FaultScore

FaultScore report

1996 Ford Mustang problems

Owners have filed 329 complaints about the 1996 Ford Mustang with NHTSA between 1996 and 2025. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 24 of 33 worst.

C

FaultScore 52/100

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

How this is worked out

The numbers

329

Complaints

23

Crashes reported

6

Fires reported

20

Injuries reported

71,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

14%

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 49 vs 50 Severity 77 vs 50 Early failure 24 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Ford Mustang. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 77
14.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 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 1996 Ford Mustang

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

Engine & Cooling 95 28.9%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 71,000 mi

Brakes 47 14.3%

4 crashes, 1 fires · median 44,016 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires

Suspension 23 7.0%

Median failure at 98,490 miles

Airbags 21 6.4%

11 crashes, 0 fires · median 62,123 mi

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 66,561 mi

Seat Belts 13 4.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 69,000 mi

Steering 12 3.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 145,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 113,000 mi

Tires 9 2.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 17,033 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 7 2.1%
Lights 6 1.8%

Median failure at 33,066 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 4 1.2%
Equipment & Accessories 2 0.6%
Seats 1 0.3%
Wheels 1 0.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires

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.

Engine 30 23.8%
Cooling System 19 15.1%
Gasoline 16 12.7%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 16 12.7%
Automatic Transmission 13 10.3%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 11 8.7%
Frontal 11 8.7%
Rear 10 7.9%

When it fails

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

10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 8.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 5 14.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 13 37.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 14.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 8 22.9%
150,000+ miles 1 2.9%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
1996 Ford Mustang Convertible
1996 Ford Mustang 2-DR.

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 1996 peak 11 Apr 2025

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 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.

PE99002 Opened 11 Jan 1999 Closed 30 Jun 1999 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

FRONT BRAKE HOSE

EA97018 Opened 30 Sep 1997 Closed 22 Oct 1997 STRUCTURE

OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT

PE97011 Opened 13 Mar 1997 Closed 30 Sep 1997 STRUCTURE

OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN.FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS.FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE IS PRIOR COLLISION DAMAGE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.

Recalls on the 1996 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.

06E064000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

06E060000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT 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.

06E026000

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.

06E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

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

Recall 2000282 18,700 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, if parked with the parking brake not fully applied and not in first gear, as directed in the Owner Guide, and the self adjustment pawl subsequently skips one or two teeth, the vehicle could move on some grades. This could result in unintended vehicle movement and a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will modify the parking brake control and install a plate or over-bracket to the control to lock the self adjust mechanism in position following adjustment.

Recall 1997183 62,645 units in Canada

Structure

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS CAN BEGIN TO SEPARATE. HIGHWAY DRIVING CAN CAUSE AIR TO ENTER BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS WHICH CAN FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD, AND COULD RESULT IN TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE OUTER HOOD PANEL. THIS CAN RESULT IN A ROAD HAZARD AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND THOSE WITH EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION WILL HAVE THE HOOD REPLACED. WHERE THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE WILL BE APPLIED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS.

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.

SUN Valley, CA Crash

AIR BAGS

DRIVER AND PASSENGER CUSTOMIZED, AND TUNNIING. RIMS CUSTOMS

NHTSA complaint #10979199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUN Valley, CA Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DRIVER AND PASSENGER CUSTOMIZED, AND TUNNIING. RIMS CUSTOMS

NHTSA complaint #10979199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUN Valley, CA Crash

ENGINE

DRIVER AND PASSENGER CUSTOMIZED, AND TUNNIING. RIMS CUSTOMS

NHTSA complaint #10979199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wichita Falls, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA complaint #10109118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,123 miles EL Dorado Hills, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND HIT OTHER VEHICLES, AS THIS HAPPENED, THE SEAT BACK BROKE AND THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAD CAME LOOSE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AND THE FUEL SAFETY SWITCH DID NOT TURN OFF. SCC *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10014843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,123 miles EL Dorado Hills, CA Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND HIT OTHER VEHICLES, AS THIS HAPPENED, THE SEAT BACK BROKE AND THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAD CAME LOOSE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AND THE FUEL SAFETY SWITCH DID NOT TURN OFF. SCC *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10014843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

at 145,000 miles Dalton, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 1996 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while attempting to resell the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 109,000 and at the time of listing the vehicle for sale, it was discovered that the mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11656141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUN Valley, CA Crash

AIR BAGS

DRIVER AND PASSENGER CUSTOMIZED, AND TUNNIING. RIMS CUSTOMS

NHTSA complaint #10979199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUN Valley, CA Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DRIVER AND PASSENGER CUSTOMIZED, AND TUNNIING. RIMS CUSTOMS

NHTSA complaint #10979199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUN Valley, CA Crash

ENGINE

DRIVER AND PASSENGER CUSTOMIZED, AND TUNNIING. RIMS CUSTOMS

NHTSA complaint #10979199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,242 miles Bellaire, MI

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE RADIATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND STEAM STARTED TO EMERGE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE TEMPERATURE GAGE INDICATED HOT. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE WATER CROSSOVER FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,242.

NHTSA complaint #10864570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Richmond, CA

SEAT BELTS

PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS STUCK AND WILL NOT RETRACT.

NHTSA complaint #10512800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,033 miles Spokane, WA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I PURCHASED A 1996 FORD MUSTANG FROM AUTO CREDIT #3 IN AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON. ON 1/2/2011, I RECEIVE THE VEHICLE AND AFTER THREE HOURS OF DRIVING, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKS UP. THIS PUTS ME INTO AN UNCONTROLLED 180 DEGREE SPIN. ON 1/3/2011, I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER. I TOLD THE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE BRAKES. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF WAITING, I AM CALLED INTO THE WORK AREA, AND I SEE THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE IS CLEARLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AS IT HAD THE APPEARANCE OF HAVING BEEN SHREDDED. THE SAME MECHANIC THEN TELLS ME THAT BOTH REAR BRAKES MUST BE REPLACED, AS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FROZEN IN THE ON POSITION. WHILE THE WORK WAS BEING DONE, I MANAGED TO TAKE A FEW PICTURES OF THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, NOT OF THE TIRE IN QUESTION. IN ADDITION, WHEN I RECEIVED THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT STAY LIT, AND WOULD TURN OFF AND ON AT RANDOM. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE BUSINESS ON 1/5/2011 AROUND 3:00 PM, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK AS I SIGNED A CONTRACT. WHAT I SIGNED WAS A LOAN AGREEMENT. EVEN WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED IN THESE CONDITIONS, THEY STILL DID NOTHING. FINALLY, I TOLD THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT THE NEXT DAY, REFERRING TO 1/6/2011.

NHTSA complaint #10375093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,033 miles Spokane, WA

TIRES

I PURCHASED A 1996 FORD MUSTANG FROM AUTO CREDIT #3 IN AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON. ON 1/2/2011, I RECEIVE THE VEHICLE AND AFTER THREE HOURS OF DRIVING, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKS UP. THIS PUTS ME INTO AN UNCONTROLLED 180 DEGREE SPIN. ON 1/3/2011, I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER. I TOLD THE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE BRAKES. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF WAITING, I AM CALLED INTO THE WORK AREA, AND I SEE THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE IS CLEARLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AS IT HAD THE APPEARANCE OF HAVING BEEN SHREDDED. THE SAME MECHANIC THEN TELLS ME THAT BOTH REAR BRAKES MUST BE REPLACED, AS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FROZEN IN THE ON POSITION. WHILE THE WORK WAS BEING DONE, I MANAGED TO TAKE A FEW PICTURES OF THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, NOT OF THE TIRE IN QUESTION. IN ADDITION, WHEN I RECEIVED THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT STAY LIT, AND WOULD TURN OFF AND ON AT RANDOM. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE BUSINESS ON 1/5/2011 AROUND 3:00 PM, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK AS I SIGNED A CONTRACT. WHAT I SIGNED WAS A LOAN AGREEMENT. EVEN WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED IN THESE CONDITIONS, THEY STILL DID NOTHING. FINALLY, I TOLD THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT THE NEXT DAY, REFERRING TO 1/6/2011.

NHTSA complaint #10375093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,033 miles Spokane, WA

PARKING BRAKE

I PURCHASED A 1996 FORD MUSTANG FROM AUTO CREDIT #3 IN AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON. ON 1/2/2011, I RECEIVE THE VEHICLE AND AFTER THREE HOURS OF DRIVING, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKS UP. THIS PUTS ME INTO AN UNCONTROLLED 180 DEGREE SPIN. ON 1/3/2011, I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER. I TOLD THE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE BRAKES. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF WAITING, I AM CALLED INTO THE WORK AREA, AND I SEE THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE IS CLEARLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AS IT HAD THE APPEARANCE OF HAVING BEEN SHREDDED. THE SAME MECHANIC THEN TELLS ME THAT BOTH REAR BRAKES MUST BE REPLACED, AS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FROZEN IN THE ON POSITION. WHILE THE WORK WAS BEING DONE, I MANAGED TO TAKE A FEW PICTURES OF THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, NOT OF THE TIRE IN QUESTION. IN ADDITION, WHEN I RECEIVED THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT STAY LIT, AND WOULD TURN OFF AND ON AT RANDOM. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE BUSINESS ON 1/5/2011 AROUND 3:00 PM, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK AS I SIGNED A CONTRACT. WHAT I SIGNED WAS A LOAN AGREEMENT. EVEN WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED IN THESE CONDITIONS, THEY STILL DID NOTHING. FINALLY, I TOLD THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT THE NEXT DAY, REFERRING TO 1/6/2011.

NHTSA complaint #10375093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,000 miles Spokane, WA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON JUNE 4, 2010, WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, THE ANTIFREEZE SPILLED AND HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 136,000.

NHTSA complaint #10335072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,886 miles Ozart, AL

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME RESISTANT AND LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MADE REPAIRS TO THE FRONT STRUTS, LOWER BALL JOINTS, STABLE BAR LINK AND THE CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT STATED A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,886 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,702.

NHTSA complaint #10327707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Rivers, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

THE PAINT IS BUBBLING UP AND PEELING OFF THE TRUNK LID OF MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10222225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Rivers, KY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF EVEN AFTER SERVICE.

NHTSA complaint #10222226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Rivers, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF EVEN AFTER SERVICE.

NHTSA complaint #10222226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glenolden, PA

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL

I READ ABOUT A RECALL FOR PARKING BRAKES FOR 1996 FORD MUSTANGS WITH MANUAL. I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC I BOUGHT ONLINE IN JANUARY 2007 THAT HAS PARKING BREAK ISSUES IT WONT KEEP THE CAR FORM MOVING. I HAD IT TOWED ONE TIME AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT WAS FAULTY. IS THE RECALL STILL AVAILABLE FOR AN AUTOMATIC?

NHTSA complaint #10207254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmyra, NY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SPEEDOMETER BECAME STUCK AT 40 MPH. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWO TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS AND THIS PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED.

NHTSA complaint #10164565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bryn Mawr, PA

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

CLUTCH PEDAL CHATTERS WHEN ENGINE AT ABOUT 1500 RPMS. SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY ON COLD DAYS.

NHTSA complaint #10160333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brownstown, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10158927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brownstown, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10158927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,490 miles Tallmadge, OH

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED THREE SEPARATE TIMES ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THE SECOND TIME THE FRONT SPRINGS BROKE. THIS LAST TIME WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE SPRINGS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER.

NHTSA complaint #10152224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,490 miles Tallmadge, OH

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED THREE SEPARATE TIMES ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THE SECOND TIME THE FRONT SPRINGS BROKE. THIS LAST TIME WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE SPRINGS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER.

NHTSA complaint #10152224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chisholm, MN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

CONSUMER 1996 FORD MUSTANG INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *TS THE CONSUMER FELT THAT FORD SHOULD COVER THE ENTIRE COST OF REPAIR PLUS THE MONIES SPENT ON BORROWING VEHICLES TO GET TO WORK.

NHTSA complaint #10142086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,540 miles Rossville, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

96 MUSTANG OVERHEATING DUE TO CRACKED INTAKE. DEALER WILL NOT FIX UNLESS I PAY. THERE WAS ONCE A RECALL THAT I WAS NEVER AWARE OF. I NEED MY CAR FIXED.

NHTSA complaint #10128992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aptos, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1996 FORD MUSTANG REPLACEMENT OF THE HEAD GASKET AND RADIATOR.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHILE DRIVING ON A TRECHEROUS MOUNTAIN ROAD THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND THE RADIATOR SPLIT.

NHTSA complaint #10128053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Syracuse, NY

STRUCTURE

THE PAINT HAS BUBBLED AND NOW IS CHIPPING OFF THE CAR. I NOTICED THE BUBBLING SOME YEARS AGO WHEN THE BUBBLES TURNED TO TINY RUST SPOTS. JUST RECENTLY A LARGE SECTION OF PAINT OF THE TRUCK OF THE CAR CHIPPED OFF. I TALKED TO A FEW WELL KNOWN PAINT SHOPS AND THEY SAID THAT EVEN IN A CAR THIS OLD THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH HOW THE PAINT WAS APPLIED IN THE FACTORY. I ALSO LEARNED THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH WHITE FORD MUSTANGS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10114431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.