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FaultScore report

2000 Ford Mustang Convertible problems

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2000 Ford Mustang Convertible with NHTSA between 2002 and 2016. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 8 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Ford Mustang Convertible All 2000 cars
D

FaultScore 66/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Mustang Convertible.

How this is worked out

The numbers

22

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

89,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

24%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 55 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 40 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Ford Mustang Convertible. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 40
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2000 compares with every other Ford Mustang Convertible

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2000 Ford Mustang Convertible

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 5 22.7%

Median failure at 86,410 miles

Tires 3 13.6%

Median failure at 114,963 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 3 13.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 120,000 mi

Electrical System 3 13.6%

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 89,500 mi

Other & Unspecified 1 4.5%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 4.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 50,000 mi

Suspension 1 4.5%

Median failure at 11,500 miles

Body & Structure 1 4.5%

Median failure at 5,812 miles

Brakes 1 4.5%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

Steering 1 4.5%
Airbags 1 4.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 89,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 4.5%

Median failure at 61,154 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 11.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 5.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 5.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 11.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 7 41.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 4 23.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 2002 peak 4 Jun 2016

NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Ford Mustang Convertible

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP05005 Opened 22 Sep 2005 Closed 4 Jan 2006 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 89,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Crash

AIR BAGS

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO THE STOP AND SO DID I BUT AS I HIT MY BRAKE SOMETHING BLEW UP IN MY FACE AND MADE ME PUT MY ARMS UP AND I LOST VISIBILITY. THE WEIRD PART IS THEY WENT OFF AT A ROLLING STOP UNDER 3 MPH .ALSO LAST WEEK MY CAR BRAKE SWITCH ALMOST STARTED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10876562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO THE STOP AND SO DID I BUT AS I HIT MY BRAKE SOMETHING BLEW UP IN MY FACE AND MADE ME PUT MY ARMS UP AND I LOST VISIBILITY. THE WEIRD PART IS THEY WENT OFF AT A ROLLING STOP UNDER 3 MPH .ALSO LAST WEEK MY CAR BRAKE SWITCH ALMOST STARTED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10876562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MELTED ALL MY WIRES ALMOST CAUSED FIRE

NHTSA complaint #10876587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO THE STOP AND SO DID I BUT AS I HIT MY BRAKE SOMETHING BLEW UP IN MY FACE AND MADE ME PUT MY ARMS UP AND I LOST VISIBILITY. THE WEIRD PART IS THEY WENT OFF AT A ROLLING STOP UNDER 3 MPH .ALSO LAST WEEK MY CAR BRAKE SWITCH ALMOST STARTED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10876562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles South Huntington, NY Fire

VISIBILITY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V355000 (VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM) RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #10429511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Vincent, LA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ALTERNATOR CAUSED FIRE, SHORTED OUT, ON 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT.

NHTSA complaint #10358297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 89,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Crash

AIR BAGS

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO THE STOP AND SO DID I BUT AS I HIT MY BRAKE SOMETHING BLEW UP IN MY FACE AND MADE ME PUT MY ARMS UP AND I LOST VISIBILITY. THE WEIRD PART IS THEY WENT OFF AT A ROLLING STOP UNDER 3 MPH .ALSO LAST WEEK MY CAR BRAKE SWITCH ALMOST STARTED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10876562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO THE STOP AND SO DID I BUT AS I HIT MY BRAKE SOMETHING BLEW UP IN MY FACE AND MADE ME PUT MY ARMS UP AND I LOST VISIBILITY. THE WEIRD PART IS THEY WENT OFF AT A ROLLING STOP UNDER 3 MPH .ALSO LAST WEEK MY CAR BRAKE SWITCH ALMOST STARTED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10876562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MELTED ALL MY WIRES ALMOST CAUSED FIRE

NHTSA complaint #10876587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles Phoenix, AZ Crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO THE STOP AND SO DID I BUT AS I HIT MY BRAKE SOMETHING BLEW UP IN MY FACE AND MADE ME PUT MY ARMS UP AND I LOST VISIBILITY. THE WEIRD PART IS THEY WENT OFF AT A ROLLING STOP UNDER 3 MPH .ALSO LAST WEEK MY CAR BRAKE SWITCH ALMOST STARTED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10876562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 121,000 miles Moore, OK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE FILING MY CAR WITH GAS, DROPS OF GAS WERE DRIPPING ONTO THE CONCRETE. I LOOKED UNDER MY CAR AND THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE AND GAS TANK GASKET ARE LEAKING FUEL DIRECTLY ONTO MY EXHAUST PIPE. HAD MY EXHAUST BEEN EXTREMELY HOT, MY CAR WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND EXPLODED. PLEASE RECALL THIS.

NHTSA complaint #10480070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles South Huntington, NY Fire

VISIBILITY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V355000 (VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM) RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #10429511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,963 miles Tucson, AZ

TIRES

NEWLY PURCHASED HANKOOK VENTUS V12 EVO TIRES, ONE TIRE DEVELOPED LARGE BULGE IN INSIDE WALL AT RIM, TIRE SHOP REMOVED TIRE AND POINTED OUT A MOLDING DEFECT WHERE THE ENTIRE METAL BEAD WAS PUSHED THROUGH THE RUBBER AND METAL WAS OUTSIDE OF THE RUBBER BEAD CAUSING TIRE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10411813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Vincent, LA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ALTERNATOR CAUSED FIRE, SHORTED OUT, ON 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT.

NHTSA complaint #10358297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,594 miles Albuquerque, NM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

MARCH 30, 2007 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I HAVE A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT-WHILE DRIVING HOME TODAY 3/30/07 IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, I HEARD A LOAD POP, AND THEN LOST ENGINE FUNCTION. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. WHEN I CHECKED MY ENGINE, IT HAD BLOWN THE SPARK PLUG-I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED PROBLEM UNTIL I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET, AND READ ALL OF THE INCIDENTS WITH FORDS "SPITTING" SPARK PLUGS. I THINK IT IS HORRIFIC THAT FORD WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND DO THE RIGHT THING-"RECALL"-HOW MANY WILL HAVE TO DIE BEFORE FORD ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR AUTOMOBILES BLOWING SPARK PLUGS. I WILL SAY THAT AS THE OWNER OF MULTIPLE FORD MUSTANGS INCLUDING 65, 66, 67, 70, 98, 2000 (STILL HAVE THEM ALL). I WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE BUYING ANOTHER FORD IF THEY DO NOT TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION AND ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THEIR PRODUCT-SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A NOTIFICATION OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM COULD HAVE SAVED 1000S FROM EXPENSIVE, NEEDLESS DAMAGE TO THEIR AUTOMOBILES. I FOR ONE WOULD HAVE ENSURED THAT I DID FREQUENT SPARK PLUG CHECKS TO ENSURE THEY WERE SECURE, OR WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY TAKEN CORRECTIVE MEASURES BEFORE NEEDED REPAIRS FROM DAMAGE. AMERICAN MADE SHOULD NOT EQUATE TO INFERIORLY MADE. I AM REQUESTING THAT I BE REIMBURSED FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSED DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD. IN ADDITION, I AM REQUESTING THAT FORD NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE MODELS WITH THIS DESIGN FLAW TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO NEEDLESS LOSS OF LIFE FROM POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS DESIGN FLAW.

NHTSA complaint #10186618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Roseville, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

TUBE FROM THE GAS NOZZLE HAS RUSTED AWAY UNDER THE PLASTIC TUBE THAT WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE STEEL TUBE CAUSING GAS TO STREAM OUT OF TUBE AS THE GAS TANK IS BEING FILLED.

NHTSA complaint #10172710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Castro Valley, CA

TIRES

MANUFACTURER SELECTED OEM TIRES, GOODYEAR EAGLES, UNSAFE ON WET/DAMP SURFACES. TIRES WOULD SPIN UPON STARTING AWAY FROM STOP NO MATTER HOW GENTLY/SLOWLY YOU TRIED TO DRIVE AWAY. CAR WOULD FISHTAIL AND LOSE TRACTION (ESPECIALLY REAR (DRIVE) WHEELS) ON MODERATE CORNERS AT MODERATE SPEEDS WHILE ACCELERATING OR NOT. TIRES REPLACE AT 15,000 MILES WITH PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT ON THEM DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR AQUATRED III'S. MUCH BETTER HANDLING WITH NEW TIRES.

NHTSA complaint #10139001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glendale, AZ

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

2 OF 4 APPEAR TO BE CROSS BELTED. NO FAILUR AT THIS TIME BUT DO NOT KNOW OF A LOCAL DEALER TO ADJUST THE PROBLEM. BRAND ON TIRES IS "ROAD KING" MODEL "PREMIUM GT" SIZE "P205X65 R15 926 M&S". UNABLE TO FINISH YOUR QUESTIONS AS I DO NOT KNOW WHO THE MANUFACTURER IS.ENTERED FIRESTONE TO GET THROUGH FIELDS.

NHTSA complaint #10122419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,818 miles Silver Lake, WI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

I AM ABOUT TO INSTALL, FOR THE THIRD TIME, A SECOND DAY AIR PUMP INTO MY 2000 FORD MUSTANG. THIS IS AN EMISSIONS PART AND THE MUSTANG IS DESIGNED TO PASS CALIFORNIA EMISSION STANDARDS. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND THIS PART HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES. ALSO IT CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM FORD FOR AROUND 300 DOLLARS. IT ALWAYS MANAGES TO MAKE IT JUST PAST THE PART WARRANTY PERIOD THEN GOES OUT. FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME EXCEPT TAKE MORE OF MY MONEY. I LOOKED INTO IT AND THEY ONLY USED THIS PART IN 1999-2000 MUSTANGS AND LINCOLN 2000-2001. I CAN NOT FIND A RECALL ON IT BUT THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM. FORD WILL NOT RESPOND TO MY INQUIRIES AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT ELSE I CAN DO.

NHTSA complaint #10106476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NPR, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

RE#1448617 EMISSIONS THE SAME SECONDARY AIR PUMP WAS REPLACED ON 7/19/2002 BY FORD UNDER WARRANTEY. WHEN IT FAILED AGAIN ON OR ABOUT 11/10/2003 , THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS NOW NOT COVERED. THIS PUMP IS SO NESSESARY,THE NEWER MUSTANGS DO NOT HAVE IT.

NHTSA complaint #10102193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Conroe, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

NOTICED CAR NOSE DIVED A LITTLE BIT MORE WHEN BRAKING, PLUS EXTRA DISTANCE REQUIRED TO COME TO FULL STOP. REAR BRAKES WERE RECENTLY REPLACED DUE TO THE ARMATURE GUIDE PIN(S) IN THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY BECOMING FROZEN. ONE PIN IN EACH REAR ASSEMBLY (THE SAME PIN IN BOTH). EXTRA BRAKING STRESS PUT ON FRONT BRAKES REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF ROTORS DUE TO LOSS OF MINIMAL THICKNES (NOT DUE TO GOUGING AND TURNING).

NHTSA complaint #10098525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,154 miles Belleville, IL

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

2000 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE.AFTER LEASING THE NEW CAR FOR 3YRS,WE DECIDED TO BUY. THE CAR WAS AT 50K MILES.IT IS NOW AT 61K MILES. BEGINNING FEB.20TH 2004,THE CLUTCH MADE A HORRIBLE SOUND WHEN ENGAGED.NOT COVERED BY FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED AT TIME OF SALE.BUISINESS MGR. AT JACK SCHMITT FORD IN COLLINSVILLE,IL SAID," CARS AREN'T BUILT TO LAST FOREVER".THIS VEHICHLE IS ONLY 4YRS. OLD.IT IS DRIVEN GINGERLY BY A RESPONSIBLE 55YR. OLD RN.I KNOW CARS ARE NOT MADE TO LAST FOREVER,BUT YOU WOULD THINK THE CLUTCH WOULD LAST A BIT LONGER THAN 4YRS. DRIVEN PROPERLY. WE HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CAR SEEMS TO SHIMMIE AT 60 TO 68 MPH.

NHTSA complaint #10058979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,375 miles NEW Port Richey, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

AT 29,000 MILES AND 46 MONTH OLD, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. SUNCOAST FORD CLAIMS CODES SAY SOMEONE WAS INTO COMPUTER ON SUN.11/9. NOT TRUE! AND PO411 CODE = 'SECONDARY 'AIR PUMP IS NEEDED. PART IS $242.50 PLUS LABOR. NEITHER FORD NOR WARRANTY DIRECT WILL COVER THIS REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #10047087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 11,500 miles Kirkland, WA

SUSPENSION

THE VEHICLE SHIMMIES AT ABOUT 62 OR 63 MPH, THEN SMOOTHES OUT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE THE REAR END SHIMMY SIDE TO SIDE. YOU CAN FEEL THE ROOF MOVE. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE SHIMMY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT AND STATED ALL NEW MUSTANG CONVERTIBLES SHIMMY. *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10023947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5,000 miles West Newbury, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2000 FORD CONVERTIBLE. MUSTANG. *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****769319

NHTSA complaint #10007130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Antonio, TX

STEERING

DESPITE A NEW SET OF MICHELIN'S, OUR 2000 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE TENDS TO LOSE CONTROL IN THE SLIGHTEST BIT OF STANDING OR FLOWING WATER ON THE ROAD. DUE TO POOR SURFACE DRAINAGE IN SOUTH TEXAS, WITH A HEAVY RAIN IT IS TYPICAL TO FIND A THIN FILM OF FLOWING WATER BEFORE AND AFTER A BRIDGE. ALTHOUGH OTHER TRAFFIC APPEARS UNAFFECTED, THE MUSTANG OFTEN LOSES CONTROL AS IT PASSES THROUGH THE WATER.

NHTSA complaint #10010954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,226 miles Hopewell, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER FOR DIANOIS OF ENGINE MISS. CHARGED $65.00 COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM WHY CAR WAS MISSING. OKAYED FOR TEAR DOWN ADDITIONAL AN $135.00. WAS TOLD PUSH ROD BENT. VALVE AND VALVE SPRING BROKEN. POSSIBLE HEAD DAMAGE. WAS CALLED TO OKAY AN ADDITIONAL $625.00 CHARGE FOR LOOK FOR POSSIBLE PISTON DAMAGE. ALL PROBLEMS STEMING FROM NUMBER 6 CYCLINDER.

NHTSA complaint #10003439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5,812 miles West Newbury, MA

STRUCTURE:BODY

VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS HAS REQUIRED EXTENSIVE REWELDING IN THE A PILLAR AREA.

NHTSA complaint #10000017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.