Does the 1986 Mercury Cougar have any recalls?

The 1986 Mercury Cougar has 2 recalls on file with NHTSA, including issues with exterior lighting:headlights.

How many complaints have been filed for the 1986 Mercury Cougar?

20 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Mercury Cougar.

Are there technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1986 Mercury Cougar?

There are 19 technical service bulletins (TSBs) on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Mercury Cougar.

1986 Mercury Cougar Service and Repair Manual

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Factory-Grade Data

The 1986 Mercury Cougar Service and Repair Manual is a practical, workshop-ready reference for maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. Use it to troubleshoot symptoms, follow step-by-step procedures, verify specifications, and confirm wiring and connector locations before replacing parts.

Ideal for technicians and DIY owners, it supports everything from routine service to deeper mechanical and electrical work—including drivability, no-start, warning lights, overheating, brake and suspension issues, HVAC faults, and circuit testing.

Trims covered

Base Sedan 2-Door
LS Sedan 2-Door
XR-7 Sedan 2-Door

Engines covered

2.3L 140Cu. In. l4 GAS SOHC Turbocharged
3.8L 232Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated
5.0L 302Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

What’s inside

Body
Brakes
Chassis Electrical
Driveline
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Engine Mechanical
Engine Performance & Emission Controls
Fuel System
General Information & Identification
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems
Steering
Suspension
Transmission, Clutch, & Transfer Case
Wiring Diagrams

Why this manual matters

Faster diagnostics with system-based troubleshooting and wiring diagrams
Clear procedures and reference sections to reduce guesswork and rework
Helpful for maintenance planning and verifying parts/specs before repairs

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Vehicle Safety Data

1986 Mercury Cougar Recalls & Complaints

NHTSA #86V06500021/05/1986Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

HEADLAMP COVERS WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES IN ERROR. CAUSING THE CARS NOT TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Remedy

REMOVE HEADLAMP COVERS.

NHTSA #87V13900004/09/1987Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Consequence

COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS

Remedy

INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

TSB #623944

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

TSB #623988

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

TSB #608431

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

TSB #612203

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

TSB #6090087

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

TSB #6089681

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

TSB #601343

A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC

TSB #601290

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

Showing the 8 most recent of 19 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.

19960429Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCHFire reported

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE IGNITION AREA WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

19960429Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCHFire reported

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE IGNITION AREA WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

19961105Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1 injured

VEHICLE DOES NOT CONTAIN SAFETY GLASS ON SIDE WINDOWS, VEHICLE COLLISION RESULTING IN CUTS TO FACE DUE TO GLASS.

20041110Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 ENGINE HAS BLOWN TWO TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. CAR OVERHEATS AND HAS OIL IN RADIATOR. HEATER DOES NOT WORK. AND VERY DIM LIGHTING ON SPEEDOMETER.*AK

20041110Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 ENGINE HAS BLOWN TWO TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. CAR OVERHEATS AND HAS OIL IN RADIATOR. HEATER DOES NOT WORK. AND VERY DIM LIGHTING ON SPEEDOMETER.*AK

Showing the 5 most serious of 20 complaints filed with NHTSA.

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