Owners have filed 297 complaints
about the 1998 Ford Mustang with NHTSA between 1998 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 23 of 33 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 — 45
Against the median year of the Ford Mustang. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Gasoline
1723.3%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
1013.7%
Conventional
1013.7%
Fuel Pump
811.0%
Automatic Transmission
811.0%
Retractor
79.6%
Frontal
79.6%
Engine
68.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
718.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1437.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1232.4%
150,000+ miles
38.1%
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.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1998 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.
Feb 1998peak 18May 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 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.
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...
PE99029Opened 3 May 1999Closed 27 Jul 1999ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRES IN THE CENTER CONSOLE
Recalls on the 1998 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
06E056000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200028218,700 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 199906135,668 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the speed control cable may interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the speed control. If the speed control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially cause an accident. By not using speed control, this condition will not occur. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and, if required, speed control cable will be replaced.
Recall 1997215126 units in Canada
Fuel System
ON CERTAIN MUSTANG GT VEHICLES, MISSING OR INADEQUATE BRAZE JOINTS BETWEEN THE FUEL RAIL BODY AND THE FUEL RAIL MOUNTING BRACKET(S) COULD CAUSE THE BRACKET TO SEPARATE FROM THE RAIL. IF THE RAIL WERE TO LIFT OFF ONE OR MORE OF THE INJECTORS, FUEL LEAKAGE WOULD RESULT. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY OCCUR. CORRECTION: FUEL RAIL WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 199716550 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings. This condition could increase steering efforts, potentially affecting steering control. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,000 milesBassett, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
STIRRING-WHEEL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON GETTING HIT HEAD-BUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DID DEPLOY BUT DUE TO THE DEFECT STIRRING WHEEL AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING THE DRIVER TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD
NHTSA complaint #11307406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesGlens Falls, NYCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NEITHER FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED
NHTSA complaint #11035789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesCarson City, NVCrash1 injured
SEATS
ON MAY 5, 2016, I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 395 (NEVADA). DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DUE TO RAIN/HAIL. I FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO HYDROPLANE, AND THEN BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS THE HWY. AT LEAST 5 COMPLETE CIRCLES UNTIL I SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SEAT BOLTS BROKE UPON IMPACT AS WELL. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED, BUT I SUFFERED MULTIPLE BRUISES ON MY RT. ARM, AS WELL AS SEVERE WHIPLASH AND INTERNAL BRUISING FROM SEAT BREAKING FREE UPON IMPACT. MY BACK/SPINE ARE IN SERIOUS PAIN DUE TO BEING KNOCKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHEN THE SEAT BROKE, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID NOT FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AS I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, HOWEVER I DO HAVE AN ACCIDENT CASE NUMBER FROM THE NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL: # 160500374 DATE: 05/05/2016 TIME: 9:56 AM
NHTSA complaint #10864389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesCarson City, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ON MAY 5, 2016, I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 395 (NEVADA). DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DUE TO RAIN/HAIL. I FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO HYDROPLANE, AND THEN BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS THE HWY. AT LEAST 5 COMPLETE CIRCLES UNTIL I SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SEAT BOLTS BROKE UPON IMPACT AS WELL. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED, BUT I SUFFERED MULTIPLE BRUISES ON MY RT. ARM, AS WELL AS SEVERE WHIPLASH AND INTERNAL BRUISING FROM SEAT BREAKING FREE UPON IMPACT. MY BACK/SPINE ARE IN SERIOUS PAIN DUE TO BEING KNOCKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHEN THE SEAT BROKE, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID NOT FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AS I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, HOWEVER I DO HAVE AN ACCIDENT CASE NUMBER FROM THE NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL: # 160500374 DATE: 05/05/2016 TIME: 9:56 AM
NHTSA complaint #10864389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TXCrashFire5 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL-THE DRIVER OWNED A 1998 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS UNKNOWN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LIQUID SPLASHED ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER ENDED UP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO A VAN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. AA
NHTSA complaint #10325179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMorrow, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD MUSTANG WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 1998. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS HOME WHEN HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. HE IMMEDIATELY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND ALSO INCLUDED THAT IN THE POLICE/FIRE REPORT FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THERE WERE ANY OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10300442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ruther Glen, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear right parking brake does not engage and when trying to come to an emergency stop brake is ineffective
NHTSA complaint #11418128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesBassett, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
STIRRING-WHEEL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON GETTING HIT HEAD-BUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DID DEPLOY BUT DUE TO THE DEFECT STIRRING WHEEL AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING THE DRIVER TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD
NHTSA complaint #11307406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,146 milesJenison, MI
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT. WORK , CANNOT PULL OUT TO USE IT... THE REPAIR SHOP IS HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING. A RETRACTOR. MECHANISM....MY FAMILY CANNOT SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. RIGHT NOW
NHTSA complaint #11265842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesGlens Falls, NYCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NEITHER FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED
NHTSA complaint #11035789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesCarson City, NVCrash1 injured
SEATS
ON MAY 5, 2016, I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 395 (NEVADA). DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DUE TO RAIN/HAIL. I FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO HYDROPLANE, AND THEN BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS THE HWY. AT LEAST 5 COMPLETE CIRCLES UNTIL I SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SEAT BOLTS BROKE UPON IMPACT AS WELL. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED, BUT I SUFFERED MULTIPLE BRUISES ON MY RT. ARM, AS WELL AS SEVERE WHIPLASH AND INTERNAL BRUISING FROM SEAT BREAKING FREE UPON IMPACT. MY BACK/SPINE ARE IN SERIOUS PAIN DUE TO BEING KNOCKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHEN THE SEAT BROKE, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID NOT FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AS I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, HOWEVER I DO HAVE AN ACCIDENT CASE NUMBER FROM THE NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL: # 160500374 DATE: 05/05/2016 TIME: 9:56 AM
NHTSA complaint #10864389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesCarson City, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ON MAY 5, 2016, I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 395 (NEVADA). DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DUE TO RAIN/HAIL. I FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO HYDROPLANE, AND THEN BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS THE HWY. AT LEAST 5 COMPLETE CIRCLES UNTIL I SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SEAT BOLTS BROKE UPON IMPACT AS WELL. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED, BUT I SUFFERED MULTIPLE BRUISES ON MY RT. ARM, AS WELL AS SEVERE WHIPLASH AND INTERNAL BRUISING FROM SEAT BREAKING FREE UPON IMPACT. MY BACK/SPINE ARE IN SERIOUS PAIN DUE TO BEING KNOCKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHEN THE SEAT BROKE, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID NOT FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AS I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, HOWEVER I DO HAVE AN ACCIDENT CASE NUMBER FROM THE NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL: # 160500374 DATE: 05/05/2016 TIME: 9:56 AM
NHTSA complaint #10864389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTarpon Springs, FL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD MUSTANG. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION WIRES AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE PROPERLY ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10721986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTarpon Springs, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD MUSTANG. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION WIRES AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE PROPERLY ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10721986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTarpon Springs, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD MUSTANG. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION WIRES AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE PROPERLY ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10721986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 274,067 milesSacramento, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL FILLER NECK GROMMET IS LEAKING. ACCORDING TO FORD, IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT...IT CAUSES A GASOLINE LEAK IF I TRY TO FILL IT OVER ABOUT 3/8 TANK, AND THROWS GAS OUT, WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN. *TR THIS IS A FIRE/EXPLOSION WAITING TO HAPPEN. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THESE WITH GROMMETS THAT DO NOT BREAK DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10633815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,840 milesMarietta, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS BRAKING AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN I HAD ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED, MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE FOR AN INSTANT, THEN SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN, STOPPING MY CAR JUST A COUPLE INCHES FROM SLAMMING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA complaint #10586767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,840 milesMarietta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS BRAKING AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A TOYOTA PRIUS. WHEN I HAD ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED, MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE FOR AN INSTANT, THEN SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN, STOPPING MY CAR JUST A COUPLE INCHES FROM SLAMMING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA complaint #10586767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD MUSTANG . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV AND THE RPMS INCREASED DRASTICALLY AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHILE DOING SO, THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE WEDGING THE TIRE AGAINST THE CURB IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO LOSE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS FRAYED AND COMING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW CABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10451473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Paso, TX
CHILD SEAT
WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S THE CAR SEAT OR THE CAR MODEL BUT WHEN I INSTALL THE BASE OF THE CAR SEAT ON THE CAR I TIGHTEN IT AS MUCH AS I CAN AND THE CAR SEAT SNAPS FIRM ON IT BUT THE BASE IS NOT FIRM ON THE CAR AND ONE TIME THE WHOLE THING FLIPPED OVER WHEN I MADE A SLOW TURN. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1998, MAKE=FORD, MODEL=MUSTANG).
NHTSA complaint #10396851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,695 milesDIX Hills, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
INTAKE MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE HOUSING UNDER THE THERMOSTAT. THIS WAS REPORTED AS TSB 97M91.
NHTSA complaint #10358884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TXCrashFire5 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL-THE DRIVER OWNED A 1998 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS UNKNOWN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LIQUID SPLASHED ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER ENDED UP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO A VAN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. AA
NHTSA complaint #10325179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMorrow, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD MUSTANG WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 1998. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS HOME WHEN HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. HE IMMEDIATELY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND ALSO INCLUDED THAT IN THE POLICE/FIRE REPORT FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THERE WERE ANY OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10300442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRichmond, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CAR IS HARD TO START OR LONG START CYCLE, FUEL PUMP CHECK VALVE LEAKING REQUIRING FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10282709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blackwood, NJFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1999 FORD MUSTANG WITH A 1998 USED ENGINE INSTALLED INTO IT. I ONLY HAD 1 REAL PROBLEM WITH IT AND IT WAS MY EXHAUST. I HAD THAT FIXED AND RAN GREAT FOR THE NEXT DAY. LESS THEN 36 HRS AFTER THE EXHAUST WAS FIXED AND AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 15 HRS OR SO, WHICH WAS FROM AROUND 9:45 PM FRIDAY THE 21ST TO AROUND 12:30 TO 1:00 PM ON THE 22ND OF AUGUST. A NEIGHBOR CAME POUNDING ON OUR DOOR TELLING US OUR CAR WAS ON FIRE!!!! HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE WAS TRYING TO START IT FROM A DISTANCE. WELL WE DON'T HAVE A REMOTE STARTER FOR THIS CAR, IT ONLY UNLOCKS THE CAR AND TRUNK, DOES NOT START IT. WE BELIEVE IT WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE AND NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED AS I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INS. AND NOW I HAVE LOST MY CAR AND HAVE NOTHING...... I HAVE PICTURES OF MY CAR JUST MELTING AWAY, THE ENTIRE FRONT OF IT. I LOVED THIS CAR, I WASN'T EVEN FINISHED PAYING FOR IT. I STILL OWE $1395 ON IT AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS. FIRE MARSHALL IS STILL INVESTIGATING IT. I BELIEVE HE SAID IT POSSIBLY STARTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THERE WAS A BOX ABOVE THE TIRE AREA WITH WIRES IN IT. WHAT WERE THESE WIRES, WHAT WERE THEY FOR AS I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING MATCHING THAT DESCRIPTION ON A 1998 ENGINE IMAGE...??? THIS WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY REAL PROBLEM WE HAD, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALWAYS ON FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE, SELLER DID FIX BUT LIGHT CAME BACK ON IN ABOUT 1 WEEK AND WAS ON UNTIL FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10281739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesTroy, OH
STEERING
THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS IN STEERING STABILITY. EVERYTHING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO THE RACK AND PINION SHOW NO SIGNS OF LEAKING. I'VE HAD THE PS LINES REPLACED AS WELL AS THE PS PUMP, BECAUSE IF THE LACK OF STABILITY AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. PS FLUID HAS BEEN REPLACED AND BLED. AND THE PUMP IS STILL VERY LOUD (IT WAS ALWAYS LOUD, THE NEW PUMP IS THE SAME WAY. BUT THAT'S MORE ANNOYING THAN A SAFELY CONCERN). I'LL BE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY VEER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. CAR HAS NEW TIRES AND HAS BEEN ALIGNED RECENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10269724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,951 milesMiami, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
MY VEHICLE HAS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. FOUND RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON LINE, HOWEVER, MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT CORRESPOND. I CALLED NHTSA AND THEY SUGGESTED I FILE A COMPLAINT. MY VEHICLE HAS NO EXTERNAL LEAKS OR WORN OR TORN SUSPENSION PARTS, IT MUST HAVE INTERNAL DAMAGE TO STEERING GEAR. FORD DOES NOT SHOW A RECALL. I WILL BE REPAIRING MY VEHICLE IN THE MEANTIME, ONES VEHICLE IS VERY NECESSARY TO GET BY OUR DAY TO DAY BUSINESS, HOWEVER, I NEED THIS ISSUE RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10266242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winfield, AL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO BE BADLY DAMAGED AND A SMALL CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10202731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBelen, NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED, ANTIFREEZE LEAKED HEAVILY FROM THE VEHICLE. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE HEARD, AND THE HOOD RAISED SLIGHTLY AS IF IT WAS NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT IT AGAIN. THE REPAIR SHOP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THAT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10166842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBelen, NM
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED, ANTIFREEZE LEAKED HEAVILY FROM THE VEHICLE. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE HEARD, AND THE HOOD RAISED SLIGHTLY AS IF IT WAS NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT IT AGAIN. THE REPAIR SHOP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THAT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10166842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED IN ORDER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE, THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON AND OFF. WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED RIGHT OR LEFT, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #10165626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
