1998 Ford Mustang

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 236 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 14 times.

Not among the Ford Mustang years to avoid. Which Ford Mustang years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
88,900 milesMedian miles at failure

31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Ford Mustang problems

40 of the 236 complaints (17%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine15
220
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration14
419
Parking Brake › Conventional10
400
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine9
000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor7
101
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system7
000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar6
101
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission6
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags6
603
Air Bags · airbags6
405

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E050000
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation

Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E025000
Filed Mar 21, 20061,450 vehiclesPoli-Auto, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Parking Brake › Conventional00V349000
Filed Oct 30, 2000434,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE NOT FULLY APPLIED AND NOT IN FIRST GEAR, AS DIRECTED IN THE OWNER GUIDE, AND THE SELF ADJUSTMENT PAWL SUBSEQUENTLY SKIPS ONE OR TWO TEETH, THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE ON SOME GRADES.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL AND INSTALL A PLATE OR OVER-BRACKET TO THE CONTROL TO LOCK THE SELF ADJUST MECHANISM IN POSITION FOLLOWING ADJUSTMENT.

Vehicle Speed Control99V062001
Filed Mar 30, 1999898,739 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Risk. IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System97V216000
Filed Nov 24, 19978,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.6L ENGINES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAS MISSING OR INADEQUATE BRAZE JOINTS BETWEEN THE FUEL RAIL BODY AND THE FUEL RAIL MOUNTING BRACKET(S).

Risk. IF THE BRACKET SEPARATES FROM THE RAIL, THE RAIL CAN LIFT ONE OR MORE OF THE INJECTORS, AND FUEL LEAKAGE WILL RESULT. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL ON THESE VEHICLES.

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector97V165000
Filed Sep 30, 19972,250 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI-VANS. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEARS MAY HAVE DAMAGED INPUT SHAFT BEARINGS.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE STEERING EFFORTS, AFFECTING STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR, AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THOSE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLIES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. THE DATE CODES FOR WINDSTAR MODEL VEHICLES ARE 97JB09 OR 97JC08; THE DATE CODES FOR MUSTANG MODEL VEHICLES ARE 97J09B OR 97J08B.

All 14 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed May 22, 2021VA

Rear right parking brake does not engage and when trying to come to an emergency stop brake is ineffective

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 6, 202099,000 milesVA

STIRRING-WHEEL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON GETTING HIT HEAD-BUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DID DEPLOY BUT DUE TO THE DEFECT STIRRING WHEEL AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING THE DRIVER TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 3, 201916,146 milesMI

PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT. WORK , CANNOT PULL OUT TO USE IT... THE REPAIR SHOP IS HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING. A RETRACTOR. MECHANISM....MY FAMILY CANNOT SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. RIGHT NOW

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 23, 2017147,000 milesNY

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NEITHER FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 11, 2016124,000 milesNV

ON MAY 5, 2016, I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 395 (NEVADA). DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DUE TO RAIN/HAIL. I FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO HYDROPLANE, AND THEN BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS THE HWY. AT LEAST 5 COMPLETE CIRCLES UNTIL I SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SEAT BOLTS BROKE UPON IMPACT AS WELL. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED, BUT I SUFFERED MULTIPLE BRUISES ON MY RT. ARM, AS WELL AS SEVERE WHIPLASH AND INTERNAL BRUISING FROM SEAT BREAKING FREE UPON IMPACT. MY BACK/SPINE ARE IN SERIOUS PAIN DUE TO BEING KNOCKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHEN THE SEAT BROKE, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID NOT FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AS I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, HOWEVER I DO HAVE AN ACCIDENT CASE NUMBER FROM THE NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL: # 160500374 DATE: 05/05/2016 TIME: 9:56 AM

Engine
Filed May 28, 2015112,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD MUSTANG. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION WIRES AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE PROPERLY ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 16, 2014274,067 milesCA

THE FUEL FILLER NECK GROMMET IS LEAKING. ACCORDING TO FORD, IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT...IT CAUSES A GASOLINE LEAK IF I TRY TO FILL IT OVER ABOUT 3/8 TANK, AND THROWS GAS OUT, WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN. *TR THIS IS A FIRE/EXPLOSION WAITING TO HAPPEN. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THESE WITH GROMMETS THAT DO NOT BREAK DOWN.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 6, 201478,840 milesGA

I WAS BRAKING AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN I HAD ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED, MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE FOR AN INSTANT, THEN SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN, STOPPING MY CAR JUST A COUPLE INCHES FROM SLAMMING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 13, 2012FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD MUSTANG . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV AND THE RPMS INCREASED DRASTICALLY AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHILE DOING SO, THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE WEDGING THE TIRE AGAINST THE CURB IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO LOSE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS FRAYED AND COMING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW CABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Child Seat
Filed Apr 19, 2011TX

WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S THE CAR SEAT OR THE CAR MODEL BUT WHEN I INSTALL THE BASE OF THE CAR SEAT ON THE CAR I TIGHTEN IT AS MUCH AS I CAN AND THE CAR SEAT SNAPS FIRM ON IT BUT THE BASE IS NOT FIRM ON THE CAR AND ONE TIME THE WHOLE THING FLIPPED OVER WHEN I MADE A SLOW TURN. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1998, MAKE=FORD, MODEL=MUSTANG). *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 2, 2010118,695 milesNY

INTAKE MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE HOUSING UNDER THE THERMOSTAT. THIS WAS REPORTED AS TSB 97M91. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrashFire5 injured1 killed
Filed Apr 12, 2010TX

TL-THE DRIVER OWNED A 1998 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS UNKNOWN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LIQUID SPLASHED ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER ENDED UP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO A VAN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. AA

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 20, 2010150,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD MUSTANG WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 1998. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS HOME WHEN HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. HE IMMEDIATELY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND ALSO INCLUDED THAT IN THE POLICE/FIRE REPORT FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THERE WERE ANY OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 2, 2009100,000 milesVA

CAR IS HARD TO START OR LONG START CYCLE, FUEL PUMP CHECK VALVE LEAKING REQUIRING FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Aug 25, 2009NJ

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1999 FORD MUSTANG WITH A 1998 USED ENGINE INSTALLED INTO IT. I ONLY HAD 1 REAL PROBLEM WITH IT AND IT WAS MY EXHAUST. I HAD THAT FIXED AND RAN GREAT FOR THE NEXT DAY. LESS THEN 36 HRS AFTER THE EXHAUST WAS FIXED AND AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 15 HRS OR SO, WHICH WAS FROM AROUND 9:45 PM FRIDAY THE 21ST TO AROUND 12:30 TO 1:00 PM ON THE 22ND OF AUGUST. A NEIGHBOR CAME POUNDING ON OUR DOOR TELLING US OUR CAR WAS ON FIRE!!!! HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE WAS TRYING TO START IT FROM A DISTANCE. WELL WE DON'T HAVE A REMOTE STARTER FOR THIS CAR, IT ONLY UNLOCKS THE CAR AND TRUNK, DOES NOT START IT. WE BELIEVE IT WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE AND NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED AS I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INS. AND NOW I HAVE LOST MY CAR AND HAVE NOTHING...... I HAVE PICTURES OF MY CAR JUST MELTING AWAY, THE ENTIRE FRONT OF IT. I LOVED THIS CAR, I WASN'T EVEN FINISHED PAYING FOR IT. I STILL OWE $1395 ON IT AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS. FIRE MARSHALL IS STILL INVESTIGATING IT. I BELIEVE HE SAID IT POSSIBLY STARTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THERE WAS A BOX ABOVE THE TIRE AREA WITH WIRES IN IT. WHAT WERE THESE WIRES, WHAT WERE THEY FOR AS I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING MATCHING THAT DESCRIPTION ON A 1998 ENGINE IMAGE...??? THIS WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY REAL PROBLEM WE HAD, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALWAYS ON FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE, SELLER DID FIX BUT LIGHT CAME BACK ON IN ABOUT 1 WEEK AND WAS ON UNTIL FIRE. *TR

Steering
Filed May 22, 2009150,000 milesOH

THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS IN STEERING STABILITY. EVERYTHING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO THE RACK AND PINION SHOW NO SIGNS OF LEAKING. I'VE HAD THE PS LINES REPLACED AS WELL AS THE PS PUMP, BECAUSE IF THE LACK OF STABILITY AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. PS FLUID HAS BEEN REPLACED AND BLED. AND THE PUMP IS STILL VERY LOUD (IT WAS ALWAYS LOUD, THE NEW PUMP IS THE SAME WAY. BUT THAT'S MORE ANNOYING THAN A SAFELY CONCERN). I'LL BE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY VEER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. CAR HAS NEW TIRES AND HAS BEEN ALIGNED RECENTLY. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 21, 200971,951 milesFL

MY VEHICLE HAS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. FOUND RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON LINE, HOWEVER, MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT CORRESPOND. I CALLED NHTSA AND THEY SUGGESTED I FILE A COMPLAINT. MY VEHICLE HAS NO EXTERNAL LEAKS OR WORN OR TORN SUSPENSION PARTS, IT MUST HAVE INTERNAL DAMAGE TO STEERING GEAR. FORD DOES NOT SHOW A RECALL. I WILL BE REPAIRING MY VEHICLE IN THE MEANTIME, ONES VEHICLE IS VERY NECESSARY TO GET BY OUR DAY TO DAY BUSINESS, HOWEVER, I NEED THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Sep 12, 2007AL

HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO BE BADLY DAMAGED AND A SMALL CRASH. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 29, 200685,000 milesNM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED, ANTIFREEZE LEAKED HEAVILY FROM THE VEHICLE. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE HEARD, AND THE HOOD RAISED SLIGHTLY AS IF IT WAS NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT IT AGAIN. THE REPAIR SHOP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THAT PROBLEM.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 16, 2006113,000 milesMO

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED IN ORDER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE, THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON AND OFF. WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED RIGHT OR LEFT, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Dec 21, 200592,890 milesFL

FUEL PUMP BROKE DOWN. *NM

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 16, 200588,000 milesAZ

THE SPEEDOMETER IN 1998 MUSTANG STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. IT WILL SOMETIMES GAUGE SPEED INCORRECTLY, AND TELL I AM GOING ABOUT 85 MPH WHEN I AM DOING ANYWHERE FROM 15-30 MPH. THEN IT WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN STAY ON 0 MPH. SOMETIMES TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT RESETS IT, OTHER TIMES IT DOES NOT. I WOULD SAY THAT THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK ACCURATELY ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME. THERE WAS NOTHING THAT LEAD UP TO THIS HAPPENING, IT JUST STARTED ONE DAY. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF IT IS GOING TO WORK WHEN I TURN IT ON OR NOT. SOMETIMES IT WILL GET STUCK ON 0 MPH FOR DAYS, AND THE ONLY TIME IT WILL RESET ITSELF IS WHEN I GET ON A HIGHWAY AND DO ABOUT 65 MPH. SO FAR, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 25, 2005NC

DT: 1998 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONSUMER STATES THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS CRACKED. THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING HOT. THE ENGINE COOLANT WOULD RUN OUT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THE CONSUMER CALLED FORD. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, IF THE SETTLEMENT GOES THROUGH IT WILL BE APPEALED. THEREFORE, FORD WAS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 4, 2005CT

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. WAS TOLD FAULTY HEAD GASKET. LOSING COOLANT WITH NO VISABLE LEAKS. ESTIMATED $1200.00 REPAIR AT LEAST. WITH THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE FORD 3.8 C.I. ENGINE WHY HAVE THERE BEEN NO RECALLS FOR THE MUSTANG UNLIKE THE TAURIS? (SAME ENGINE)

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Apr 14, 2005130,122 milesAL

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. AS A RESULT, THE COOLANT LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 6, 2005SC

1998 FORD MUSTANG GT HAS FUMES ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. *MR THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HAVE BREATHING PROBLEMS. *SC *JB

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Mar 2, 200583,000 milesCA

THE SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY BECAUSE THEY HANG DOWN AND DO NOT RETRACT, MAKING IT DANGEROUS IF THE VEHICLE WERE TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER WILL CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE HARD TO PULL OUT AND WILL NOT RETRACT ALL THE WAY BACK. THE SEAT BELTS FIT LOOSE ON THE BODY OF THE PERSON USING IT. *TC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Dec 27, 200490,000 milesCA

CONSUMER SMELLED ANTIFREEZE. LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › StorageCrashFire1 injured
Filed Dec 13, 2004KY

I HIT A TREE AFTER DRIVING OFF THE ROAD AND THE CAR BECAME INGULFED IN FLAMES AND SOON BURNED THE CAR TO NUTHING BUT STRAIGHT METAL LOSS OF EVERYTHING EVEN RIMS WERE MELTED AND WINDOWS TOO ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS HARD METAL SURFACES I WAS ALMOST BURNED ALIVE PLUS THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED TO LATE AND MY HEAD ACTUALLY IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL BREAKING MY NOSE AND SPLITTING MY FOREHEAD OPEN AND ALMOST LOST MY LEFT EYE DUE TO THE IMPACT THE SEATBELT WORKED TOO GOOD IT SPERATED MY LEFT SHOULDER AND BROKE MY COLLAR BONE STRETCHING ALL MY TENDONS IN MY LEFT SHOULDER BREAKING MY CLAVICAL AND SHOULDER BLADE.*AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion › RackCrash
Filed Oct 1, 200454,000 milesCA

I WAS INVOLVED IN A VERY BIZARRE ACCIDENT. ON AUGUST 10, 2004 AT 8:30 AM, I WAS GOING TO WORK USING THE HIGHWAY I REGULARLY USE EVERYDAY, HIGHWAY ONE IN PACIFICA, CALIFORNIA, LOCATED FOUR BLOCKS FROM MY HOME. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. AS I WAS GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ENTRANCE, GOING NO MORE THAN TWENTY MILES PER HOUR, AND AS I MADE MY WAY DOWN THE RAMP A FEW INCHES, MY CAR STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH. PULLING ME RIGHT, AND THEN TO THE LEFT. I WAS NOT DISTRACTED, PREOCCUPIED, NOR ON A CELL PHONE. I WAS LOOKING AT THE ROAD STRAIGHT AHEAD. I TRIED TO STEAR THE CAR, BUT IT KEPT SHIFTING FROM SIDE TO SIDE, CAUSING ME TO FALL OFF THE RAMP AND LAND ONTO THE TRAFFIC GOING THE SAME DIRECTION I WAS HEADED (NORTH). ONE CAR ENDED UP HITTING ME. THE POLICE WAS ALREADY ON THE HIGHWAY SO THEY IMMEDIATELY CAME TO THE SCENE. SINCE THIS WAS SUCH A FRIGHTENING ACCIDENT, AND NO KNOWN CAUSE FOR IT, SINCE I WAS NOT UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND GOING AT SUCH A LOW SPEED, I HAVE REQUESTED THE ACCIDENT SCENE AND THE CAR TO BE INSPECTED. THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING WRONG MECHANICALLY. I BELIEVE THIS ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN THE RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY, TIE ROD, OR POWER STEERING VALVES. THROUGHOUT THE COURSE WORK, I FOUND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS IN PERVIOUS ACCIDENTS. THIS INFORMATION WAS NEVER DISCLOSED TO ME AT THE DATE OF THE PURCHASE, AND I REQUESTED IT FROM THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. ALL MY REQUESTS FOR THE VEHICLES HISTORY AND OWNER H

SteeringCrash
Filed Oct 1, 200454,000 milesCA

<PAGE 2 > MY LIFE, AS WELL AS ANOTHER HUMAN BEINGS LIFE COULD HAVE BEEN AT STAKE DUE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO MAKE SOME MONEY. THANK GOD THE PARTY INVOLVED AND MYSELF CAME OUT OF THIS ORDEAL WITH JUST MINOR BRUISING. I AM A TWENTY-ONE YEAR OLD WELL-EDUCATED WOMAN WITH A RESPONSIBLE JOB PROFILE, AND A CLEAN RECORD. I HAVE NEVER VIOLATED THE LAW, THEREFORE ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED IS HARD TO TAKE. FROM THE START, I REQUESTED MY INSURANCE TO TAKE THE CLAIM MORE SERIOUSLY, AND FOR AN INTENSE INVESTIGATION TO TAKE PLACE ON THE VEHICLE, SINCE THIS WAS A BIZARRE ACCIDENT WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE, AND EVEN WITH THE CHP FORMING AN OPINION ON ASSUMPTIONS, I WAS NOT AT FAULT FOR THIS ACCIDENT, AND WAS NOT CHARGED WITH CARELESS DRIVING, OR ANY OTHER TRAFFIC INFRACTION. SINCE WHAT I REQUESTED DID NOT OCCUR, I AM DISSATISFIED WITH THE WAY THIS WAS CONDUCTED. BASICALLY FOR THE MONTH AND A HALF THAT MY INSURANCE HAD THE VEHICLE STORED, THEY NEVER CONDUCTED ANY TYPE OF INVESTIGATION NOR WAS MY VEHICLE INSPECTED. I EVEN WENT TO THE DEGREE OF HAVING MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE AT MY OWN EXPENSE, SO I MAY HIRE A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THAT NEVER TOOK PLACE DUE TO BAD TIMING. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING ON MY PROPERTY FOR ABOUT A WEEK OR SO, AND BEFORE I COULD GET A HOLD OF SOMEONE TO DO THE INSPECTION AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE APART, I HAD TO GET READY FOR SURGERY, SO THE INSPECTION WAS PUT ON HOLD DUE TO HEALTH REASONS. THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT WANTED ME TO MOVE THE VEHICL

Steering › ColumnCrash
Filed Oct 1, 200454,000 milesCA

<PAGE 3> I'VE ALSO SEEKED LEGAL ADVICE, AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT I WAS FRAUDED, AND THAT I DO HAVE A CASE, HOWEVER THEY COULDN'T FURTHER ASSIST ME DUE TO THE FACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAID OFF MY LOAN ON THE VEHICLE, AND THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER IN MY POSSESSION. NOW THAT EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SAID, MY QUESTION TO YOU IS, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN FURTHER DO AS A CONSUMER??? PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE, IVA D. OKLOBDZIJA . MOST OFOUR COMMENTS ARE MISSING. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 30, 2004107,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE ACCELERATING, THEN STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED BY VIN OR UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT PART NUMBER F8A2-9424-BC, NOTIFICATION #97M91 FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS RECALLED. MECHANIC INSISTED THAT RECALL WAS NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 17, 2004CA

PROBLEMS WITH GAS LEAKING FROM VEHICLE. *MR EVERYTIME THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED 1/2 TO FULL, GAS LEAKED AT THE CONNECTOR WHERE THE INTAKE PIPE MEETS THE TANK. THE RUBBER SEAL AT THE CONNECTOR WAS VERY LOOSE AND WET WHEN GAS LEAKED. THERE WAS A SMELL OF GAS. *SC *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 16, 200488,900 milesAL

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 60 MPH STARTED TO SMELL ANTI-FREEZE. WHEN I CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I FOUND THAT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PLASTIC, INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED AN WAS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY WANTED $580 FOR A NEW MANIFOLD PLUS LABOR TO PUT IT ON. I FEEL THAT IF A MANUFACTURE PUTS AN INTAKE MANIFOLD ON ON OF THIER VEHICLES IT SHOUD LAST FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE CRACKED, I THINK THIS IS POOR ENGINERING, AND SHOULD BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE DEALER, SINCE FORD HAS REPLACE ALL POLICE VEHICLE INTAKES.*AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Jul 2, 200498,000 milesVA

CONSUMER STATED SEAT BELTS ON BOTH SIDES WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY WILL NOT RETRACT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS, BUT NO ONE WANTED TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE OF THE LIABILITY ISSUES. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed May 13, 200488,000 milesTX

CONSUMER HEARS A NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS GOING 60 MPH OR GREATER. ALSO, IT CAN BE HEARD WHEN ACCELERATING UP A HILL. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed May 4, 200460,000 milesHI

THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS PULLED OUT THE BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. *AK

Parking Brake › Conventional
Filed Mar 23, 2004KY

THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVE WAY WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND IN GEAR. IT HIT A HOUSE AND TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *PH RECALL#434000 *SC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 23, 2004CA

WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. PLEASE ADD ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift
Filed Jan 20, 2004FL

CONSUMER NOTICED WHEN PARKING ON A HILL OR FLAT LAND VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF REVERSE AND ROLLED FORWARD. DEALERSHIP SERVICED VEHICLE, AND NOTICED SHIFTER FORK WAS WORN OUT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Sep 26, 2003IL

DRIVER NOTICED WHILE CHECKING THE FLUIDS, THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD A CRACK. CONSUMER HAS NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

Power Train
Filed Sep 10, 2003KY

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed Jul 10, 2003MD

THE VEHICLES MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL, HAZARD LIGHTS AND THE RIGHT FRONT PARKING LAMP TO FAIL. *CB *NLM

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 25, 200376,000 milesTX

CONSUMER STATES WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ON HIGH THEY FAIL. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jun 11, 2003CA

VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO START. TOOK IT TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP 5 TIMES. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jun 3, 200352,000 milesIN

THE FIRST TIME THE CAR JUST QUITE ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION. THE SECOND TIME IT LOST POWER AND WAS STARTING VERY HARD (10 TO 15 SEC. TO START). BOTH TIMES IT WAS LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE AND NEEDED A FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. THE FUEL PUMP ITS SELF WAS FINE, BUT A SMALL CLEAR FLEXIBLE HOSE THAT ATTACHES FROM THE FUEL PUMP/BASKET ASSEMBLY IN THE GAS TANK TO THE LID THAT BOLTS ON THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK RUBS AGAINST VARIOUS PARTS INSIDE THE GAS TANK AND WEARS A HOLE IN IT. SINCE THIS ESTIMATED $2 ITEM CANNOT BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY I WAS FORCED TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY. THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED TO ME THAT 90% OF THE "FUEL PUMP FAILURES" HAVE HAD NOTHING TO REALLY DUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP. IT WAS EITHER THE HOSE INSIDE THE GAS TANK RUBBING THROUGH OR THE WIRES INSIDE RUBBING THROUGH. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS? I WOULD ASK FOR A PUSH FOR THE HOSES BUT IF THE WIRING IN THE GAS TANK IS WEARING THROUGH ALSO IT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED IF THEY HAVE NOT YET! *NLM

Air Bags
Filed May 21, 200350,000 milesGA

PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLES MY IGNITION (IT SEEMS) SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT MY KEY IN TO START THE CAR. THE ALARM LIGHT BLINKS RAPIDLY AND IF I TAKE OUT MY KEY AND RE INSERT IT, I WILL HEAR A SMALL NOISE LIKE A MECHANISM RESETTING AND THEN MY CAR WILL START. 3 ATTEMPTS TO PUT ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE..FAILED TO DIAGNOSE. *JB

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 14, 2003TX

I OWN A 1998 FORD MUSTANG COUPE, EVER SINCE, I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE MY SEAT BELTS CONTINUED TO LOCK UP. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FINALLY GAVE UP AND IS NO LONGER USEFUL. ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2001 FORD MUSTANG COUPE, AND DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Jan 9, 200387,000 milesKY

BOTH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS HAVE BEGUN TO FAIL TO OPERATE. IT TAKES AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF COAXING TO CAUSE THE SEALT BELTS TO RETRACT, IF AT ALL. THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTOR IS THE WORSE OF THE TWO AND IS USED FAR, FAR LESS. THIS LEADS ME TO BELEIVE IT IS NOT A SIMPLE WEAR AND TEAR FROM USE ISSUE.

Complaints 1-50 of 236, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20268500Routine
202520600Routine
2024851200Do not drive
202315600Routine
202250910Routine
202155600Routine
2020122850Routine
2019152610Routine
2018196410Routine
2017268680Above average
2016380572Fatalities reported
20154391170Above average
2014359410Do not drive
2013271620Do not drive
2012469721Do not drive
2011466510Do not drive
2010261622Do not drive
2009181620Do not drive
2008347800Do not drive
2007615951Do not drive
2006424932Do not drive
2005705970Do not drive
2004116600Routine
2003145640Routine
2002118660Routine
2001173822Fatalities reported
2000311992Fatalities reported
19992131022Fatalities reported
1998 — this page23614121Fatalities reported
19971761132Fatalities reported
19962461260Above average
199560216297Fatalities reported
199435613191Fatalities reported
19931017292Fatalities reported
1992695210High concern
1991776220High concern
1990855290High concern

Compare every Mustang year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.