FaultScore

FaultScore report

1988 Ford Mustang problems

Owners have filed 132 complaints about the 1988 Ford Mustang with NHTSA between 1995 and 2021. The largest single group is the electrical system.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

132

Complaints

2

Crashes reported

42

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

72,313 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

27%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

How 1988 compares with every other Ford Mustang

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 1988 Ford Mustang

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

0 crashes, 35 fires · median 47,000 mi

Lights 18 13.6%

Median failure at 17,000 miles

Seat Belts 10 7.6%
Fuel & Propulsion 7 5.3%

0 crashes, 4 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 3.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 3.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 218,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 5 3.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 5,000 mi

Steering 4 3.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 72,313 mi

Seats 3 2.3%

Median failure at 73,000 miles

Body & Structure 3 2.3%

Median failure at 72,313 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 2.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Equipment & Accessories 2 1.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 1.5%
Other & Unspecified 1 0.8%
Wheels 1 0.8%
Tires 1 0.8%
Suspension 1 0.8%

Median failure at 72,313 miles

Brakes 1 0.8%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Switch 31 42.5%
Ignition 10 13.7%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator 8 11.0%
Headlights 8 11.0%
Switch 5 6.8%
Retractor 4 5.5%
Power Window Devices AND Controls 4 5.5%
FOG Lights 3 4.1%

When it fails

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

1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 9.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 18.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 9.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 5 45.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 9.1%
150,000+ miles 1 9.1%

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 1995 peak 16 May 2021

NHTSA investigations into the 1988 Ford Mustang

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.

PE93011 Opened 3 Mar 1993 Closed 19 Jul 1993 EQUIPMENT

CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION

PE91137 Opened 9 Oct 1991 Closed 27 Feb 1992 STRUCTURE

HOOD LATCH FAILURES

PE91078 Opened 28 May 1991 Closed 23 Sep 1991 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FAILURE

PE90052 Opened 7 Mar 1990 Closed 20 Jun 1990 SEATS

FR SEAT FLOOR MOUNT FAILS

PE89133 Opened 29 Jun 1989 Closed 28 Nov 1989 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

UNDERDASH FIRES

Recalls on the 1988 Ford Mustang

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

06E049000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

96V071000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1995212 834,368 units in 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.

Recall 1992097 62,102 units in Canada

Emissions

CERTAIN 1987-89 MUSTANG 2.3 LITRE, 1986 MUSTANG & CAPRI 5.0 LITRE HO, AND 1987-89 MUSTANG & MARK VII 5.0 LITRE HO. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE SUBSTRATE IN THE CATALYST MAY RATTLE AND BREAK UP DURING NORMAL USE CAUSING EXHAUST EMISSIONS TO EXCEED THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: CATALYST WILL BE REPLACED WHERE NECESSARY.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

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

Palm Coast, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING TO A FUNERAL HOME TO PICK UP ASHES 40 MILES FROM HOME WITH TWO CHOW DOGS WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING AND WAS BURNING. THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONTACTED AAA TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A RELIABLE REPAIR SHOP. I HAD A USED ONE INSTALLED AS THE FORD DEALER SAID THE COMPUTER DOES NOT GO BACK TO THAT YEAR FOR PARTS. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER I FOUND OUT HOW TO FIND OUT DUE TO A GOOD MORNING AMERICA SHOW. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER THIS TIME IN PERSON AND AGAIN COMPUTER COULD NOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION.THE PERSON IN CHARGE WAS JOHN LARUE AND HE GAVE ME A PHONE NUMBER TO FORD 1-800-392-3673 AND I CALLED EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND APPARENTLY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AS THERE MAY BE A BLANKET RECALL WHATEVER THAT IS AND NOTHING LISTED ON THEIR COMPUTER AND WAS BLOWN OFF. NOTHING . NADA. I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU SELL IT YOU SERVICE IT IF IT IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS MY REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT.

NHTSA complaint #10325609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milan, OH Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER BEGAN TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE VEHICLE WAS EVACUATED AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED, POSSIBLE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS ENGINE OIL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT 10-90-256)

NHTSA complaint #566198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sebastopol, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM DASH. CAR CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED.

NHTSA complaint #735028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Simi Valley, CA Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CAR FROM A FAST IDLE JUMPED INTO REVERSE RAN OUT OF CONTROL INJURING ONE PERSON AND CRASHING INTO TWO VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #725367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dandrigge, TN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE FROM HOOD AREA. PULLED VEHICLE OVER TO A SERVICE CENTER, OPENED HOOD AND SAW ALTERNATOR ON FIRE. A SERVICEMAN TRIED TO PUT FIRE OUT WITH A EXTINGUISHER, BUT FIRE WOULD NOT EXTINGUISH UNTIL CABLE ON BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED.

NHTSA complaint #845350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Graham, WA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE, CONSUMER NOT NOTIFIED OF RECALL ON COMPONENT.

NHTSA complaint #544873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

at 5,000 miles LAS Vegas, NV

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 1988 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while adding air to the tires, the radiator exploded in the engine. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA complaint #11418922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm Coast, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING TO A FUNERAL HOME TO PICK UP ASHES 40 MILES FROM HOME WITH TWO CHOW DOGS WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING AND WAS BURNING. THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONTACTED AAA TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A RELIABLE REPAIR SHOP. I HAD A USED ONE INSTALLED AS THE FORD DEALER SAID THE COMPUTER DOES NOT GO BACK TO THAT YEAR FOR PARTS. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER I FOUND OUT HOW TO FIND OUT DUE TO A GOOD MORNING AMERICA SHOW. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER THIS TIME IN PERSON AND AGAIN COMPUTER COULD NOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION.THE PERSON IN CHARGE WAS JOHN LARUE AND HE GAVE ME A PHONE NUMBER TO FORD 1-800-392-3673 AND I CALLED EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND APPARENTLY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AS THERE MAY BE A BLANKET RECALL WHATEVER THAT IS AND NOTHING LISTED ON THEIR COMPUTER AND WAS BLOWN OFF. NOTHING . NADA. I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU SELL IT YOU SERVICE IT IF IT IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS MY REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT.

NHTSA complaint #10325609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Mill Valley, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN RIDING ROUGHLY AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OUT OF TRAFFIC, WAITED TWENTY MINUTES, AND THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. HE DROVE A BLOCK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE IGNITION MODULE FAILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #10241065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,000 miles Fairview, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD MUSTANG. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HORN DO NOT WORK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DISCONTINUED THE PARTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA complaint #10214276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,000 miles Fairview, NJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD MUSTANG. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HORN DO NOT WORK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DISCONTINUED THE PARTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA complaint #10214276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Burlington, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE IGNITION SWITCH WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED DURING NHTSA CAMPAIGN 96V071000. FORD PART #F29A-11572-DA. WIRING HARNESS END WAS ALSO REPAIRED DUE TO MELTING DURING OVERHEATING OF TERMINALS. THE SWITCH THAT WAS REPLACED DID NOT MELT OR FAIL INTERNALLY, BUT BECAME SEPARATED. THE ORIGINAL SWITCH AS WELL AS THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND A LIGHT DUTY WHITE METAL THAT ARE CRIMPED ON THE ENDS TO CLOSE THE SWITCH. I FOUND THAT THE OLD SWITCH AS WELL AS THE NEW FAULTY SWITCH, BECAME SEPARATED. THE END CRIMPS SLOWLY BEND OPEN AND THE TOP OF THE SWITCH PUSHES AWAY FROM THE BASE. THIS SEPARATION SEEMS TO BE CAUSED BY THE INTERNAL SPRING PRESSURE ON THE SWITCH PLATES PUSHING ON THE BATTERY SIDE. THE METAL CRIMPS ARE NOT ABLE TO HOLD THE SWITCH CLOSED. THERE IS NO OTHER MECHANICAL FASTENERS HOLDING THIS SWITCH TOGETHER. THE INCREASED GAP BETWEEN THE CONTACT PLATES CAUSES AN OVERHEATING OF THE SWITCH, PRIMARILY AT THE BATTERY CONNECTORS, MELTING THE SWITCH AND HARNESS ASSEMBLY. MY FIRST SWITCH ONLY CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE HARNESS AND WIRES. BECAUSE I CHECKED INTO THE SMELL OF BURNING INSULATION IN THE COLUMN I DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FIRE OR SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THIS TIME, I DID NOT SMELL ANYTHING, BUT LOST POWER TO MY TURN SIGNALS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE ROAD. WHEN I TRACED THE POWER LOSS I CAME TO THE IGNITION SWITCH AND FOUND THE HARNESS MELTING AGAIN AND THE SWITCH NEARLY SPLITTING IN HALF WHEN IT WAS UNBOLTED FROM THE COLUMN. AGAIN THE SWITCH OPENED UP AS THE METAL BASE GAVE WAY.

NHTSA complaint #10166609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crystal River, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH DRIVER HIT A CURB WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC REPLACED ROTORS AND PARTS DUE TO CORROSION.

NHTSA complaint #10046511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 218,000 miles RIO Rancho, NM

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

ABOUT A MONTH AGO, WHILE RETURNING FROM A LONG TRIP, THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY MUSTANG JUST STOPPED WORKING. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE HOLLOW PLASTIC HEAD PIECE ON THE ACTUATOR CABLE HAD BROKEN AND THE CONTROL CABLE WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO PULL ON THE THROTTLE. THE STEEL CABLE IS TERMINATED A COUPLE OF INCHES BACK OF THE THROTTLE ARM AND SLIDES FREELY INSIDE THE PLASTIC HEAD PIECE WHICH IS ATTACHED THE THROTTLE ARM ITSELF. I ASSUME IT BUILT LIKE THIS TO PREVENT BINDING WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT IN USE. FAST FORWARD TO YESTERDAY, WHILE COMING HOME ON THE FREEWAY, I WAS ACCELERATING AROUND SOME SLOWER MOVING CARS WHEN THE THROTTLE JAMMED WIDE OPEN. NO AMOUNT OF MANIPULATION OF THE PEDDLE COULD GET PROBLEM TO CLEAR SO I HAD TO KILL THE IGNITION AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I GOT OUT AND INSPECTED THE LINKAGE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE END OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD SLID PAST THE END OF THE PLASTIC HEAD PIECE AND HAD JAMMED THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. THE NATURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CABLE AND THE PLASTIC END PIECE MAKES THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ONLY POSSIBLE IF THE THROTTLE IS WIDE OPEN. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THE KIND OF PROBLEM THAT RECALLS ARE MADE OF. HAS ANYBODY ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM? *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10023085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,313 miles Albuquerque, NM

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

SWAY BAR REPLACEMENT/STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION. MR THE REPAIRED/REPLACED PARTS ARE AS FOLLOWED: SWAY BAR LINKS(REPLACED THE TWO SIDES), HEAT SHIELDS HAD COME LOOSE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD COME OFF ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE LOOSE AND WITH THE BROKEN SWAY BAR/ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE SWAY BAR LOOKED AS IF IT WERE CUT ON BOTH SIDES AFTER REPAIRS. SCC

NHTSA complaint #10015752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,313 miles Albuquerque, NM

STRUCTURE

SWAY BAR REPLACEMENT/STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION. MR THE REPAIRED/REPLACED PARTS ARE AS FOLLOWED: SWAY BAR LINKS(REPLACED THE TWO SIDES), HEAT SHIELDS HAD COME LOOSE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD COME OFF ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE LOOSE AND WITH THE BROKEN SWAY BAR/ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE SWAY BAR LOOKED AS IF IT WERE CUT ON BOTH SIDES AFTER REPAIRS. SCC

NHTSA complaint #10015752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,313 miles Albuquerque, NM

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR

SWAY BAR REPLACEMENT/STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION. MR THE REPAIRED/REPLACED PARTS ARE AS FOLLOWED: SWAY BAR LINKS(REPLACED THE TWO SIDES), HEAT SHIELDS HAD COME LOOSE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD COME OFF ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE LOOSE AND WITH THE BROKEN SWAY BAR/ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE SWAY BAR LOOKED AS IF IT WERE CUT ON BOTH SIDES AFTER REPAIRS. SCC

NHTSA complaint #10015752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Butler, PA

SEATS

THE RESTRAINING BOLT ON THE BRACKET OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, WHICH PREVENTS THE SEAT FROM COLLAPSING BACKWARD, SHEARED. I WAS STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT AT THE TIME. HAD I BEEN IN MOTION, I WOULD HAVE COLLAPSED BACKWARD, SUBMARINING UNDERNEATH THE SEAT BELT AND WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED HAD I CRASHED.

NHTSA complaint #10000205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Butler, PA

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

THE RESTRAINING BOLT ON THE BRACKET OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, WHICH PREVENTS THE SEAT FROM COLLAPSING BACKWARD, SHEARED. I WAS STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT AT THE TIME. HAD I BEEN IN MOTION, I WOULD HAVE COLLAPSED BACKWARD, SUBMARINING UNDERNEATH THE SEAT BELT AND WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED HAD I CRASHED.

NHTSA complaint #10000205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crystal River, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

THE PLUG ATTACHED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS BURNED THE WIRE INSIDE OF THE SWITCH. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH

NHTSA complaint #8024043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ST. Clairsville, OH

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. NLM

NHTSA complaint #567728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milan, OH

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #566198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milan, OH Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER BEGAN TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE VEHICLE WAS EVACUATED AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED, POSSIBLE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS ENGINE OIL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT 10-90-256)

NHTSA complaint #566198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

King, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW SOMETIME IN 1988. OVER THE YEARS IT HAS OFTEN STALLED AT THE WORST TIMES. HAD I NOT KNOWN DEFENSIVE MILITARY DRIVING THESE EVENTS MAY HAVE HAD FATAL RESULTS. IT USUALLY SEEMED TO TAKE PLACE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD HEATED CONSIDERABLY. WHEN IT WAS COLD I WAS OFTEN ABLE TO START IT UP. I HAVE SPENT YEARS, MONEY AND GRIEF TRYING TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM PISSED TO FIND OUT THAT FORD KNEW ALL ALONG. MY CAR IS DOING THE SAME [XXX] THING, WHAT ABOUT MY CAR? FORD MADE A COMMENT ABOUT REPLACING THOSE UNDER 100K MILES; WHAT CARS FROM THIS TIME FRAME ARE REALLY UNDER 100K MILES? WILL IT AFFECT ME IN ANY REGARD? CAN YOU ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS?*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #750842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pismo Beach, CA

TIRES

OHTSU TIRES (P225 65 R15) EXPERIENCED BLOWOUTS, THE CONSUMER DID NOT GET COMPENSATED FOR EITHER TIRE. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #558110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocala, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

SINCE CAR NEW HAD PROBLEM WHEN USING FOG LIGHTS, ALL LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT FOR 5 MINUTES OR MORE WHILST DRIVING. DEALER AT THAT TIME SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH LIGHTS. I DID NOT REALIZE AT THAT TIME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE FOG LIGHTS. I HAD USED FOGS FREQUENTLY ON LONG DISTANCE DRIVING AND HAD INITALLY GONE OFF ROAD ON FLA TURNPIKE. AFTER WARRANTY OVER, SPOKE TO OTHER GT OWNERS WHO INFORMED ME OF THE SAME PROBLEM. STOPPED USING FOGS AFTER REALIZING WIRING HARNESS AT SWITCH WAS OVERHEATING. (GLOWING RED).

NHTSA complaint #738639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Jacint, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

THE IGNITION SYSTEM FAILS WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUALLY STALL, CONSUMER IS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE ON EVERY OCCASION SO FAR. *MJS

NHTSA complaint #558129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sebastopol, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM DASH. CAR CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED.

NHTSA complaint #735028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm Desert, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

MY CAR HAS IGNITION STALLING PROBLEMS AND FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #734692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Quakertown, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

CAR CAME TO A STOP ON A HIGHWAY ENTRANCE RAMP. TOWED TO SERVICE STATION. FAULTY TFI MODULE

NHTSA complaint #734167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Snellville, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS AND CONNECTORS IN DASH MELTED AND CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT EXTINGUISHING THE LIGHTS

NHTSA complaint #733492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.