Owners have filed 59 complaints
about the 2002 Ford Mustang GT with NHTSA between 2003 and 2018.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 11 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 39
Against the median year of the Ford Mustang GT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
28.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 60
35% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Ford Mustang GT
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
23.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
611.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
611.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1121.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
713.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1019.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
917.6%
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.
Jan 2003peak 3Jan 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Ford Mustang GT
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.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE 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 96,000 milesMaurepas, LACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
I RECENTLY WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE LATE AFTER WORK ON INTERSTATE 10 AT 60 MPH WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL , HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THROWN INTO ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS STATED IN POLICE REPORT. BOTH FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE HOWEVER NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING FACIAL TRAUMA SEATBELTS FAILED, AS IT DID NOT HOLD MY 100 LB BODY IN PLACE.CAUSING INJURY. FROM BEING THROWN ALL OVER THE CAR CAUSING LOSS OF CONCIOUSNOUS. BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND HUB WAS TORN OFF FROM IMPACT AND AXLE WAS BROKE. CAR HAD 96 K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED.AND CARED FOR. HOWEVER THIS CAR HAS FAULTY AIRBAGS, SEATBELTS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES THAT CA RESULT IN A HUMAN LIFE!
NHTSA complaint #11061482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesMaurepas, LACrash2 injured
WHEELS
I RECENTLY WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE LATE AFTER WORK ON INTERSTATE 10 AT 60 MPH WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL , HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THROWN INTO ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS STATED IN POLICE REPORT. BOTH FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE HOWEVER NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING FACIAL TRAUMA SEATBELTS FAILED, AS IT DID NOT HOLD MY 100 LB BODY IN PLACE.CAUSING INJURY. FROM BEING THROWN ALL OVER THE CAR CAUSING LOSS OF CONCIOUSNOUS. BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND HUB WAS TORN OFF FROM IMPACT AND AXLE WAS BROKE. CAR HAD 96 K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED.AND CARED FOR. HOWEVER THIS CAR HAS FAULTY AIRBAGS, SEATBELTS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES THAT CA RESULT IN A HUMAN LIFE!
NHTSA complaint #11061482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesMaurepas, LACrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I RECENTLY WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE LATE AFTER WORK ON INTERSTATE 10 AT 60 MPH WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL , HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THROWN INTO ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS STATED IN POLICE REPORT. BOTH FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE HOWEVER NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING FACIAL TRAUMA SEATBELTS FAILED, AS IT DID NOT HOLD MY 100 LB BODY IN PLACE.CAUSING INJURY. FROM BEING THROWN ALL OVER THE CAR CAUSING LOSS OF CONCIOUSNOUS. BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND HUB WAS TORN OFF FROM IMPACT AND AXLE WAS BROKE. CAR HAD 96 K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED.AND CARED FOR. HOWEVER THIS CAR HAS FAULTY AIRBAGS, SEATBELTS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES THAT CA RESULT IN A HUMAN LIFE!
NHTSA complaint #11061482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCoram, NYCrashFire
POWER TRAIN
1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS STATIONS WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP AND KICK OUT THE FUELLER GUN AND SPIT GAS OUT OF MY TANK AND SPILL ON MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO OIL ON MY SPARK PLUGS AND PORTS. 2 -POWERTRAIN - POOR STABILITY IN DRIVING AND SQUEAKY NOISES COMING FROM REAREND. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WENT THROUGH FOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, FIRST TIME AT 800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ONLY. FORD REPLACED ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. PRESENTLY I AM RE-EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SECOND AND THIRD GEAR TO FINAL INOPERABILITY CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP DEAD WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10568663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCoram, NYCrashFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS STATIONS WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP AND KICK OUT THE FUELLER GUN AND SPIT GAS OUT OF MY TANK AND SPILL ON MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO OIL ON MY SPARK PLUGS AND PORTS. 2 -POWERTRAIN - POOR STABILITY IN DRIVING AND SQUEAKY NOISES COMING FROM REAREND. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WENT THROUGH FOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, FIRST TIME AT 800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ONLY. FORD REPLACED ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. PRESENTLY I AM RE-EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SECOND AND THIRD GEAR TO FINAL INOPERABILITY CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP DEAD WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10568663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCoram, NYCrashFire
ENGINE
1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS STATIONS WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP AND KICK OUT THE FUELLER GUN AND SPIT GAS OUT OF MY TANK AND SPILL ON MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO OIL ON MY SPARK PLUGS AND PORTS. 2 -POWERTRAIN - POOR STABILITY IN DRIVING AND SQUEAKY NOISES COMING FROM REAREND. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WENT THROUGH FOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, FIRST TIME AT 800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ONLY. FORD REPLACED ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. PRESENTLY I AM RE-EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SECOND AND THIRD GEAR TO FINAL INOPERABILITY CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP DEAD WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10568663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 96,000 milesMaurepas, LACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
I RECENTLY WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE LATE AFTER WORK ON INTERSTATE 10 AT 60 MPH WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL , HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THROWN INTO ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS STATED IN POLICE REPORT. BOTH FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE HOWEVER NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING FACIAL TRAUMA SEATBELTS FAILED, AS IT DID NOT HOLD MY 100 LB BODY IN PLACE.CAUSING INJURY. FROM BEING THROWN ALL OVER THE CAR CAUSING LOSS OF CONCIOUSNOUS. BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND HUB WAS TORN OFF FROM IMPACT AND AXLE WAS BROKE. CAR HAD 96 K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED.AND CARED FOR. HOWEVER THIS CAR HAS FAULTY AIRBAGS, SEATBELTS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES THAT CA RESULT IN A HUMAN LIFE!
NHTSA complaint #11061482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesMaurepas, LACrash2 injured
WHEELS
I RECENTLY WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE LATE AFTER WORK ON INTERSTATE 10 AT 60 MPH WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL , HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THROWN INTO ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS STATED IN POLICE REPORT. BOTH FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE HOWEVER NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING FACIAL TRAUMA SEATBELTS FAILED, AS IT DID NOT HOLD MY 100 LB BODY IN PLACE.CAUSING INJURY. FROM BEING THROWN ALL OVER THE CAR CAUSING LOSS OF CONCIOUSNOUS. BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND HUB WAS TORN OFF FROM IMPACT AND AXLE WAS BROKE. CAR HAD 96 K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED.AND CARED FOR. HOWEVER THIS CAR HAS FAULTY AIRBAGS, SEATBELTS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES THAT CA RESULT IN A HUMAN LIFE!
NHTSA complaint #11061482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesMaurepas, LACrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I RECENTLY WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE LATE AFTER WORK ON INTERSTATE 10 AT 60 MPH WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL , HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THROWN INTO ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS STATED IN POLICE REPORT. BOTH FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE HOWEVER NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING FACIAL TRAUMA SEATBELTS FAILED, AS IT DID NOT HOLD MY 100 LB BODY IN PLACE.CAUSING INJURY. FROM BEING THROWN ALL OVER THE CAR CAUSING LOSS OF CONCIOUSNOUS. BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND HUB WAS TORN OFF FROM IMPACT AND AXLE WAS BROKE. CAR HAD 96 K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED.AND CARED FOR. HOWEVER THIS CAR HAS FAULTY AIRBAGS, SEATBELTS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES THAT CA RESULT IN A HUMAN LIFE!
NHTSA complaint #11061482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,400 milesGreer, SC
ENGINE
BLEW SPARK PLUG OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10924364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesGoldsboro, NC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE ABS ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON. IT CANNOT BE TURNED OFF. THERE HAS BEEN NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKING OR ANY ACCIDENT SINCE THIS OCCURRED ABOUT JUNE 2016. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED BY FORD, SINCE THIS COULD BE A HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10885859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,374 milesYauco, PR
SERVICE BRAKES
FORD MOTOR COMPANY DISCONTINUED THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE ANTI-LOCK PUMP UNIT (ABS PUMP) OF THEIR CLASSIC CAR FORD MUSTANG FOR THE YEARS 1999 TO 2004. IT IS A PART THAT SERVES THE CAR'S SAFETY SYSTEM BEING AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE BRAKE COMPONENTS. THIS IS AN UNWISE DECISION THAT ENDANGERS THE LIFE OF 1999-2004 MUSTANG OWNERS AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. ACCORDING TO WWW.WIKIPEDIA.ORG A TOTAL OF 947,667 MUSTANGS WERE SOLD ON THE REFERENCE YEARS, THE MAJORITY IS STILL ON THE ROAD. IT IS UNCLEAR IF THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WAS DISCONTINUED ALSO.
NHTSA complaint #10790364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesNEW Bedford, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAD JUST FINISHED FUELING UP MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT IN TO START IT UP I HEARD A POP AND HISSING SOUND.... WHEN I CHECKED IT HAD BLOWN ANOTHER SPARK PLUG AND COIL OUT OF CYLINDER 7.... IT BLEW ONE OUT OF CYLINDER 8 AND I HAD IT FIXED NOW CYLINDER 7 DID IT.... ITS OBVIOUSLY COMMON FOR THE 4.6 MOTOR TO DO THIS AND I DON'T FIND IT RIGHT THAT US OWNERS HAVE TO CONSTANTLY FIX THESE PROBLEMS WHEN ITS FORD'S FAULT FOR MAKING THIS MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10692831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesNEW Bedford, MA
ENGINE
I HAD JUST FINISHED FUELING UP MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT IN TO START IT UP I HEARD A POP AND HISSING SOUND.... WHEN I CHECKED IT HAD BLOWN ANOTHER SPARK PLUG AND COIL OUT OF CYLINDER 7.... IT BLEW ONE OUT OF CYLINDER 8 AND I HAD IT FIXED NOW CYLINDER 7 DID IT.... ITS OBVIOUSLY COMMON FOR THE 4.6 MOTOR TO DO THIS AND I DON'T FIND IT RIGHT THAT US OWNERS HAVE TO CONSTANTLY FIX THESE PROBLEMS WHEN ITS FORD'S FAULT FOR MAKING THIS MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10692831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesNEW Bedford, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAD JUST FINISHED FUELING UP MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT IN TO START IT UP I HEARD A POP AND HISSING SOUND.... WHEN I CHECKED IT HAD BLOWN ANOTHER SPARK PLUG AND COIL OUT OF CYLINDER 7.... IT BLEW ONE OUT OF CYLINDER 8 AND I HAD IT FIXED NOW CYLINDER 7 DID IT.... ITS OBVIOUSLY COMMON FOR THE 4.6 MOTOR TO DO THIS AND I DON'T FIND IT RIGHT THAT US OWNERS HAVE TO CONSTANTLY FIX THESE PROBLEMS WHEN ITS FORD'S FAULT FOR MAKING THIS MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10692831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSmithfield, NC
SEAT BELTS
I HAVE REPLACED DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS 2 TIME AND THEY NEED IT AGAIN THEY STOP RETRACTING. MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT WORK IT THE SUN SHINES ON THAT SIDE OF CAR. HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE SO FOGGY YOU COULDN'T SEE WHEN LIGHTS WERE ON.
NHTSA complaint #10660696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSmithfield, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE REPLACED DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS 2 TIME AND THEY NEED IT AGAIN THEY STOP RETRACTING. MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT WORK IT THE SUN SHINES ON THAT SIDE OF CAR. HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE SO FOGGY YOU COULDN'T SEE WHEN LIGHTS WERE ON.
NHTSA complaint #10660696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesLancaster, PA
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF HEAD AND THERE'S A KNOCK COMING FROM THE BLOCK.
NHTSA complaint #10653446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCoram, NYCrashFire
POWER TRAIN
1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS STATIONS WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP AND KICK OUT THE FUELLER GUN AND SPIT GAS OUT OF MY TANK AND SPILL ON MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO OIL ON MY SPARK PLUGS AND PORTS. 2 -POWERTRAIN - POOR STABILITY IN DRIVING AND SQUEAKY NOISES COMING FROM REAREND. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WENT THROUGH FOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, FIRST TIME AT 800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ONLY. FORD REPLACED ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. PRESENTLY I AM RE-EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SECOND AND THIRD GEAR TO FINAL INOPERABILITY CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP DEAD WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10568663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCoram, NYCrashFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS STATIONS WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP AND KICK OUT THE FUELLER GUN AND SPIT GAS OUT OF MY TANK AND SPILL ON MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO OIL ON MY SPARK PLUGS AND PORTS. 2 -POWERTRAIN - POOR STABILITY IN DRIVING AND SQUEAKY NOISES COMING FROM REAREND. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WENT THROUGH FOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, FIRST TIME AT 800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ONLY. FORD REPLACED ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. PRESENTLY I AM RE-EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SECOND AND THIRD GEAR TO FINAL INOPERABILITY CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP DEAD WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10568663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCoram, NYCrashFire
ENGINE
1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS STATIONS WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP AND KICK OUT THE FUELLER GUN AND SPIT GAS OUT OF MY TANK AND SPILL ON MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO OIL ON MY SPARK PLUGS AND PORTS. 2 -POWERTRAIN - POOR STABILITY IN DRIVING AND SQUEAKY NOISES COMING FROM REAREND. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WENT THROUGH FOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, FIRST TIME AT 800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ONLY. FORD REPLACED ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. PRESENTLY I AM RE-EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ALL DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SECOND AND THIRD GEAR TO FINAL INOPERABILITY CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP DEAD WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10568663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesBonneau, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A 2002 MUSTANG GT BULLITT THAT I BOUGHT IN JULY 2013. SO FAR I HAVE HAD TWO DIFFERENT INCIDENTS WHERE A SPARK PLUG HAS BLOWN THE HEAD. THE MOST RECENT WAS YESTERDAY 11/23/2013. ALL I WAS DOING WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A NOISE COME FROM THE SPARK PLUG. TODAY, I CHANGED THE SPARK PLUG AGAIN, AND SO FAR IT IS RUNNING OKAY FOR NOW. BUT A FEW WEEKS AGO, I CHANGED THE SAME SPARK PLUG, THEN IT WORKED FINE, THEN IT WENT OUT AGAIN YESTERDAY. SO, HOPEFULLY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN, BUT IF IT DOES, I WON'T BE SURPRISED.
NHTSA complaint #10553626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,723 milesMonterey, CA
ENGINE
THE NUMBER THREE (3) SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10551717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,673 milesEllenboro, NC
WHEELS
WE WERE GOING AROUND A CURVE ABOUT 45 MPH AND HEARD A POP LIKE SOMETHING HARD BROKE. DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS AT THE TIME. WENT TO THE SHOP UP THE ROAD AND PULLED OVER THE PIT AND LOOK UNDER THE CAR, AFTER 10 OR 15 MIN SEEN WHAT LOOKED LIKE A CRACK ON THE BACK OF ONE OF THE FIVE SPOKES ON THE REAR RIM A BUDDY OF OURS SAID COME UP HERE AND LOOK ITS BROKE I COULD PULL FISHING LINE THROUGH IT, WENT UP AND TALKED ABOUT IT. JUST DON'T WANT ANYONE TO GET KILLED IF IT HAPPENS AT THE WRONG TIME. NO MARKS OR ANY REASON IT SHOULD HAVE BROKE. DO I NEED TO LET ANYONE LOOK AT THIS TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEM. THANKS SURPRISED.
NHTSA complaint #10476950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Mateo, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THIS IS REGARDING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON FORD V8 ENGINES. MY INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 2002 FORD MUSTANG V8 CRACKED AND CAUSED ME TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT LEAKED COOLANT RAPIDLY. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED (IN WHICH FORD WAS HELD LIABLE) IN THE PAST YEARS AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS ISSUE. FORD HAS SINCE STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT HONOR ANY REPAIRS AFTER MARCH 2006. HOWEVER, THIS IS STILL AN ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO FURTHER. MY MUSTANG ONLY HAS 89K MILES AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING A MAJOR REPAIR BILL OF $1,231. FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANY/ALL REPAIR COSTS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME REGARDING THIS WEAK ENGINEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10433138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesKittell, NCCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD MUSTANG GT. WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL WHEN TRYING TO AVOID A DEER ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED OVER WHEN THE SEAT BELTS BROKE FROM THE LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INTERNAL BLEEDING, TORN LIGAMENTS TO THE SHOULDER AND ARMS AND BRUISING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #10327971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,383 milesMoore, OK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I OWN A 2002 FORD MUSTANG GT WITH A 2-VALVE 4.6L ENGINE WITH ONLY 46K MILES. AROUND 1 APR 10 I STARTED HEARING A DISTINCT TICKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. NOT BEING THAT MECHANICALLY INCLINED, I ASSUMED SOME LIFTERS NEEDED ADJUSTING; SO, I BRUSHED THE NOISE OFF. ON 10 APR 10 I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN SOUNDS THAT PATTED LIKE A HARLEY RUNNING OUT OF GAS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED SEVERAL TIMES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ONLY 2 MILES FROM HOME; SO, I SPUTTERED THE REST OF THE WAY. AS I HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL, I CHECKED THE CODE AND IT READ THE #3 CYLINDER WAS MISS FIRING. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS. ONCE I FIGURED OUT HOW TO GET ALL THAT DONE, I REMOVED THE COIL FROM THE CYLINDER AND IT WAS SHREDDED WITH THE COIL DANGLING. I EXTRACTED THE SPARK PLUG WITH NO RESISTANCE BECAUSE IT WAS JUST SITTING IN THE HOLE. TO MY SURPRISE, IT WAS THE ORIGINAL SPARK PLUG THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. I TRIED TO PUT IN A NEW SPARK PLUG, BUT IT WOULD NOT TIGHTENED AT ALL. I ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES AND EVEN TRIED TO MAKE IT CROSS-THREAD, BUT IT WOULD NOT TAKE. WHEN I TOOK A GOOD LOOK AT THE SPARK PLUG, I SAW WHERE THE BOTTOM THREE THREADS WERE SMASHED FLAT AND THE METAL THAT YOU GAP WAS MASHED AGAINST THE ELECTRIC DIODE. I CALLED BOB MOORE FORD IN OKC AND THE SERVICE WRITER, GERRY, TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THAT EVENT. I ASKED HIM WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED IT AND HE RESPONDED IMPROPERLY TORQUED SPARK PLUGS. WHEN I TOLD HIM IT WAS THE FACTORY PLUG, HE SAID THEN HOT RODDING MUST HAVE CAUSED IT. I TOLD HIM ITS MY WIFE'S CAR AND THE CAR DOESN'T TAKE ANY ABUSE. I ASKED HOW MUCH BOB MOORE CHARGES TO DO A HELICOIL AND HE SAID $500. I LET HIM GO. I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND GETTING THE CYLINDER RE-THREAD FOR WHOLE LOT LESS AND WHOLE LOT BETTER ATTITUDE. HOPEFULLY, IT HOLDS.
NHTSA complaint #10325264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesGlenford, OH
SEAT BELTS
-----ORIGINAL MESSAGE----- SENT: 4/20/2009 10:39:26 PM SUBJECT: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES FORD MOTOR COMPANY MAIN TOPIC: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES EMAIL QUESTIONS: DEAR SIR OR MADAM, I AM WRITING TO FORD BECAUSE I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY 2002 FORD MUSTANG GT. MY FORD MUSTANG'S SEATBELTS DO NOT AND HAVE NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR; THEY WILL NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND HANG UP, I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING MESS WITH THEM SO THEY CAN BE USED. I HAVE OWNED FOUR OTHER MUSTANGS (FOX AND SN95 CARS) AND THREE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS, I ALSO HAVE A FRIEND WITH A 2001 MUSTANG COBRA WHICH ALSO HAS DEFECTIVE SEATBELTS. I PURCHASED MY CAR SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND IT ONLY HAD 36,000 MILES ON IT, THE CAR HAD BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND BABIED AS I HAVE DONE ALSO. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT. I BELIEVE THE FAULTY SEATBELTS IN MY MUSTANG AND MY FRIEND'S COBRA COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO AN OCCUPANT IF INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. THIS PROBLEM IS OFTEN MENTIONED ON FORD MUSTANG FORUMS AND I HAVE QUESTIONED MY DEALER WHERE MY CAR IS REGULARLY SERVICE (MATHEWS FORD, IN NEWARK, OHIO). THIS PAST WINTER WHILE DRIVING THE CAR I HAD A DEER RUN OUT IN FRONT OF ME, I PUSHED THE BRAKES TO THE FLOOR WHICH CAUSED MY GIRLFRIEND TO ALMOST HIT THE DASH BECAUSE HER SEATBELT DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. I AM ASKING THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPLACE THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN MY FORD MUSTANG, BOTH SEATBELTS ARE FAULTY WITH THE PASSENGER BELT BEING THE WORSE. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFE AND NEVER HAD FAULTY BELTS LIKE FORD MUSTANGS SEEM TO HAVE. I BELIEVE A REPUTABLE MANUFACTURE LIKE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REMEDY THE SITUATION AND NOT ALLOW MYSELF OR MY PASSENGERS TO RISK BODILY INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTION ON MY SEATBELTS. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10304042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesLevittown, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUGS EJECTING OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD ON MY 2002 FORD MUSTANG GT. HAD ONE BLOW OUT 1 YEAR AGO AND NOW ANOTHER ON THE OTHER HEAD. USED HELI-COIL KIT TO REPAIR THE FIRST ONE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HEAD. JUST THIS PAST OCTOBER IN 2009 THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT AGAIN. GOT NEW HEAD INSTALLED IN JANUARY 2010. A WEEK LATER , JUST TODAY, ANOTHER SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT ON PASSENGER SIDE HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10302355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN Valley, CA
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER SEAT BELT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT TIGHTEN UP WHEN BUCKLED OR RETRACT. SECOND PROBLEM. GASOLINE TANK HAS A BROKEN GASKET/SEAL THAT GOES FROM THE FILLER NECK TO THE GAS TANK. GAS TANK IS LEAKING GAS WHILE PARKED OR DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10274008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN Valley, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PASSENGER SEAT BELT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT TIGHTEN UP WHEN BUCKLED OR RETRACT. SECOND PROBLEM. GASOLINE TANK HAS A BROKEN GASKET/SEAL THAT GOES FROM THE FILLER NECK TO THE GAS TANK. GAS TANK IS LEAKING GAS WHILE PARKED OR DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10274008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.