1989 Mercury Cougar
1MEPM6043KH604668
Vehicle record for the 1989 Mercury Cougar (VIN 1MEPM6043KH604668). Black, coupe, gasoline. Registered in Dnipropetrovsk. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1989 Mercury Cougar · Black on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 4 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report vehicle speed control trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1MEPM6043KH604668, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 4 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1989 Mercury Cougar data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1989 Mercury Cougar.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1989 Mercury Cougar costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1989 Mercury Cougar — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES Closed
NHTSA #PE95019 · Seat Belts · opened Mar 1995 · closed Jul 1995THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING Closed
NHTSA #EA93033 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Dec 1993 · closed Dec 1994THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING Closed
NHTSA #PE93075 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 1993 · closed Dec 1993HOOD LATCHES FAIL Closed
NHTSA #EA90034 · Structure · opened Jun 1990 · closed Feb 1992THROTTLE STICKING Closed
NHTSA #EA90009 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Feb 1990 · closed Feb 1991THROTTLE STICKING Closed
===
NHTSA #PE90001 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Oct 1989 · closed Feb 1990An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 26
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 26.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
Bulletin 01156 · Visibility · Aug 2001INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
Bulletin 01157 · Aug 2001SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
Bulletin 002310 · Power Train · Nov 2000INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
Bulletin 0015 · Power Train · Jan 2000SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
Bulletin 99222 · Electrical System · Oct 1999INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
Bulletin 99196 · Equipment · Sep 1999INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
Bulletin 99152 · Power Train · Jul 1999FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT
Bulletin 99816 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
Bulletin 9874 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 1998INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
Bulletin 9852 · Tires · Apr 1998Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the COUGAR. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 8
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1989 Mercury Cougar. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, 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.
Transport Canada #1995212 · Nov 1995Emissions
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.
Transport Canada #1994162 · Oct 1994Seats 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 COND…
Transport Canada #1992108 · Sep 1992Lights 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.
Transport Canada #1992077 · Jun 1992Emissions
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.
Transport Canada #1992036 · Mar 1992Seats 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…
Transport Canada #1991066 · Apr 1991Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Mercury Cougar
The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA Campaign #96V071000 · 25/04/1996SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.
Remedy: REPLACE KNUCKLES THAT HAVE THE AFFECTED LOT CODES.
NHTSA Campaign #89V080000 · 19/05/1989SERVICE 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.
Remedy: INSTALL ACORN TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT NUTS TO ELIMINATE STABILIZER BAR TO BRAKE CALIPER CONTACT.
NHTSA Campaign #89V081000 · 19/05/1989FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA Campaign #88V165000 · 18/10/1988Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Mercury Cougar, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 15 involved a crash 🔥 13 involved a fire 🚑 16 reported injuries
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 99
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1989 Mercury Cougar.
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 …
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10248214VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 A…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10030489ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING, CUSTOMER SMELT A BURNING ODOR. THEN DIGITAL DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. MAYBE CAUSE BY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10029786SEAT BELTS
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 G…
NHTSA ODI #10007854SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
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…
NHTSA ODI #10001373ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED GAS PEDAL WHILE IDLING AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. TS
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10001375ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DEALER SAID FORD NEW OF THIS PROBLEN BUT DID NOTHING TO CORRECT IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #760383SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 …
NHTSA ODI #759414+ 91 more complaints on record.
