Owners have filed 104 complaints
about the 1989 Mercury Cougar with NHTSA between 1995 and 2008.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
555.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
111.1%
150,000+ miles
333.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 5Nov 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Mercury Cougar
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE95019Opened 27 Mar 1995Closed 31 Jul 1995SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES
EA93033Opened 30 Dec 1993Closed 30 Dec 1994VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
PE93075Opened 30 Aug 1993Closed 30 Dec 1993VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
EA90034Opened 26 Jun 1990Closed 25 Feb 1992STRUCTURE
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
EA90009Opened 8 Feb 1990Closed 28 Feb 1991VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THROTTLE STICKING
PE90001Opened 4 Oct 1989Closed 2 Feb 1990VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THROTTLE STICKING
===
Recalls on the 1989 Mercury Cougar
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
96V071000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
89V081000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, THERE MAY BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL FOLLOWING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCETHAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
89V080000
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE AT THEAFFECTED WHEEL WITH AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.
Risk: FUEL OR VAPOR COULD LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEFIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995212834,368 units in Canada
Electrical
A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.
Recall 19941621,693 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain Cougar XR-7, Tunderbird turbo, and Merkur XR4TI vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. Correction: Dealers will replace the exhaust system catalyst and a vacuum delay valve will be installed in the EGC vacuum line.
Recall 199210810,242 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 91066 (91S32). A CABLE IN THE TENSION RELIEVER MECHANISM IN EITHER THE SAFETY BELTS PROVIDED IN THE KITS FOR RECALL 91066 (91S32) OR THE FACTORY INSTALLED FRONT SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY BREAK OR BIND CAUSING A MALFUNCTION IN THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE FRONT SAFETY BELTS MAY NOT RETRACT AFTER FULL EXTENSION. IN THIS CONDITION, THE BELTED OCCUPANT WILL NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. CORRECTION: DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 1992077464,543 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE MAY MALFUNCTION WHICH CAN RESULT IN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS THAT DIM, FLICKER OR GO OFF OR IN SOME INSTANCES MAY REMAIN ON AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. CORRECTION: DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 19920369,939 units in Canada
Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1105 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. FUEL VAPOUR HOSE MAY NOT BE CONNECTED AT THE FUEL TANK VAPOUR VALVE. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND FUEL TANK VAPOUR HOSE WILL BE RECONNECTED WHERE NECESSARY.
Recall 199106610,217 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 92-108. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RETRACT AFTER EXTENSION DUE TO A BROKEN TENSION ELIMINATOR CABLE WHICH IS TOO LONG AND PRONE TO BREAKAGE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE SEAT OCCUPANT BEING INADEQUATELY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. CORRECTION: NEW FRONT SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT HAVE A SHORTER TENSION ELIMINATOR CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 1989080939 units in Canada
Suspension
IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES ON THESE VEHICLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE. SHOULD A FRACTURE OCCUR, THE REAR SUSPENSION AT THAT WHEEL WOULD NOT REMAIN INTACT AND VEHICLE CONTROL COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND SUSPECT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 19890795,344 units in Canada
Brakes
A FULL-LOCK, LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVER MAY RESULT IN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL CONTACTING THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, CAUSING MOVEMENT OF THE CALIPER PISTON AND DISPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID FROM THE CALIPER BACK TO THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. THIS WOULD CAUSE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE ON THE FIRST BRAKE APPLICATION FOLLOWING THE TURN. AFTER ONE BRAKE APPLICATION, THE DISPLACED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND BRAKE PERFORMANCE IS RESTORED. THE SEQUENCE COULD REPEAT, HOWEVER, FOLLOWING THE NEXT LOW SPEED FULL-LOCK TURNING MANEUVER. CORRECTION: ACORN TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT NUTS WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE AS STEERING STOPS AND ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR STABILIZER BAR TO BRAKE CALIPER CONTACT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 166,900 milesAlbuquerque, NMFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CAR IS NOW TOAST. IT WAS ABOUT 100 MILES PAST ITS SCHEDULED OIL-CHANGE/TUNE UP BUT OTHERWISE HAS BEEN WELL-CARED-FOR AND WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. I WAS DRIVING, AND A BEEPING STARTED. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT'S COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE CAR, AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON WARNING OF VERY LOW BATTERY, BUT NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK (REARVIEW AND SIDE MIRRORS) AND IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING SYNTHETIC IS BURNING (THIS ALL HAPPENS IN SECONDS TIME); SO, I PULL OVER, PARK, TURN THE CAR OFF. MY FRIEND AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITH THE CAR STOPPED I REALIZED THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I CALLED AAA FOR A TOW-TRUCK AND THE SMOKE WAS DYING DOWN. THEN THE SMOKE PICKED UP AGAIN AND I SAW WHAT I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE AS SMALL DROPS OF FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD (PROBABLY DRIPPING, BURNING OIL). I THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ABLAZE WITH A MASSIVE DARK SMOKE PLUME GOING WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN EASILY 100 FEET INTO THE AIR. THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT NOT BEFORE THE EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS TOTALLY BURNED OUT AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES (WHICH ARE NOW MELTED ONTO THE FRAME) HAD EXPLODED RATHER DRAMATICALLY. WHILE SMOKE GOT INTO THE COCKPIT, THE FLAME DID NOT BREACH IT NOR DID THE GAS TANK EXPLODE, BUT THE FUEL LINE MUST HAVE BEEN BREACHED. I'M CALLING A WRECKER TOMORROW MORNING TO TAKE THE CAR TO A SCRAP YARD (NO ONE OPEN SUNDAY EVENING). I'M WONDERING IF THIS IS THE SORT OF THING THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSES SOMEONE FOR. I HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, BUT NOT COMPREHENSIVE. NO ONE WAS HURT, SAVE FOR WHAT I AS A LAYMAN WOULD CHARACTERIZE AS MINOR SMOKE INHALATION WHILE MY FRIEND AND I WERE IN/VACATING THE CAR (I FELT NAUSEOUS I WHILE AFTERWARD, BUT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE SHOCK OF SEEING MY CAR TURN INTO A FIREBALL AS MUCH AS IT WAS THE SMOKE I INHALED).
NHTSA complaint #10248214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,060 milesKent, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PLASTIC BLOCK THAT CONNECTS THE THROTTLE VALVE (TV) CABLE TO THE THROTTLE LEVER BROKE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE THROTTLE LEVER. THE PLASTIC BLOCK, STILL CONNECTED TO THE TV CABLE, DROPPED DOWN AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND A FUEL RAIL AND PREVENTED THE THROTTLE LEVEL FROM GOING BACK TO THE NORMAL IDLE POSITION. WHEN APPROCHING STOPPED TRAFFIC AT AN INTERSECTION THE PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING AS USUAL AND A COLLISION RESULTED. WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3000 RPM. WHEN THE PLASTIC TV CABLE BLOCK WAS UNWEDGED FROM BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND THE FUEL RAIL THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WAS BACK TO THE NORMAL 900 RPM.
NHTSA complaint #10030489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,060 milesKent, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PLASTIC BLOCK THAT CONNECTS THE THROTTLE VALVE (TV) CABLE TO THE THROTTLE LEVER BROKE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE THROTTLE LEVER. THE PLASTIC BLOCK, STILL CONNECTED TO THE TV CABLE, DROPPED DOWN AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND A FUEL RAIL AND PREVENTED THE THROTTLE LEVEL FROM GOING BACK TO THE NORMAL IDLE POSITION. WHEN APPROCHING STOPPED TRAFFIC AT AN INTERSECTION THE PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING AS USUAL AND A COLLISION RESULTED. WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3000 RPM. WHEN THE PLASTIC TV CABLE BLOCK WAS UNWEDGED FROM BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND THE FUEL RAIL THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WAS BACK TO THE NORMAL 900 RPM.
NHTSA complaint #10030489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSouth Farmingdale, NYCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED GAS PEDAL WHILE IDLING AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. TS
NHTSA complaint #10001375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI2 injured
SEAT BELTS
BOTH AUTOMATIC MOTOR BELTS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING LOCK UP AND 2 INJURIES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #784764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crown Point, INCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN PUTTING THE CAR INTO REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING LOUD NOISES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELORATED AT FULL SPEED,COLLIDING WITH OTHER VEHICLES. A CABLE CAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE SYSTEM AND LODGED THE ACCELERATOR OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #846943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 166,900 milesAlbuquerque, NMFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CAR IS NOW TOAST. IT WAS ABOUT 100 MILES PAST ITS SCHEDULED OIL-CHANGE/TUNE UP BUT OTHERWISE HAS BEEN WELL-CARED-FOR AND WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. I WAS DRIVING, AND A BEEPING STARTED. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT'S COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE CAR, AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON WARNING OF VERY LOW BATTERY, BUT NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK (REARVIEW AND SIDE MIRRORS) AND IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING SYNTHETIC IS BURNING (THIS ALL HAPPENS IN SECONDS TIME); SO, I PULL OVER, PARK, TURN THE CAR OFF. MY FRIEND AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITH THE CAR STOPPED I REALIZED THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I CALLED AAA FOR A TOW-TRUCK AND THE SMOKE WAS DYING DOWN. THEN THE SMOKE PICKED UP AGAIN AND I SAW WHAT I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE AS SMALL DROPS OF FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD (PROBABLY DRIPPING, BURNING OIL). I THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ABLAZE WITH A MASSIVE DARK SMOKE PLUME GOING WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN EASILY 100 FEET INTO THE AIR. THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT NOT BEFORE THE EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS TOTALLY BURNED OUT AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES (WHICH ARE NOW MELTED ONTO THE FRAME) HAD EXPLODED RATHER DRAMATICALLY. WHILE SMOKE GOT INTO THE COCKPIT, THE FLAME DID NOT BREACH IT NOR DID THE GAS TANK EXPLODE, BUT THE FUEL LINE MUST HAVE BEEN BREACHED. I'M CALLING A WRECKER TOMORROW MORNING TO TAKE THE CAR TO A SCRAP YARD (NO ONE OPEN SUNDAY EVENING). I'M WONDERING IF THIS IS THE SORT OF THING THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSES SOMEONE FOR. I HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, BUT NOT COMPREHENSIVE. NO ONE WAS HURT, SAVE FOR WHAT I AS A LAYMAN WOULD CHARACTERIZE AS MINOR SMOKE INHALATION WHILE MY FRIEND AND I WERE IN/VACATING THE CAR (I FELT NAUSEOUS I WHILE AFTERWARD, BUT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE SHOCK OF SEEING MY CAR TURN INTO A FIREBALL AS MUCH AS IT WAS THE SMOKE I INHALED).
NHTSA complaint #10248214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,060 milesKent, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PLASTIC BLOCK THAT CONNECTS THE THROTTLE VALVE (TV) CABLE TO THE THROTTLE LEVER BROKE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE THROTTLE LEVER. THE PLASTIC BLOCK, STILL CONNECTED TO THE TV CABLE, DROPPED DOWN AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND A FUEL RAIL AND PREVENTED THE THROTTLE LEVEL FROM GOING BACK TO THE NORMAL IDLE POSITION. WHEN APPROCHING STOPPED TRAFFIC AT AN INTERSECTION THE PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING AS USUAL AND A COLLISION RESULTED. WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3000 RPM. WHEN THE PLASTIC TV CABLE BLOCK WAS UNWEDGED FROM BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND THE FUEL RAIL THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WAS BACK TO THE NORMAL 900 RPM.
NHTSA complaint #10030489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,060 milesKent, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PLASTIC BLOCK THAT CONNECTS THE THROTTLE VALVE (TV) CABLE TO THE THROTTLE LEVER BROKE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE THROTTLE LEVER. THE PLASTIC BLOCK, STILL CONNECTED TO THE TV CABLE, DROPPED DOWN AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND A FUEL RAIL AND PREVENTED THE THROTTLE LEVEL FROM GOING BACK TO THE NORMAL IDLE POSITION. WHEN APPROCHING STOPPED TRAFFIC AT AN INTERSECTION THE PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING AS USUAL AND A COLLISION RESULTED. WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3000 RPM. WHEN THE PLASTIC TV CABLE BLOCK WAS UNWEDGED FROM BETWEEN THE THROTTLE LEVER AND THE FUEL RAIL THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WAS BACK TO THE NORMAL 900 RPM.
NHTSA complaint #10030489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWest Islip, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING, CUSTOMER SMELT A BURNING ODOR. THEN DIGITAL DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. MAYBE CAUSE BY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10029786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesOttawa, IL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
I HAVE TRIED TWICE TO ASK FORD TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF SEATBELT FAILURE IN THE COUGAR. THEY HAVE STATED THAT "ALTHOUGH IT IS A VITAL SAFETY COMPONENT THERE IS NO RECALL AND MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. YOU SHOULD PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED QUICKLY." I REFUSE TO PAY IN EXCESS OF 500.00 TO THE FORD GARAGE TO FIX A STANDARD SAFETY COMPONENT ! AMONG THE HEAD GASKET , E.G.R., TRANS. , P.W. MOTORS, AND COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT, I BELIEVE I HAVE PAID FOR ENOUGH OF THEIR FAILURES IN THIS AUTO! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT A COMPANY WOULD DEVISE SUCH A WORTHLESS SAFETY DEVICE AND THEN NOT ONLY ADMIT IT IS HAZARDOUS, BUT TELL CUSTOMERS OF SUCH AN EXPENSIVE ITEM THAT THEY NEED TO GET IT FIXED BY THEMSELVES! I RELY ON THIS DEVICE TO SAVE MY FAMILY AND MY LIFE! I ONLY WANT THE CHANCE FOR US TO STAY IN THE VEHICLE IN A CRASH, NOT BE EJECTED AND KILLED BECAUSE FORD DID NOT THINK THESE RESTRAINTS WERE USELESS.
NHTSA complaint #10007854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,655 milesJersey City, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A REREATED BRAKE PROBLEM; WHEN SLIGHTLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN, DURING HIGH/LOW SPEEDS, CITY/HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUES TO DEPRESS ON ITS OWN UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN SLAPS THE CONSUMERS FOOT AS IT COMES BACK UP TO NORMAL POSITION, WHEN THE A/C IS RUNNING FOR 15 MINS, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT LOW/NO SPEED-AND HAS HAPPENED TO THE CONSUMER WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT/ON SEVERAL TIMES WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM-@ J & S/DIFEO FORD SERVICE STATION. UNTRUSTING FORDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MIDAS, AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AS WELL. THE CONSUMER THEN RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR SEVERAL RECALLS AND FOUND THAT AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD START EXPERIENCING A REDUCTION IN THE BRAKE PERFORMANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A FULL REIMBURSEMENT OF 978.02, AND REQUEST INFO ON ALL NECESSARY REPAIR INFO AS WELL AS ANY PARTS TO BE REPLACED ALONG W/INSTRUCTIONS TO BE FORWARDED TO MIDAS AUTO SERVICE. REFER TO #89V081000. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10001373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,655 milesJersey City, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A REREATED BRAKE PROBLEM; WHEN SLIGHTLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN, DURING HIGH/LOW SPEEDS, CITY/HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUES TO DEPRESS ON ITS OWN UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN SLAPS THE CONSUMERS FOOT AS IT COMES BACK UP TO NORMAL POSITION, WHEN THE A/C IS RUNNING FOR 15 MINS, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT LOW/NO SPEED-AND HAS HAPPENED TO THE CONSUMER WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT/ON SEVERAL TIMES WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM-@ J & S/DIFEO FORD SERVICE STATION. UNTRUSTING FORDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MIDAS, AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AS WELL. THE CONSUMER THEN RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR SEVERAL RECALLS AND FOUND THAT AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD START EXPERIENCING A REDUCTION IN THE BRAKE PERFORMANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A FULL REIMBURSEMENT OF 978.02, AND REQUEST INFO ON ALL NECESSARY REPAIR INFO AS WELL AS ANY PARTS TO BE REPLACED ALONG W/INSTRUCTIONS TO BE FORWARDED TO MIDAS AUTO SERVICE. REFER TO #89V081000. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10001373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,655 milesJersey City, NJ
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A REREATED BRAKE PROBLEM; WHEN SLIGHTLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN, DURING HIGH/LOW SPEEDS, CITY/HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUES TO DEPRESS ON ITS OWN UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN SLAPS THE CONSUMERS FOOT AS IT COMES BACK UP TO NORMAL POSITION, WHEN THE A/C IS RUNNING FOR 15 MINS, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT LOW/NO SPEED-AND HAS HAPPENED TO THE CONSUMER WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT/ON SEVERAL TIMES WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM-@ J & S/DIFEO FORD SERVICE STATION. UNTRUSTING FORDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MIDAS, AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AS WELL. THE CONSUMER THEN RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR SEVERAL RECALLS AND FOUND THAT AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD START EXPERIENCING A REDUCTION IN THE BRAKE PERFORMANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A FULL REIMBURSEMENT OF 978.02, AND REQUEST INFO ON ALL NECESSARY REPAIR INFO AS WELL AS ANY PARTS TO BE REPLACED ALONG W/INSTRUCTIONS TO BE FORWARDED TO MIDAS AUTO SERVICE. REFER TO #89V081000. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10001373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSouth Farmingdale, NYCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED GAS PEDAL WHILE IDLING AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. TS
NHTSA complaint #10001375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camanche, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DEALER SAID FORD NEW OF THIS PROBLEN BUT DID NOTHING TO CORRECT IT.
NHTSA complaint #760383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batesville, AR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED ON MY 1989 COUGAR WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP IN A SMALL DITCH WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED. ATTEMPTED TO GET THE ABS SYSTEM REPAIRED BUT THE REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT IT WOULD COST IN EXCESS OF $4000 TO REPAIR. SPENT OVER $100 FOR DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS TURBO-CHARGED, A NORMAL BRAKING SYSTEM CANNOT BE INSTALLED WHICH WOULD BE MORE REASONABLE PRICED. BRAKING IS SPORADIC.
NHTSA complaint #759414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
C\Leveland Hghts, OH
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER'S SHOULDER SEAT BELT IS BROKEN. THREAD TO THE SEATBELT IS COMING APART. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8002629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weems, VA
WHEELS:RIM
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT. THEN UPON CHANGING TIRE CONSUMER NOTICED RIM WAS SPLIT ON INSIDE ABOUT 12 INCHES LONG. THIS CAUSED TIRE TO GO FLAT.*AK CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.*SLC
NHTSA complaint #895740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, NC
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS GET STUCK IN COLD WEATHER, SOMETIMES IF WEARING BULKY CLOTHES BELTS WILL BE LOOSE, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE BECAUSE IN AN ACCIDENT CONSUMER MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
NHTSA complaint #885953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fruitport, MI
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO FAULTY MOTOR, DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #559209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly Hills, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING VINYL PART OF ROOF MADE A CRACKING NOISE, AND VINYL PART LIFTED OFF, LEAVING METAL PART OF HOOD. VINYL WAS HANGING OVER CAR,.THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. CONSUMER DIDN'T KNOW WHICH WAY IT WOULD FALL.
NHTSA complaint #877855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI2 injured
SEAT BELTS
BOTH AUTOMATIC MOTOR BELTS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING LOCK UP AND 2 INJURIES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #784764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SEATBELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE HAS FAILED ,IT WILL NOT RETRACT , CAUSING A LOSS OF PROTECTION POSSIBLY DUE TO TEETH THAT GOT CHEWED UP AND OVERWORKED THE MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #870612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zion, IL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
MOTOR CONTROL ON SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY( CALLED THE MOUSE) WILL NOT OPERATE THE SEAT BELT MAKING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE
NHTSA complaint #728517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockaway, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT END KNOCK DRIVERS SIDE. COMPLETE FRONT END REPLACEMENT. STRUTS, SPRINGS, BALL JOINTS, TRANNY MOUNT. NOISE CONTINUES ON BUMPY ROADS.
NHTSA complaint #723103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE TRAVELING TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. ALSO, VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRONT END WHEN TRAVELING OVER 50 MPH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURHTER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #851414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHILE TRAVELING TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. ALSO, VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRONT END WHEN TRAVELING OVER 50 MPH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURHTER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #851414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crown Point, INCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN PUTTING THE CAR INTO REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING LOUD NOISES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELORATED AT FULL SPEED,COLLIDING WITH OTHER VEHICLES. A CABLE CAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE SYSTEM AND LODGED THE ACCELERATOR OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #846943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cicinnati, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #704450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marco Island, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES BECOME FOGGED UP AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. OWNER HAS TO USE HIGH BEAMS TO SEE AT NIGHT. DEALER HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #835382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.