We found the following complaints for MERCURY COUGAR (1989)
Read complaints for MERCURY COUGAR (1989)
While driving, customer smelt a burning odor.then digital dashboard lights went out. Maybe cause by electrical system failure.
Alternator fire.
When in an emergency or upon warning other motorist while attempting todepress the horn pad, consumer had to apply great force to the horn in order for the horn to sound.
The steering wheel locks when driving and vehicle stalls.tt
Intermittent stalling.
Vehicle fire: caught on fire in either the altenator or the wiring harness. Please describe.
Consumer received recall letter. Contacted dealer.no parts available to correctthe problem.please give any further details.
Ignition switch fire.
Vehicle fire: caught on fire in either the altenator or the wiring harness. Please describe.
Electrical wiring fire.
Vehicle caught fire, after being driven 60 miles and parked, melting dash/burning steering column. *dsh
While driving the wiring from the dash caught on fire.
The vehicle caught on fire from the dash area wiring system. Please describe.
Consumer slightly depressed gas pedal while idling and vehicle suddenly accelerated crashing into a retainer wall.consumer sustained serious injuries. Ts
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).
Crank case pulley broke off.
Intermittent stalling due to engine camshaft position sensor failure.
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
Blown head gasket.dealer said ford new of this problen but did nothing to correct it.
Motor mounts broke, causing engine to sit on oil pan, rubbing a hole in it which caused oil to splash onto engine/transmission.exhaust.
Vehicle fire.
Vehicle caught on fire.
Engine failed.
Air conditioner failed.
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
Rubber vacuum hose rubs against air conditoner, causing spillage of freon.
Air conditioner compressor failed three times.
Wire rubbing against a/c evaporator created a pin hole which allowed fluid to leak.
Air conditioner compressor failed, because the factory did not install a large enough clutch for the compressor.
While driving vehicle passenger's side headlight fell out.also the double sided tape that holds light in place is not strong enough. Owner is very concerned for safety.
Plastic headlight covers get burned from the heat of the bulbs, causing cover to become cloudy, which reduces visibility.
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.
When the fuel tank is full, about (3) gallons of fuel leaks from the tank. The problem has not been corrected.
Hood latch came open while driving, pulled off hwy to prevent accident.tt
Transmission failed.
While driving pressed on the accelerator pedal and there was sudden acceleration to 75 mph; also,tapped on the brakes and the vehicle went in neutral. Manufacturer said the transmission cablebushing broke,causing the accelerator to jam.
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.
Transmission linkage grommet broke behind cable arm causing vehicle to surge.tt
While travelingtransmission 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. Pleaseprovide any furhter details.
Clutch assembly replaced once due to failure, replaced twice due to soft clutch pedal.*skd
The drivers side automatic seat belt is inoperative due to faulty motor, dealer refused to fix this problem free of charge.nlm
Automatic seatbelts get stuck in cold weather, sometimes ifwearing bulky clothes belts will be loose, consumer feels this is unsafe because in an accidentconsumer may not be properly restrained.
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.
Automatic driver's side seat belt failure, it failed to operate.tt
Passenger's shoulder seat belt is broken. Thread to the seatbelt is coming apart.dealership is aware ofproblem.
Automatic shoulder belts fail intermittently, causing belt to stick halfway up track.*skd
Drivers passive restraint system fails to move along rail, w/passenger side starting to experience same condition. Please describe details.
Both automatic motor belts malfunctioning causing lock up and 2 injuries.
The driver's lap seat beltwill not stay locked.please expain in detail.
When buckle release is pressed, the release button fails to pop back out, preventing seat belt use until the button can be freed. The release button appears.
Driver's side seat belt failure, belt buckle will unlatch by itself.tt
Drivers seat belt buckle fails to latch. *dsh
The two back passenger seatbelts can be pulled apart with very little effort when seemed locked.please describe.tt
The passenger side seat belt buckle came loose .tt
The driver and passenger side seat belt retractor sometimes don't lock in sometimes when moving the seat belt retractor. Tt
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.
Shoulder belt did not grab/hold driver during 3-way accident; front right fender hit right rear bumper of stopped vehicle; driver's chest hit steering wheel.
Motor control on seat belt assembly( called the mouse) will not operate the seat belt making the shoulder belt inoperative
Vehicle was in idle position in park, put in gear into drive, vehicle went into open throttle position, pedal went the floor, tried to brake, rpms unknown, impact 12:00 position, hitting a parked vehicle.also, cruise control malfunctioned.
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.
Right front abs brakes malfunctioned. Also right fron tpads/rotors failed, causingvehicle to shudder upon braking.
Anti-lock brakes failed twice.
Brakes failed to stop vehicle from acceleratingbackward.
Brakes failed.
Brakes failed.
Right front abs brakes malfunctioned. Also right fron tpads/rotors failed, causingvehicle to shudder upon braking.
Brake pads/shoe failed causing noise.
Front brake rotors replaced 5 times after recall work performed.*skd
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
The steering wheel locks when driving and vehicle stalls.tt
During vehicle operation the steering wheel will release by itself and tilt downward.
Power steering lines leak fluid.
Vehicle was in idle position in park, put in gear into drive, vehicle went into open throttle position, pedal went the floor, tried to brake, rpms unknown, impact 12:00 position, hitting a parked vehicle.also, cruise control malfunctioned.
While driving vinyl part ofroof made a cracking noise, andvinyl part lifted off, leaving metal part ofhood.vinyl washanging over car,.this could have caused a serious accident. Consumer didn't know which way it would fall.
Front end knock drivers side. Complete front end replacement. Struts, springs, ball joints, tranny mount. Noise continues on bumpy roads.
While travelingtransmission 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. Pleaseprovide any furhter details.
Lower ball joint failed, causing loss of steering.
When applying the gas the car whips around and cause loss of control and an accident. Please describe.tt
Sudden acceleration when started, causing accident.
Plastic clip to throttle valve broke causing tubing to get caught in accelerator spring mechanism;jammed accelerator, engine accelerated;froze at 50 mph.
While driving pressed on the accelerator pedal and there was sudden acceleration to 75 mph; also,tapped on the brakes and the vehicle went in neutral. Manufacturer said the transmission cablebushing broke,causing the accelerator to jam.
Consumer had foot on brake and hadvehicle in park whenvehicle accelerated at 35 mph and hit a brick wall.consumrer doesn't have a vehicle any more.
Sudden acceleration. *dh
Consumer got in car started it up and it went dead, started it up again and put into reverse with foot on brake, car accelerated backward .tt
Throttle linkages and control problem. (2nd vehicle on 601564/503665)
When starting the car and shifting into drive with the foot on the brake,it could not be stopped. The accelerator wason the floor by itself. The car had to be turned off.
Vehicle wa sparked, facing uphill on a 75 foot long downward sloping driveway of asphalt. Started vehicle and it suddenly revved and accelerated violently rearward. Vehicle raced backward, down drive, toward street. Driver tried to stop with brakes, but they only slowed vehicle a bit. Fearing that vehicle would race into street, swung steering wheel to left, to put vehicle on lawn. Rea rof vehicle swung into parke dvehicle, knocking it forward and damaging rear. Vehicle then bounced sideways into drive and attempted to climb a hill. Killed ignition to stop. Driver sustained back injuries and had a headache. .
Engaged in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated into a wall, then engaged in drive, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in an accident.
Had vehicle accident because throttle sticking wide open.
Cruise control failure, driver experienced acceleration of speeds from 45-55 mph to approximately 70 mph.
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration (attorney for consumer).
Turned on ignition, shifted from park to drive, engine accelerated to high speed, picked up more speed with foot on brakes, stopped after hitting brick house, no prior warning.
Consumer was driving and the gas pedal stuck to the floor(accelerate) to avoid hitting car consumer went off the road and totaled car .tt
During normal pedal operation pedal will stick, causing erratic acceleration. Please describe.
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 900rpm.
Idle speed control valve failed twice.
Consumer sonwas driving about 20-25 mph when suddenly the vehicle started to pick up speed, hitting 45 mph, lost control of car, engine locked up, shift gear got stuck. Due to this defect, consumer had to hit the vehicle in front in order to stop.
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 900rpm.
Vehicle was in idle position in park, put in gear into drive, vehicle went into open throttle position, pedal went the floor, tried to brake, rpms unknown, impact 12:00 position, hitting a parked vehicle.also, cruise control malfunctioned.
When the ventilation is being used there is a leak on the front passenger and driver side of the car .tt
Power windows failed.
Windshield wipers failed.
While driving 30 mphright front tire went flat. Then upon changing tire consumer noticed rim was split on inside about 12 inches long.this causedtire to go flat.consumer stated this is the second time this has happened.
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