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1991
Electrical System

1991 Ford Mustang electrical problems

38 of the 98 complaints about the 1991 Ford Mustang are about the electrical system — 39% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 97,032 miles.

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Switch 18 47.4%

Interior/Under Dash 6 15.8%

Electrical System 6 15.8%

Ignition 5 13.2%

Front Underhood 1 2.6%

Wiring 1 2.6%

Alternator/Generator/Regulator 1 2.6%

Electrical System across every Ford Mustang year

1984 14 1.2%

1986 11 1.0%

1987 17 1.5%

1988 60 5.2%

1989 49 4.3%

1990 42 3.7%

1991 38 3.3%

1992 31 2.7%

1993 34 3.0%

1994 26 2.3%

1995 39 3.4%

1996 12 1.0%

1997 10 0.9%

1998 15 1.3%

1999 11 1.0%

2000 17 1.5%

2001 10 0.9%

2002 10 0.9%

2003 10 0.9%

2005 231 20.1%

2006 31 2.7%

2007 35 3.0%

2008 16 1.4%

2010 10 0.9%

2011 24 2.1%

2012 21 1.8%

2013 18 1.6%

2014 11 1.0%

2015 66 5.7%

2016 72 6.3%

2017 34 3.0%

2018 31 2.7%

2019 32 2.8%

2020 25 2.2%

2024 35 3.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Filed 4 Mar 2020 at 49,500 miles Leesburg, VA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOTIFIED HIM THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HAD REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, AIR FLOW, AND ROLLER ROCKERS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE MECHANIC USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, THE POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE NOT CALLED. THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,500.

NHTSA complaint #11316048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 24 Jun 2015 at 79,064 miles Desert HOT Springs, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE AIRBAGS COULD DEPLOY AT AN INAPPROPRIATE TIME OR NOT AT ALL DUE TO THIS PROBLEM THE AIR BAG BLINKS ALL THE TIME AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NO ANSWERS SO I AM RED FLAGGING THIS PROBLEM THANK YOU

NHTSA complaint #10730249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 16 Apr 2013 at 65,000 miles Federal WAY, WA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND THEN FIRE FROM THE DASH BOARD. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND PERSONALLY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE WAS STARTED DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE ECM. THE CONTACT CALLED MANUFACTURER AFTER NOTICING A NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 96V071000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE PARTS FOR THE REMEDY WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SIX MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10508424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 16 Jun 2008 at 126,000 miles Roberts, WI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HAD SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER DASH. LOST RADIO, AND TAIL LIGHTS WIRES FROM LIGHT SWITCH TO TAIL LIGHT MELTED. NOT SURE IF FROM FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. WOULD LIKE MORE INFO.

NHTSA complaint #10231239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 4 Jan 2006 at 115,000 miles Connelly Springs, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN 96V071000 CONCERNING THE IGNITION. HOWEVER THE RECALL REPAIRS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE.

NHTSA complaint #10146898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 9 Mar 2004 at 263,000 miles Missouri City, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT GO INTO THE AUXILIARY MODE. NHTSA RECALL 96V071000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH WAS ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALSO, FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE DETACHED AT THE SIDES. DEALER INSPECTED THE FLOOR, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE FLOOR COULD BE FIXED, BUT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE DETACHED ON THE SIDES.

NHTSA complaint #10061734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 1 Mar 2001 H, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #741130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 12 Oct 2000 Malibu, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY DIE INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER MUST WAIT ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO RESTART. *AK THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START FROM PARKING TOO.

NHTSA complaint #872883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 18 Sep 2000 Santa Rosa, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

INTERMITTENT IGNITION MODULE FAILURE/ UNSAFE FOR NORMAL OPERATION AS VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY LOOSE POWER ON SURFACE STREETS, FREEWAY AND IN INTERSECTIONS!

NHTSA complaint #731269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 11 Sep 2000 Collinsvil, OK Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT (IGNITION SWITCH) PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #782489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 4 Mar 2000 Brandon, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #719691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 29 Oct 1999 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED PER RECALL NOTICE 95S28, CONSUMER EXPERIENCING DEALER PROBLEM BECAUSE HE WANTS DEALER TO GIVE HIM THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. NLM

NHTSA complaint #515622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 29 Oct 1999 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED PER RECALL NOTICE 95S28, CONSUMER EXPERIENCING DEALER PROBLEM BECAUSE HE WANTS DEALER TO GIVE HIM THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. NLM

NHTSA complaint #515622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 29 Oct 1999 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED PER RECALL NOTICE 95S28, CONSUMER EXPERIENCING DEALER PROBLEM BECAUSE HE WANTS DEALER TO GIVE HIM THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. NLM

NHTSA complaint #515622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 25 Mar 1999 ST Petersburg, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

RECALL 96V071000; OCCUPANT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT DEALER DID NOT DO THE RECALL BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS THE CONSUMER'S PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #828827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 14 Oct 1998 Bell Garde, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH RECALL WORK COMPLETED, VEHICLE FIRE AFTER REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #516115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 29 Apr 1998 Fostoria, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAR WONT START INTERMITTENTLY.DUE TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #535486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 4 Sep 1997 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #515622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 17 Jul 1997 Bell Garde, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIR, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #516115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 27 May 1997 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #516425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 27 May 1997 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #515518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 24 Apr 1997 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA complaint #515791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 24 Mar 1997 Bell Garden, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#96V07100); NOTIFIED DEALER & RECEIVED AN APPOINTMENT FOR FOLLOWING WEEK; VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN GARAGE BEFORE GOING TO DEALER; FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. SENDING COPY.

NHTSA complaint #810356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 3 Mar 1997 Concord, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #809592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Jan 1997 Stamford, CT Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

ALTERNATOR SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #512590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 31 Dec 1996 Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #512203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 4 Nov 1996 Springfield, KY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

RECEIVED RECALL #96V071000 ON THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION NOV 02, 1996, ON NOV 04, 1996, THE IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE . PLEASE DESCRIBE .

NHTSA complaint #804459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 25 Oct 1996 Winter Springs, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

DRIVING HOME APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH , THERE WAS A SMELL OF SMOKE AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE STEERING PANEL, PULLED OVER , GOT OUT OF CAR AND IN MATTER OF SECONDS IT WAS IN FLAMES. *AK CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS A RECALL ON A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #804051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 21 May 1996 Warsaw, MO Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE.