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We found the following complaints for MERCURY COUGAR (1991)

Read complaints for MERCURY COUGAR (1991)


Air bag did not deploy upon a left turn 45 degree contact to left front.

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.

Electrical short.

Battery replaced.

The vehicle caught on fire due to the altenator. Please describe.

Alternator failed twice.

Ignition switch shorted, causing fire.

Drove vehicle about 200 yds, saw smoke coming from steering column, stopped & checked under hood, few minutes later flames were coming from steering column.

Ignition switch failure, causes loss of power windows and braking.tt

An electrical short or shock caused the ignition switch and wires in the steering column to catch on fire while parked.please describe.

Parked car and it caught on fire. Consumer statesvehicle was parked and about 15 minutes later it was on fire near steering wheel area.

While parked in front of home, owner heard explosion sound; came out to check; vehicle was engulfed with flames inside and outside, underdash/underhood.

Wiring harness not protected resulting in disintegration.

In the dash above the steering column a fire was started from the wiring harness possibly. Please describe.tt

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.

Both head gaskets blown; however, complaints re; faulty temperature guage submitted to dealer since 10/15/1993. Repair cost: $1390.92 (incl. Tax).

Engine head gakset needed to be repaired at 60,000 miles.the ford dealer "shaved" the gasket.the head gasket is now shot at 98,000 miles.i have contacted ford via the internet and phone but have had no success.ford has admitted to a defect in this same engine in the 1994-95 tauruses, sables, continentals, cougars, thunderbirds, mustangs and windstars and offered reimbursement and/or money towards a new vehicle (see april 26, 2000 edition of detroit news auto section - www.detnews.com).

Mounts have failed, similar to 87 & 92 ford taurus models.is there a recall on the 91 cougar for this same problem?...strange coincidence. Thanks

Vehicle experienced head gasket failure, recall on other models however cougar was not included even though same engine as recall models, denied recall repair (98m01). Mjs

Both head gaskets blown; however, complaints re; faulty temperature guage submitted to dealer since 10/15/1993. Repair cost: $1390.92 (incl. Tax).

The head gasket went bad even after routine regular maintenance and only 80,000 miles on the vehicle.according to a local dealership and several mechanics this is extremely common.i was fortunate because the heads and block were not cracked unlike the majority of the ones that are serviced.it seems that if the 3.8 liter has this problem then maybe there is a design flaw or quality problem with the gasket.the other problem is when having this fixed, the steering pump front gasket usually breaks when the belt is removed, this should not happen.if i had known about this design flaw in this engine i would have never purchasedthis or any ford vehicles with a 3.8 liter engine.also why don't the seat belts lock?

Headlights go off while driving, brakes continue to make noise, key switch prob. Recall repair, heater blows cold, car died after excel. Restarted and drove 50 ft. Died again and know in shop & been told gaskets or busted head. I love this car and have taken extra care, engine and car keep spotless, car is never left outside.all took place within 1 mo.is it all tied together with one thing?

Vehicle experienced head gasket failure, recall on other models however cougar was not included even though same engine as recall models, denied recall repair (98m01). Mjs

This is the second time it has had a blown head gasket. It is not fixed yet because i can't afford it.

When consumer took vehicle to dealer for check up,technician found that engine had a blown head gasket wich happened without a warning.

Vehicle experienced head gasket failure, recall on other models however cougar was not included even though same engine as recall models, denied recall repair (98m01). Mjs

While driving15-20 mphvehicle 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.

When starting the vehicle it made a puffing sound and cut off, after restarting and driving about one block,the engine suddendly died. The engine head gasket was replaced by mechanic.

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.

Consumer complains of head gasket failure.*jg

Consumer complains of head gasket failure.*jg

Parked car and it caught on fire. Consumer statesvehicle was parked and about 15 minutes later it was on fire near steering wheel area.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Egr valve and sensor failed.nlm

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.

Driving at any various speed headlights will turn off and on, causing the consumer to drive sometimes without headlight unexpectedly,which may result in an accident.dealer has replaced headlights 4 times,but defect is still occurring.

While driving, at approx. 55mph, experienced intermittent front head lamp failure, when lights went out several times before reaching destination.tt

While driving, at approx. 55mph, experienced intermittent front head lamp failure, when lights went out several times before reaching destination.tt

After driving for 25 minutes the headlignts start flashing on and off.the bulbs and fuses are good. I have descovered that the mercury sablehas the same problem and had a recall for a failed headlight switch which incorporates a circuit breaker. When the headlights heat up thecircuit opens. Recall was made april 15, 1998 for sables made dec. 1992 to sept. 1993. Nhtsa campaign id number 98v009000. All vehicleswith same problem and risk of a crash should be repaired in the samemanner.

While driving on highway headlights started to dim , and went totally out.pulled off the side of road.they came back on after waiting 10 minutes.drove about another ten miles, it happened again.

While driving the headlights went out and then came back on and then went out again. Please describe.

Electrical short in headlight to fail.

Headlight switch faulty. Replaced.tt

Auto was parked when it burst into flames.tt

Fuel pump replaced.

Fuel tank sender/pump leaks at soldered tube, causing fumes.

Gas tank is leaking at the top of the tank.*mjs

Gas tank leaks when filled completely, indicating a leak at the top of the tank or gas lines going into the tank.i have contacted ford several times but they say it is not covered.i do not believe the leak was caused by a road hazard since it is at the top of the tank.ford said they will not cover the repair since it has not been recalled.they did agree it is a serious safety hazard.

Replaced fuel gauge.tt

Hood latch failed twice.*skd

Consumer was driving and the front hood latch came open .tt

Speedometer does not register at all. This is the second time speedometer has broken.in april of 92, speedometer was replaced by dealership under warranty dealer will be notified about the current problem.

Automatic shoulder restain seat beltbroke. Which, whenconsumer is getting into the vehicle the seat belt track isn't working. Consumer can't determine the problem.

Motorbelt failed.

Made a sudden stop on dry pavement the vehicle skidded 100 feet,hit a curve,the vehicle hydroplaned.occupant had automatic shoulder belt on, driver was ejected out of the vehicle. The vehicle flipped over, landing onthe occupant.

Driver'sautomatic seat belt locks up tightly around passenger and is difficult to release.*skd

Drivers side seat belt stuck forward. Spool switch faulty.tt

Both driver/pass. Shoulder harness, experience intermittent failure, when won't move forward towards driver/pass.tt

Seat belt failed during accident resulting in head injuries to the driver.

The head gasket went bad even after routine regular maintenance and only 80,000 miles on the vehicle.according to a local dealership and several mechanics this is extremely common.i was fortunate because the heads and block were not cracked unlike the majority of the ones that are serviced.it seems that if the 3.8 liter has this problem then maybe there is a design flaw or quality problem with the gasket.the other problem is when having this fixed, the steering pump front gasket usually breaks when the belt is removed, this should not happen.if i had known about this design flaw in this engine i would have never purchasedthis or any ford vehicles with a 3.8 liter engine.also why don't the seat belts lock?

The drivers and front passengers seatbelts no longer operate correctly on the track. The seatbelt may not always retract. Please describe.

While driving would step on the brake pedal, but vehicle will not stop. Also,pedalfelt hard.

While driving 60 mph, the anti lock braking systemfailed. As a result, when applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor.the vehicle had been making noises since it was new.the consumer thought it was normal.the consumer was unable tofind the parts. *sc

Anti-lock brakes failed to stop vehicle properly, also hard brake pedal.

Inability to push brake pedal down, resulted in an accident.

Hydraulic brake system motor burnt out.

Ignition switch failure, causes loss of power windows and braking.tt

Front shakes when applying brakes.tt

Passing an 18 wheeler at 75 mph coming to a curve and tried to stop but disc brakes had locked up.tt

Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with front brake rotors warping. Consumer hasreplaced rotors on four occasions,since november 96 up to the present time. Dealer/mfr. Notified.recall 92b11 - front disc rougness, brake shudder information attached, also the calipers were replaced.

The front rotor had to be replaced about three times.

Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with front brake rotors warping. Consumer hasreplaced rotors on four occasions,since november 96 up to the present time. Dealer/mfr. Notified.recall 92b11 - front disc rougness, brake shudder information attached, also the calipers were replaced.

Brake pedal is very stiff.(other vehicle on 489324)*skd

The doors on this car want close. They are too heavy and have bent the hinges. This a design failure.

Looose sub-frame bolt, causing front end vibration.

Complaints re; front and rear suspension submitted to dealer since 1994; clunking, creaking, roughness steering; now dealer submits repair estimate at $907.95 +tax.let me know where/how to submit complaints re: auto service/dealers. Thx.

While driving at 55mph, the front end of the vehicle shakes.consumer states vehicle becomes difficult to control the only way to stop the vibration is to increase speed .

Sway bar linkage creates rough ride. *dsh

Loose axle nut caused rear wheel to come loose.

Made a sudden stop on dry pavement the vehicle skidded 100 feet,hit a curve,the vehicle hydroplaned.occupant had automatic shoulder belt on, driver was ejected out of the vehicle. The vehicle flipped over, landing onthe occupant.

Engine warning light illuminated.

Vehicle accelerates when attempting to disengage cruise control, causing extreme pressure to be used onbrake pedal to stop vehicle.

When ever throttle is pushed, system may stick resulting in full throttle. Please desccribe details.tt

Dt:the contact statedcar was revving when starting it up. Whenputtingit 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 contactwas 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 problemthat 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.updated 11/2/2005 -

While driving at speed 55 mph, throttle went into open position, have put neutral and turn ignition off pulled off hwy.

While driving at 30mph the vehicle had an outburst of sudden acceleration. Consumer tried and stopped vehicle, it was placed in reverse and also park, but the vehicle kept on going. To stop vehicle consumer had to shut the engine off, and coasted the vehicle to a stop. Dealer was contacted.

The throttle linkage broke in open position, causing unwanted acceleration and overriding the braking system.

Throttle controls lock when passing, can't stop vehicle until controls are turned off.

While driving at 70 mph it experienced a sudden acceleration, consumer removed foot from the pedal and it stuck to the floor and accelerated to 75 while the consumer was braking hard. It just kept lunching forward. Dealer has been contacted.

Throttle stuck in a open position while driving, return spring cable broke.

Drivers side window will not go up. Replaced window motor.tt

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.

Ignition switch failure, causes loss of power windows and braking.tt

Driver side window exploded when rolled down.tt

The windshield wipers come on without turning on the wiper switch, and when the wipers are needed they will not come on at all.

Windshield wipers work very slow, make a humming noise and stop working.nlm

Right rear wheel is rubbing fuel line, causing a leak.




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