FaultScore report
Owners have filed 132 complaints about the 1993 Ford Mustang with NHTSA between 1995 and 2014. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 26 of 33 worst.
FaultScore 51/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Mustang.
How this is worked out132
Complaints
24
Crashes reported
33
Fires reported
15
Injuries reported
2 complaints report a death.
72,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
33%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires
3 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 71,745 miles
Median failure at 17,000 miles
2 crashes, 3 fires · median 100,000 mi
1 crashes, 2 fires
Median failure at 126,490 miles
2 crashes, 0 fires
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 72,000 mi
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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.
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.
FRONT BRAKE ROTOR FAILURE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THE FUEL RAIL THAT PROVIDES THE FUEL SUPPLY TO THE FUEL INJECTORS HAS AN IMPROPERLY FORMED TUBE WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FRACTURE, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CANRESULT IN A FIRE.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
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.
Fuel System
ON VEHICLES WITH 5.0 LITRE ENGINES, THE FUEL RAIL MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY FORMED TUBE TRANSITION. THIS TRANSITION, IF IMPROPERLY FORMED, MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO FRACTURE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
AIR BAGS
MY NAME IS [XXX] AS [XXX] I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN 1997 WHILE DRIVING MY SON IN LAWS FORD MUSTANG THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND SEAT BELT GRABBED WELL THE AIRBAG EXPLODED IN MY FACE CAUSE GREAT DAMAGE I LOST SITE IN RIGHT EYE BECAUSE OF IT PLUS THE SEAT BELT CUT ME INTO ON THE INSIDE AND I STILL HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES SON IN LAWS NAME IS [XXX] OF MUSK MICH HE HAD FULL COVERAGE THROUGH FARMERS GROUP BUT I RECEIVE NOTHING NOT EVEN MEDICAL CARE FROM THIS ACCIDENT OTHER THEN WHAT I PAID FOR. DO U HAVE ANY ADVISE ON THIS? I'M BLIND FOR LIFE I LOST GALLBLADDER AND STILL HAVE AN UNDERLYING PROBLEM IN STOMACH! I DON'T SEE HOW IT IS FAIR TO HAVE THOSE TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE STYLE OF AUTO AND ALL OF MY PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THEM PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10664922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1993 FORD MUSTANG IGNITION SYSTEM FIRE VEHICLE WAS IN GARAGE AFTER BEING DRIVEN THE DAY BEFORE. ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE STARTER THEN SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL FROM IGNITION WIRES BURNING UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A CLOTH AND I NOTICED THAT THE COATING ON THE WIRES UNDER THE WHEEL WERE BURNT OFF AND THE WIRE WAS CHARRED WHICH HAS RENDERED THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THE VERY PROBLEM THAT I EXPERIENCED (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V071000) I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT MY VEHICLE (EARLY 1993 MODEL) WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND SINCE IT WAS OVER 10 YEARS OLD THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT ANYWAY UNDER THE RECALL. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND NEED TO WAIT FOR THEIR RESPONSE. SO FAR THE FORD DEALERSHIPS LACK OF CONCERN OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS ISSUE ASTOUNDS ME. MY GARAGE COULD HAVE BURNED DOWN PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10166251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT: THE VEHICLE BLEW UP AND CAUGHT ON FIRE DAMAGING 3 OTHER VEHICLE AROUND IT. THE FIRE MARSHAL CAME OUT AND SAID IT WAS MECHIANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS COMING TO INVESTAGATE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10125862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE 30 TO 40 MILES TO A DOCTOR. PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES, AND CAR WAS REPORTED ON FIRE. FIRE FIGHTER SAID ALTENATOR STARTED THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ALTENATOR HAD BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10090112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE 30 TO 40 MILES TO A DOCTOR. PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES, AND CAR WAS REPORTED ON FIRE. FIRE FIGHTER SAID ALTENATOR STARTED THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ALTENATOR HAD BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10090112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE GAS TANK EXPLODED WHEN THE MUSTANG WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, PASSENGEER GOT OUT THE DOOR, BUT DRIVER WAS SATURATED WITH FLAMING GASOLINE AND WAS INSTANTLY BURNED TO DEATH GA. DT
NHTSA complaint #769223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
AIR BAGS
MY NAME IS [XXX] AS [XXX] I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN 1997 WHILE DRIVING MY SON IN LAWS FORD MUSTANG THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND SEAT BELT GRABBED WELL THE AIRBAG EXPLODED IN MY FACE CAUSE GREAT DAMAGE I LOST SITE IN RIGHT EYE BECAUSE OF IT PLUS THE SEAT BELT CUT ME INTO ON THE INSIDE AND I STILL HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES SON IN LAWS NAME IS [XXX] OF MUSK MICH HE HAD FULL COVERAGE THROUGH FARMERS GROUP BUT I RECEIVE NOTHING NOT EVEN MEDICAL CARE FROM THIS ACCIDENT OTHER THEN WHAT I PAID FOR. DO U HAVE ANY ADVISE ON THIS? I'M BLIND FOR LIFE I LOST GALLBLADDER AND STILL HAVE AN UNDERLYING PROBLEM IN STOMACH! I DON'T SEE HOW IT IS FAIR TO HAVE THOSE TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE STYLE OF AUTO AND ALL OF MY PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THEM PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10664922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A 93 MUSTANG 4 CYLINDER WITH 12,000 MILES ON IT IN 12\93. THE CAR NOW ONLY HAS 28,000 MILES ON IT TOTAL. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, THE HATCHBACK LATCH DOESN'T ENGAGE CORRECTLY, WHEN I GO TO LOCK THE IGNITION SWITCH, I HAVE TO CONTINUALLY JIGGLE THE GEARSHIFTER BEFORE THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL LOCK, AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS A LEAK IN IT SOMEWHERE. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED OCCURRING IN JUNE OF 2000, BUT DUE TO WARRANTY ONLY BEING GOOD FOR 3 YEARS, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEMS UNLESS I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ONLY HAD ~ 17,000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. THE PAINT STARTED FADING OUT IN 1998.
NHTSA complaint #10218969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
I BOUGHT A 93 MUSTANG 4 CYLINDER WITH 12,000 MILES ON IT IN 12\93. THE CAR NOW ONLY HAS 28,000 MILES ON IT TOTAL. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, THE HATCHBACK LATCH DOESN'T ENGAGE CORRECTLY, WHEN I GO TO LOCK THE IGNITION SWITCH, I HAVE TO CONTINUALLY JIGGLE THE GEARSHIFTER BEFORE THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL LOCK, AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS A LEAK IN IT SOMEWHERE. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED OCCURRING IN JUNE OF 2000, BUT DUE TO WARRANTY ONLY BEING GOOD FOR 3 YEARS, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEMS UNLESS I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ONLY HAD ~ 17,000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. THE PAINT STARTED FADING OUT IN 1998.
NHTSA complaint #10218969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I BOUGHT A 93 MUSTANG 4 CYLINDER WITH 12,000 MILES ON IT IN 12\93. THE CAR NOW ONLY HAS 28,000 MILES ON IT TOTAL. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, THE HATCHBACK LATCH DOESN'T ENGAGE CORRECTLY, WHEN I GO TO LOCK THE IGNITION SWITCH, I HAVE TO CONTINUALLY JIGGLE THE GEARSHIFTER BEFORE THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL LOCK, AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS A LEAK IN IT SOMEWHERE. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED OCCURRING IN JUNE OF 2000, BUT DUE TO WARRANTY ONLY BEING GOOD FOR 3 YEARS, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEMS UNLESS I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ONLY HAD ~ 17,000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. THE PAINT STARTED FADING OUT IN 1998.
NHTSA complaint #10218969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1993 FORD MUSTANG IGNITION SYSTEM FIRE VEHICLE WAS IN GARAGE AFTER BEING DRIVEN THE DAY BEFORE. ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE STARTER THEN SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL FROM IGNITION WIRES BURNING UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A CLOTH AND I NOTICED THAT THE COATING ON THE WIRES UNDER THE WHEEL WERE BURNT OFF AND THE WIRE WAS CHARRED WHICH HAS RENDERED THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THE VERY PROBLEM THAT I EXPERIENCED (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V071000) I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT MY VEHICLE (EARLY 1993 MODEL) WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND SINCE IT WAS OVER 10 YEARS OLD THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT ANYWAY UNDER THE RECALL. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND NEED TO WAIT FOR THEIR RESPONSE. SO FAR THE FORD DEALERSHIPS LACK OF CONCERN OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS ISSUE ASTOUNDS ME. MY GARAGE COULD HAVE BURNED DOWN PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10166251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10163457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
STUCK GAS PEDAL THROTTLE LINKAGE CAUSING CONTINUOUS FULL THROTTLE TRANSMISSION KICK DOWN CABLE ON 1993 FORD MUSTANG 5.0 LX MUSTANG THAT CONTROLS FLUID DELIVERY TO TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE AND IS ATTACHED TO THROTTLE CONTROLS BY A GROMMET CAME OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE GROMMET FAILED PROBABLY DUE TO AGE, AND THE TRANSMISSION DESTROYS THE OVERDRIVE PORTION OF ITS SELF LEAVING THE DRIVER ONLY ABLE TO GO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN OVERDRIVE POSITION AND ANYTHING OVER THE SHIFTING SPEED INTO OVERDRIVE JUST LETS THE ENGINE RPM RUN AWAY AND THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP. THE REAL PROBLEM THEN OCCURS IF THE DRIVER USES THE DRIVE POSITION TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND NO SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED CLOSE TO THE FLOOR, IT ALLOWS THE NOW FLOATING FREE KICK DOWN CABLE TO JAM THE THROTTLE TO FULL OPEN CAUSING A STUCK ACCELERATOR AND THE ONLY WAY TO FREE IT IS TO GET TO NEUTRAL QUICKLY AND TURN OFF IGNITION SWITCH, THEN UNJAM THE CABLE AND THROTTLE LINKAGE BY HAND. POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS/INJURIES OR DEATHS COULD RESULT, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAPPENS FROM A STANDING STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, OR IN MY CASE, A HOUSING 25 MPH RESIDENTIAL ZONE. THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REBUILT AND THE GROMMET KICK DOWN CABLE GROMMET REPLACED. THE OLD GROMMET ON MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE CABLE AND GROMMET SHOULD BE ON SOME TYPE OF INSPECTION OR REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE/OR REDESIGNED TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING. I HAVE SEEN TWO OTHER MUSTANGS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD WITH ONE OF THE VEHICLES BEING DRIVEN BY A YOUNG FEMALE WHO PULLED THE VEHICLE IN TO MY WORK AREA(LOT) WITH A RUN AWAY ENGINE IE STUCK GAS PEDAL. I UNSTUCK HER KICKDOWN CABLE AND GAVE HER ADVICE ON REPAIRS AND WHAT WAS WRONG AND COULD HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10135752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT: THE VEHICLE BLEW UP AND CAUGHT ON FIRE DAMAGING 3 OTHER VEHICLE AROUND IT. THE FIRE MARSHAL CAME OUT AND SAID IT WAS MECHIANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS COMING TO INVESTAGATE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10125862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AT 55 MPH. VEHICLE SPEED UP TO 80 MPH BEFORE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. CONSUMER SHIFTE D THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING AND SMOKING BEFORE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10117609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE 30 TO 40 MILES TO A DOCTOR. PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES, AND CAR WAS REPORTED ON FIRE. FIRE FIGHTER SAID ALTENATOR STARTED THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ALTENATOR HAD BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10090112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE 30 TO 40 MILES TO A DOCTOR. PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES, AND CAR WAS REPORTED ON FIRE. FIRE FIGHTER SAID ALTENATOR STARTED THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE ALTENATOR HAD BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10090112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHILE CLOSING THE DOORS WINDOWS SHATTERED, FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED ON DRIVER'S SIDE. 2 MONTHS LATER, WINDOW ON PASSENGER'S SIDE SHATTERED.
NHTSA complaint #10067489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
I'VE CALLED FORD AND MY FORD DEALERS ABOUT THIS. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE 79-93 MUSTANG. CONSEQUENTLY, THEY DON'T OFFER A FIX EITHER, BUT I'VE DISCOVERED A KERNEL OF TRUTH THAT IS QUITE DIFFERENT WHILE LOOKING AT MUSTANG ACCIDENT FIRES ON THE INTERNET. I DIDN'T FIND MORE THAN A DOZEN REAL EXAMPLES AND ONLY FOUND A FEW PICTURES OF THE BURNT MUSTANGS AND ACTUAL ARTICLES OF SPECIFIC DEAD VICTIMS BUT THE FIRES WERE HORRIBLE AND SOME DIED WHILE OTHERS LIVED WITH SEVERE GASOLINE BURNS ALL OVER THEIR BODIES. THE 79-93 MUSTANGS LIKE MY 93 MUSTANG HAVE GONE UP IN FLAMES WHEN REAR ENDED AT SPEEDS UNDER 50 MPH AND HAVE LEAKED FUEL WHEN HIT UNDER 30 MPH. IRONICALLY, IT APPEARS THAT THE 79-93 MUSTANG IS MORE LIKELY TO GO UP IN FLAMES THAN THE 92-2001 CROWN VICTORIA BECAUSE IT IS MUCH LIGHTER AND FLIMSIER THAN THE FULL FRAMED CROWN VIC WITH ITS HUGE FULL SIZE TRUNK. THE MUSTANG GAS TANK IS ONLY A FEW INCHES FROM THE BUMPER, AND IT'S SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE AND THE ACTUAL SHEET METAL OF THE MUSTANG BODY. IT'S ACTUALLY LESS THAN AN INCH FROM THE SHEET METAL IN THE BACK AND ONLY A FEW INCHES FROM THE AXLE IN THE FRONT. I'VE HAD TWO FAST-SPILLING FUEL LEAKS TWICE IN SIX MONTHS WITHOUT EVER BEING REAR ENDED. I'VE OBSERVED THAT THE GAS CAN MIGRATE UNDER THE TANK WHERE THE LEAK IS AND EVEN CLIMB UP THE SIDES OF THE TANK AND ANY METAL IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH. FROM THIS OBSERVATION, I UNDERSTAND IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE FOR THE GASOLINE TO IGNITE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SPARK UNDER THE CAR OR THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. I UNDERSTAND THE 93 MUSTANG IS VERY LIKELY TO SPILL GAS WHEN HIT OVER 30 MPH, AND IT CAN ALSO SPILL GAS WHEN HIT AT LOWER SPEEDS, BASED ON TESTS AVAILABLE FROM THE NHTSA. I WISH FORD WITH COME OUT WITH A STRONGER SMALLER SAFETY GAS TANK TO REPLACE THE STANDARD 15 GALLON TANK WOULD BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND SUCH COLLISIONS AND WOULD NOT LEAK FUEL FROM THE FILLER PIPE.
NHTSA complaint #10064595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
WHEN FUELING, GASOLINE LEAKS FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE FUEL TANK SEAL HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BUT HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10065484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
THE TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TREAD SEPARATION. DEALER REPLACED TIRES ONCE. SECOND DEALER WON'T DO IT. DUNLOP MODEL SA2, SIZE UNKNOWN, DOT NUMBER UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10046198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
1) THE HOOD LATCH CABLE HAS CORRODED DUE TO EXPOSURE TO THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS. THIS HAS BEEN REPAIRED ONCE ALREADY AND THE REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED AGAIN. 2) THE HOOD LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED BEFORE AS WELL. THE HOOD JUST WON'T CATCH AND SHUT COMPLETELY. AGAIN, THIS REPLACEMENT IS BEING PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10005045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
1) THE HOOD LATCH CABLE HAS CORRODED DUE TO EXPOSURE TO THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS. THIS HAS BEEN REPAIRED ONCE ALREADY AND THE REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED AGAIN. 2) THE HOOD LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED BEFORE AS WELL. THE HOOD JUST WON'T CATCH AND SHUT COMPLETELY. AGAIN, THIS REPLACEMENT IS BEING PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10005045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE GAS TANK EXPLODED WHEN THE MUSTANG WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, PASSENGEER GOT OUT THE DOOR, BUT DRIVER WAS SATURATED WITH FLAMING GASOLINE AND WAS INSTANTLY BURNED TO DEATH GA. DT
NHTSA complaint #769223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER'S SON AND A PASSENGER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR. UPON IMPACT THE GAS TANK EXPLODED, CATCHING THE PASSENGER ON FIRE AND THE DRIVER WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED. THE DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED AS A DOA. THE GAS TANK COMPLETELY MELTED. THE FATALITY WAS CAUSED BY THE GAS TANK EXPLODING, NOT BY THE CRASH ITSELF.
NHTSA complaint #8021478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
WHILE DRIVING ALTERNATOR, BEGINNING WITH THE ORIGINAL, HAS BURST INTO FLAMES 4 TIMES. EACH TIME, CONSUMER HAS HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE NEAREST BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT TO BORROW FIRE EXTINGUISHER. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE CHECKED FOR ELECTRICAL SHORTS AND REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR BUT PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THIS HAPPENS WHILE ILDING OR TRAVELING AT LOW RPMS WHILE HAVING THE HEADLIGHTS, RADIO, AND A/C ON. THE ELECTRIC FAN WOULD KICK ON AND ALL COMPONENTS WOULD SEND THE BATTERY GAUGE UNDER 10 VOLTS CATCHING FIRE ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #786020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS BECOME INOPERABLE. THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. RECALL NUMBER 7774 96 V 071 000. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8006589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE TRAVELING WITH HEATER RUNNING CONSUMER NOTICED A RUBBER BURNING SMELL SOON AFTER CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED VENAL STICKING TO DASHBOARD. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8006315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE BAY BRIDGE (AT 55MPH) ON JAN. 5, 2002, THE HOOD LATCH BROKE AND MY HOOD WRAPPED ITSELF ON THE ROOF AND WINDSHIELD. I SAFELY GOT THE CAR OFF THE BRIDGE. THE HOOD IS MANGLED, WINDSHIELD BROKE, ROOF DENTED, GRILL BROKEN, ETC. IT'S A MESS AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #757004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS RANDOMLY BECOME INOPERATIVE. FROM ENGINE START-UP AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS SELECTED TO THE ON POSITION, THE WIPERS DO NOT MOVE AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS OF SWITCHING WIPERS ON/OFF. THE OTHER SCENARIO OCCURS WHEN DRIVING WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON, THE WIPERS WILL BEGIN TO OPERATE AT AN EXTREMELY SLOW RATE AND THEN QUIT WORKING DESPITE REPEATED ATTEMPTS OF SWITCHING WIPERS ON/OFF AT 2 TO 5 MINUTE INTERVALS. BOTH SCENARIOS OCCUR APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3-4 MONTHS FOR A PERIOD OF 1-5 DAYS. THIS CAN BE A DANGEROUS CONDITION GIVEN THE STATE IN WHICH I LIVE DUE TO A MIXTURE OF SALT AND MELTING SNOW. I HAVE READ ARTICLES AND TALKED TO MECHANICS WHO HAVE INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE. I CHECKED MY VIN NUMBER FOR A RECALL BUT FOUND NOTHING, I FIND THIS INTRUIGING GIVEN THE OTHER 555,000 OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL ([XXX]) OR [XXX] IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR HAVE ANY SOLUTIONS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #741743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BATERY LIGHT COMES ON, THEN VEHICLE OVERHEATS AND CATCHES ON FIRE. PLUG GOES INTO ALTERNATOR. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID ALTERNATER WAS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #883044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.