 1993 cougars. Was told no recall for this and to pay to get it fix myself. They would report problem to proper department.
The worst 1991 Mercury Cougar problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine17
- Brakes11
- Electrical11
- Acceleration9
- Seat belts9
- Lights8
- Fuel system6
- Visibility6
- Suspension4
- Body2
- Locks2
- Airbags1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Mercury Cougar
Recalls 3
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
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 91V076000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- The park rod assembly contains a park cam with inadequate surface hardness, which could lead to park disengagement or no park engagement when the lever is placed in park.
- Risk
- If park is not engaged and the parking brake is off, avehicle roll-away could result.
- Remedy
- Replace park rod assembly on automatic transmissions.
Recall number 91V048000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 1991 Mercury Cougar
Defect investigations
Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
EA93033
Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
PE93075
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Mercury Cougar 36
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts
- Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the...
- Subject regarding climate control - eatc - blower motor control service tips
- Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip
- Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses
- Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance...
- Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda
- Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on...
- Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered...
1991 Mercury Cougar fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 22 | 18 |
What 1991 Mercury Cougar owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 mercury cougar. The contact smelled something burning while driving 50 MPH. The headlights and instrument panel lights dimmed and the headlights began to flicker. The dealer stated that the circuit breaker had a short circuit. Recall number 99v275000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) was found. The current and failure mileages were 141,000.
This is the second time it has had a blown head gasket. It is not fixed yet because I can't afford it.
Dt: the contact stated car was revving when starting it up. When putting it in drive in went down somewhat. It felt like it was going to take off by itself. This happened on 8-31-05. Back in 1998 the contact was having the same problem. She took it to a dealer, and they replaced a chip that had broken under the hood. She felt this was same problem that she experienced in 1998. The contact was planning to take vehicle to a dealer close to her as soon as possible. She was not going to drive the car because she was afraid. She will have it towed.*ak updated 11/2/2005 -
While driving 60 MPH, the anti lock braking system failed. As a result, when applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor. *ak the vehicle had been making noises since it was new. The consumer thought it was normal. The consumer was unable to find the parts. *sc
The car starts and runs well. But ever so often without any warning the engine will stall, and then it will crank right up. Lucky for me it hasn't stalled while I was making a left turn with a semi barreling down on me.
Vehicle was acting sluggish and white moke came form tailpipe. Vehicle was going 35mph and overheated, causing driver to pull over. Consumer indicated that continuing to drive will cause head to warp. Dealer was notified. *ak
Consumer complains of head gasket failure.
While driving 15-20 MPH vehicle began to overheat, consumer pulled into service station to have vehicle inspected, the service mechanic stated that the head gaskets had blown. Dealer has yet to be contatced. Please provide further details.
Air bag did not deploy upon a left turn 45 degree contact to left front.
Compare the 1991 Mercury Cougar
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Questions about the 1991 Mercury Cougar
Is the 1991 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Owners have filed 73 complaints about the 1991 Mercury Cougar, fewer than a typical Cougar model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Mercury Cougar?
Engine and cooling, with 17 complaints. Next is brakes (11).
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercury Cougar have?
3 recalls, covering electrical system, visibility and power train.
What year does the Mercury Cougar have bad engine?
The Mercury Cougar model years with the most engine complaints are 1993 (105 complaints), 1999 (70 complaints) and 1994 (32 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Mercury Cougar get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Mercury Cougar range from 18 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.
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