1988 Mercury Cougar electrical system problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1988 Mercury Cougar — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The ignition switch does not ignite if the gear shift is not completely up. It appears there is not enough communication between the electrical ignition switch and the gear shift.*ak”
filed Sep 3, 2003
“Recall 96 v 071 000/ignition switch: recall repairs was done at bayway lincoln, mercury; houston, tx; phone# 281/ 929-6500. At the present time problem has reoccurred. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”
filed May 13, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999
Electrical System problems in other Cougar years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Cougar | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 Cougar | 12 | 15% |
| 2000 Cougar | 63 | 30% |
| 1999 Cougar | 99 | 22% |
| 1997 Cougar | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 Cougar | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 Cougar | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 Cougar | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 Cougar | 8 | 4% |
| 1992 Cougar | 5 | 5% |
| 1991 Cougar | 11 | 15% |
| 1990 Cougar | 19 | 22% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Mercury Cougar
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.