FaultScore

2001 Ford Mustang fuel system problems

21 of the 219 complaints about the 2001 Ford Mustang are about the fuel system — 10% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 70,000 miles.

A

21

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Fuel/Propulsion System 10 47.6%
Fuel Pump 3 14.3%
Fuel System, Gasoline 3 14.3%
Filler Pipe AND CAP 2 9.5%
Tank Assembly 1 4.8%
Fuel System, Other 1 4.8%
Injectors 1 4.8%

Fuel & Propulsion across every Ford Mustang year

1994 10 2.2%
1995 20 4.3%
1996 18 3.9%
1997 15 3.2%
1998 30 6.5%
2000 22 4.7%
2001 21 4.5%
2005 101 21.8%
2006 45 9.7%
2007 31 6.7%
2011 26 5.6%
2012 22 4.7%
2013 11 2.4%
2014 11 2.4%
2015 32 6.9%
2016 20 4.3%
2021 15 3.2%
2022 14 3.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 200,000 miles Marianna, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1. THERE IS A DREADFUL GAS FUME ODOR INSIDE THE CAR EVERY TIME I PUT FUEL IN THE CAR ESPECIALLY WHEN I FILL THE TANK. 2.THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN ENGAGED MY CAR STILL ROLLS A LITTLE. 3. THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND TEND TO TWIST AND TANGLE WHEN I TRY TO DO IT MANUALLY.

NHTSA complaint #11366261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 189,000 miles District Heights, MD

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS PLACING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 189,000.

NHTSA complaint #11253425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,000 miles Ocean Springs, MS

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD MUSTANG. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, A FUEL LEAK WAS DISCOVERED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT A RUBBER WASHER IN THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WASHER WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROAD. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A INCLINE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, IT ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE STREET. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. ESTABROOK FORD (3689 14TH ST, PASCAGOULA, MS) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

NHTSA complaint #11205578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Paducah, KY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I SMELLED STRONG GASOLINE ODORS WHILE DRIVING FROM WORK. THE CAR HAD BEEN FILLED WITH FUEL RECENTLY. THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING NEAR THE FILL TUBE. FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THIS ISSUE HAS SHOWN THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS MODEL. THE CAR CANNOT BE FILLED ABOVE HALF FULL OR GASOLINE LEAKS ALL OVER THE BACK OF THE CAR AND ON THE GROUND ONCE PARKED. THIS LEAK IS TOO NEAR THE EXHAUST PIPE FOR SAFETY. FORD DOES NOT REPAIR THIS SAFETY ISSUE UNDER ANY RECALL. IT IS A CHEAP PART BUT LABOR IS VERY EXPENSIVE SINCE THE FUEL TANK MUST BE REMOVED TO REPLACE THE LEAK. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR IT FREE OF CHARGE.

NHTSA complaint #10663210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,495 miles Kelowna, AK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

PLASTIC COVER ON ELBOW HOLDS WATER/DUST WHICH DOESN'T DRAIN LEAVING FILLER ARM CONSTANTLY DAMP RUSTING THROUGH PIPE LEAKING GAS ALL OVER WHEN FILLING TANK....BAD DESIGN AND THOUGHT PUT INTO THIS. ITEM SHOULD BE RECALLED, COST TO REPLACE AT ANY REPAIR SHOP IS UPWARD OF $800.00 CANADIAN.

NHTSA complaint #10585875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

IDLES TOO FAST

NHTSA complaint #10509912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,734 miles Albany, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MY GAS FILLER TUBE HAS RUSTED DUE TO THE PLASTIC SHIELD, DIRT AND MOISTURE HAS BEEN TRAPPED ON THIS PART OF MY 01 MUSTANG AND NOW THERE IS A HUGE HOLE ON THE FILLER TUBE. I'VE DONE MY RESEARCH ON A COUPLE FORUMS AND APPARENTLY I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE ON MODELS FROM 2000-2004 I'M PRETTY SURE WE ALL KNOW HOW SERIOUS THIS PROBLEM IS SEEING THAT FUEL IS LEAKING TO THE GROUND WHICH IS A FIRE HAZARD AND CAN RESULT IN A FATALITY.

NHTSA complaint #10480676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Greenwood, IN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN FILLING UP I NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM MY GAS FILLER NECK IT IS VERY BADLY RUSTED.

NHTSA complaint #10479295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Schaumburg, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL FILLER NECK PIPE RUSTED THROUGH AND THERE WAS A PILE OF GAS UNDER MY CAR AND FUMES OF GAS EVEN AFTER DRIVING HOME.

NHTSA complaint #10471479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Sebring, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL FILLER LINE HAS A PLASTIC COVER THAT TRAPS DIRT AGAINST THE METAL FILLER HOSE. THIS RESULTED IN THE METAL FILLER HOSE RUSTING CAUSING A HOLE IN THE LINE. WHEN FILLING UP WITH FUEL THE VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL THROUGH THIS HOLE. WHEN TANK IS FULL FUEL LEAKS THROUGH THIS HOLE WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #10460023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles ST. Louis, MO

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL ABNORMALLY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK WAS RUSTED AND A HOLE WAS IN THE FILLER PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #10398793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,641 miles Winnipeg, 00

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WENT TO FILL UP WITH GAS, NOTICED GAS LEAK. UPON INSPECTION FOUND FUEL FILLER NECK RUSTED THROUGH TO POINT WHERE IT BECAME TWO PIECES. REPLACED FUEL FILLER NECK @ $230 PLUS LABOR, ISSUE SOLVED. 2001 FORD MUSTANG 3.8L PICTURES AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10350056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Coldspring, TX

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

SEVERAL OCCASIONS STOPPED AT LIGHT, CAR SUDDENLY SURGES FORWARD, WAS ABLE TO APPLY BRAKE AND STOP CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10287333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Sharpsburg, GA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FILLER TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THE FUEL SYSTEM. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHE SMELLED GASOLINE ON HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,410 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE MATERIAL USED FOR THE PARTS THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED HAD ROTTED OVER TIME. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WAS NOT RETRACTING AND RELEASING. THE HEADLAMPS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE A HAZE FILE HAD FORMED ON THE INSIDE. UPDATED 10/16/08.

NHTSA complaint #10237656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bradenton, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

2001 FORD MUSTANG V6,34000 MI. FUEL LEAKING FROM TANK AT FILLER TUBE JOINT. HAVE CAR AT DEALERS SERVICE DEPT. NOW , AND HAVE NOT CORRESPONDED ABOUT CORRECTIVE ACTION.

NHTSA complaint #10153108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,000 miles Jupiter, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

FILLER TUBE FUEL TANK SEAL FAILURE CAUSING GAS LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #10149858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,500 miles Hamlin, NY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP FAILURE, CAR STALLS ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT & WOULD NOT START WHEN HOT. FUEL PUMP REPLACED AT 36,500 MILES! DEALER WOULDN'T REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. FUEL PUMP REPLACED AGAIN AT 59,234 MILES, SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10060712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsburgh, PA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2001 FORD MUSTANG. I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE GAS TANK IS LOCATED BEHIND THE REAR AXLE AND IS ACTUALLY ATTACHED TO THE REAR BUMPER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE FORD MUSTANGS THAT CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE AND EXPLODING IN THE EVENT OF A REAR-IMPACT COLLISION. I AM VERY CONCERNED NOW FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE FORD MUSTANGS THAT NEEDS APPROPRIATE ATTENTION AND A NEW DESIGN. I HAVE ALMOST STOPPED DRIVING ALLTOGETHER BECAUSE OF THIS VERY SERIOUS DEFECT. I DO NOT WANT TO BE KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN MY MUSTANG CATCHES ON FIRE AND EXPLODES BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL TANK. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SERIOUS SAFETY/DESIGN FLAW IN THE FORD MUSTANGS AND CONTACT ME WITH YOUR INFORMATION. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SCARED TO DRIVE A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE.

NHTSA complaint #10033052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pomona, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CONSUMER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL PUMP CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL . DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #8008271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pomona, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CONSUMER STATES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL PUMP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL

NHTSA complaint #8008281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocoee, TN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, GASOLINE FUMES IN VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO FOUND FUEL INJECTORS WERE LOCKED IN OPEN POSITION, GAS WAS FLOODING THE SYSTEM. THIS DESTROYED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP BEFORE SHE PURCHASED VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM. COMPUTER READOUT FROM FIRST REPAIR SAID: VEHICLE NOT RUNNING RIGHT. CONSUMER FELT SHE DID NOT RECEIVE A NEW VEHICLE AS IT WAS REPAIRED, AND SHE HAD NOT BEEN TOLD.

NHTSA complaint #887342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2001 Ford Mustang problems

← Full 2001 Ford Mustang report