Does the 1986 Mercury Cougar have any recalls?

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: fuel system, gasoline, exterior lighting. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1986 Mercury Cougar recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Mercury dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1986 Mercury Cougar?

13 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1986 Mercury Cougar recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1986 Mercury Cougar. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Mercury been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Mercury dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1986 Mercury Cougar recalls, newest first

September 4, 1987NHTSA 87V1390003,600,000 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Summary: 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 of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 21, 1986NHTSA 86V065000163 vehicles potentially affected

Exterior lighting › Headlights

Summary: Headlamp covers were installed on vehicles in error. Causing the cars not to comply with FMVSS 108, lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment. Consequence of defect: the headlamp covers may hinder the safe operation of the car in darkness and other conditions of reduced visibility.
Remedy: Remove headlamp covers.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 1986 Mercury Cougar with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Deaths reported: 0

Most complained-about components

Fuel system4
Gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly4
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch3
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly3
Service brakes2

Other 1986 Mercury models

Questions

Does the 1986 Mercury Cougar have any recalls?: 2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: fuel system, gasoline, exterior lighting. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1986 Mercury Cougar recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Mercury dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1986 Mercury Cougar?: 13 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.