1994 Ford MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
16 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
78,823 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1994 model year. Data updated: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 16 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 6.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 6.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 6.3% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 6.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 4 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 1 |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 1 |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 4; Electrical System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Air Bags:Frontal: 1; Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 4 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 5 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 |
1999: 5; 2003: 4; 2004: 1; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2012: 2
Pattern summary
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10039379 · 2003-09-23 (September 23, 2003)
I HAVE A 1994 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE WITH 3.8L V6. DESPITE USING THE BEST MOTOR OIL AND REGULAR SERVICE, THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 78,500 MI. AND THIS CAUSED A RAPID ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I LEARNED THAT PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE IS SO COMMON TO FORD 3.8L V6S THAT THEY CONDUCTED A VOLUNTARY ENGINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROGRAM AND NOW FORD IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN/WILL DO TO DEFRAY THE COST OF MY ENGINE/TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT THE ENGIN…
Owner-reported narrative. 78,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10039379 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10459630 · 2012-05-25 (May 25, 2012)
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. WAITED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND TURNED THE LIGHTS BACK ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THEY SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE LIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE MELTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AT THE CONNECTOR. LATER I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY MUSTANG OWNERS. MY HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AND WIRING IS COMPLETELY STOCK INCLUDING THE FUSES (WHICH NEVER BLEW). THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS TWO PROBLEMS, COMPLETE LOSS OF LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AND ELECTRICAL …
Owner-reported narrative. 47,856 miles reported. Look up ODI 10459630 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10147828 · 2006-01-16 (January 16, 2006)
IN SEPTEMBER OF 2005 I WAS UNDERNEATH MY 1994 MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE AND FOUND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKEN. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STEERING LEFT FOR NO APPARENT REASON FOR SOME TIME AND WAS CHECKED WITH NO RESULTS. THE END OF THE SPRING WAS RUSTY, SO IT WAS NOT A RECENT BREAK. I ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS, BUT HAVE RUN INTO PROBLEMS WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE FORD DESIGN DIVISION HAS PULLED ALL OF THE SPRINGS OUT OF INVENTORY AND ARE REDESIGNING AND REMANUFACTURING THE SPRINGS FOR THE 1994 THROUGH 1997 MUSTANGS. APPARENTLY …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10147828 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10136305 · 2005-09-13 (September 13, 2005)
FILLING CAR UP WITH FUEL FUEL FILLER NECK GASKET/SEAL LEAKING FUEL FROM GAS TANK ONTO EXHAUST COULD HAVE CREATED FIRE EXPLOSION. REPLACE GASKET, NOTED THAT ON MULTIPLE FORUMS THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS FILLER NECK SEAL/GASKET FAILURE. I WAS LUCKY I CAUGHT IT, SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT NOT BE SO LUCKY. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10136305 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
16 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 425.0% | 428.6%ODI 10004991HEAD GASKET FAILURE...AFTER TAKING MY 95 MUSTANG TO 3 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS OVER THE PAST 4 YEARS TRYING TO RESOLVE A CHECK ENG. LIGHT PROBLEM AND A MOTOR PROBLEM I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST BAD GAS... NOW THAT THE 7 YEAR/100000 EXTENDED WARRANTY IS OVER, FORD SAID "IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND WE WILL NOT FIX IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS 87000 MILES AND IS PAST THE 7 YEARS BY 6 MONTHS. AND GET THIS... THE ONE DEALERSHIP THAT SPENT THE MOST TIME ON THE PROBLEM SAID THEY NEVER HAD THE CAR THERE AND SHOW NO RECORDS OF THERE BEING A PROBLEM. I… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 222.2%ODI 10010172 · 81,000 miCAR WAS PARKED IN FIRST GEAR WITH PARKING BREAK UP. CAR WAS HIT WITH HARDLY ANY FORCE AND ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE... DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS UNTIL TODAY MARCH 8, 2003. ALSO NUMEROUS TIMES CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT...NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CAUSES IT COME ON.. SPENT $2000 SO FAR. *NLM | 19.1%ODI 10160961 · 90,000 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO CRACKS IN THE HEAD GASKET, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT ON 6/20/06 DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE. IT WAS RAINING AND THE RATE OF SPEED WAS 30MPH. NO INJURIES INCURRED BUT MINOR DAMAGE TO THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS REPORTED IN THE POLICE REPORT. | 111.1%ODI 10225907 · 106,500 miSPARK PLUG BLOW OUT. THERE WAS REALLY NOTHING THAT LED UP TO THIS THAT I KNOW OF. APPARENTLY THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS A LOT TO FORD VEHICLES (I HAVE A 99 MUSTANG V8). FORD RECOMMENDED A NEW HEAD ($2000). AN ALTERNATIVE WAS TO RETAPE THE HEAD ($800). *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 514.3%ODI 10000934 · 800 miSVT COBRA IS INTERMITTENTLY STALLING WHILE THE CLUTCH IS FULLY DEPRESSED AND DECELERATING TO A STOP. THIS INTERMITTENT STALLING OCCURS MOST FREQUENTLY AT IDLE. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST TEN TIMES IN THE FIRST 1174 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. OCCURS WITH GREATER FREQUENCY IN WARM WEATHER WHILE THE ENGINE IS HOT. TWO SERVICE DEPARTMENTS CHECKED THE ENGINE AND ONE RESET THE IDLE CONTROLLER. THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE CONDITION, HOWEVER, THE STALLING PERSISTS WITH NO CHANGE IN SYMPTOMS. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE RESTARTS IMMEDIATELY, THE CON… |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 212.5%ODI 10052574I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE FROM CENTURY FORD IN ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (718 ROCKVILLE PIKE) IN 2002.HEY INDICATED THE MILIEAGE ON THE CAR (94 MUSTANG) WAS 59,120. MY MECHANIC INSPECTED IT LATER AND SUSPECTED THERE WAS A POSSIBLE ROLLBACK OF 20,000.*AK HE INDICATED THE DIGITS ON THE ODOMETER DID NOT LINE UP PROPERLY, THERE WAS EXTREME WEAR ON THE PEDALS, AND THE SCUFFING AND CRACKS ON THE LEATHER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT SHOWED WEAR OF MUCH MORE THAN 59,120 MILES, POSSIBLEY 80,000. ALSO, THE DEALER DOES IT'S OWN MARYLAND STATE INSPECTIONS AND PASSE… | 214.3% | 112.5%ODI 10160904 · 49,000 miINLET MANIFOLD COOLANT TRANSFER PASSAGE ON MY 1996 FORD MUSTANG WITH 4.6L 2V FAILED. AS THIS OCCURRED AT SPEED AND RESULTED IN OBSCURED FORWARD VISION, IT CREATED SOME HAZARD - AS WELL AS THE SUBSEQUENT INCONVENIENCE OF AN IMMOBILE VEHICLE. THIS FAULT HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO CLASS ACTION IN THE USA, BUT A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING MINE, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED ON BASIS OF AGE. THE FLAMING FORD WEBSITE HAS REQUESTED THESE INCIDENTS BE REPORTED VIA YOURSELVES. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 218.2%ODI 10161699I HAVE A 98 FORD MUSTANG GT. THE CAR IS COVERED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT, BUT I FOUND OUT ABOUT IT 3 MONTHS AFTER IT EXPIRIED. (FORD VS. CHAMBERLIN). IT'S A MAJOR PROBLEM IN ALL CARS BETWEEN 96-99. I'M SURE YOU HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON IT. *NM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 210.0%ODI 10047087 · 29,375 miAT 29,000 MILES AND 46 MONTH OLD, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. SUNCOAST FORD CLAIMS CODES SAY SOMEONE WAS INTO COMPUTER ON SUN.11/9. NOT TRUE! AND PO411 CODE = 'SECONDARY 'AIR PUMP IS NEEDED. PART IS $242.50 PLUS LABOR. NEITHER FORD NOR WARRANTY DIRECT WILL COVER THIS REPAIR. *LA | 15.9%ODI 10210241 · 50,200 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT THE RADIO REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT WAITED FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,200. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF | 12.9%ODI 10136505 · 5,000 miI PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2003 FORD MUSTANG COBRA CONVERTIBLE IN PLACENTIA, CA AND WAS VERY EXCITED TO HAVE MY FIRST MUSTANG. I AM 32 AND MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN AGES 13 AND 5 SO OUR OTHER CAR IS A MINIVAN. IN THE END, AS YOU WILL SEE IN THIS DESCRIPTION, THIS WAS THE WORST PURCHASE I HAVE EVER MADE IN REGARDS TO A VEHICLE. AFTER AROUND 7,000-9,000 MILES ( I WOULD HAVE TO PULL THE PAPERWORK AS I AM AT WORK NOW) THE CAR OVER-HEATED ON THE FREEWAY AND DURING THE OVERHEATING THE CAR SHUT DOWN FORCING ME TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND THE CAR BEGAN… |
| Electrical System | 212.5%ODI 10449276 · 75,000 miVEHICLES HEAD GASKETS FAILED, PCM FAILED AKA THE BRAIN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 10156355DRIVING AND MADE A TURN, CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AS IF A TIRE BLEW OUT SPUN AND DID 360 TURN JUMPED A CURB, SMASHED INTO A POLE. ATTEMPTED TO STOP CAR AND TURN OFF IGNITION BUT CAR WOULDN'T STOP UNTIL 3RD ATTEMPT! ATTEMPTED TO START CAR BACK UP YET CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AND REVVING EVEN THOUGH CAR WAS IN PARK AND NO ONE WAS PRESSING THE GAS IT KEPT REVVING AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK. HAD CAR TOWED AND MECHANIC SAID COMPUTER CHIP IN CAR MALFUNCTIONED ENGAGED IN CRUISE CONTROL WHICH IS WHY MY ATTEMPTS OF GAINING CONTROL OF CAR FAILED. CAR IS T… | 111.1%ODI 10156964 · 74,814 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ERUPTED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS USED EARLIER IN THE DAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO THE SCENE AND DETERMINED THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD IN THE AREA OF SOME ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ALSO RESPONDED AND TOOK A REPORT. THE INSURANCE AGENCY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 315.0%ODI 10358297ALTERNATOR CAUSED FIRE, SHORTED OUT, ON 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT. *TR | 211.8%ODI 10270056 · 94,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OXIDATION BUILD-UP ON THE HEADLIGHT COVERS IS CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP DOES NOT GO UP OR DOWN BECAUSE THE CONTROL MODULE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ON OR OFF. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS UNSAFE BECAUSE THE TOP CAN GO UP OR DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF UPDATED 06/04/09.*JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 214.3%ODI 10268417 · 195,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY IN HIS FACE. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR IMPACT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT A CLAIM COULD NOT BE FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS FACE. THERE WERE NO OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHIC… | 225.0%ODI 10648713 · 125,000 miFORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE '96 - WHILE HEADING HOME ME AND MY FAMILY WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 50 MPH. IT WAS A CLEAR SUNNY DAY, 85 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITH NO CHANCE OF RAIN. WE HAD THE WINDOWS AND TOP UP AC GOING. MY FIANCE, THE DRIVER, STARTED SMELLING WATER COMING FROM THE VENTS AND ASKED IF I COULD, BUT I COULDN'T SMELL THE SCENT OF WATER. A FEW SECONDS LATER IT STARTED TO GET SMOKEY INSIDE THE CAR SO HE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN TO PULL OVER AND THE SMOKE GOT THICKER. AS SOON AS WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE PASSENGER AIR BAG JUST… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.0%ODI 10876562 · 89,000 miTHE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO THE STOP AND SO DID I BUT AS I HIT MY BRAKE SOMETHING BLEW UP IN MY FACE AND MADE ME PUT MY ARMS UP AND I LOST VISIBILITY. THE WEIRD PART IS THEY WENT OFF AT A ROLLING STOP UNDER 3 MPH .ALSO LAST WEEK MY CAR BRAKE SWITCH ALMOST STARTED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. | 15.9%ODI 10144020 · 52,147 miHAD AN ACCIDENT ON 19 NOV 05 IN DALLAS,TX AT 9.50 PM, I WAS CHANGING LANE WHEN THE OTHER CAR IN THE LANE I WAS CHANGING INTO LOWED DOWN, HE WAS DRIVING A JAGUAR WE BOTH WENT HEAD ON INTO THE CONCRETE DIVING WALL AT ABOUT 60-63 MPH MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY; I HAVE $12000.00 IN DAMAGE TO MY 2001 MUSTANG COBRA. *JB | 25.7%ODI 10503261 · 93,490 miMAKING A RIGHT TURN IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH A SPEED OF APROX. 10 MPH THE AIRBAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE PASSENGERS SIDE. THERE WAS NO COLLISION WITH ANY KIND OF OBJECTS (CAR,PETS.VARMENTS,ROAD DEBRIS ETC;;... ) THERE WAS NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER TO THE CAR. BUT MY SON WAS KNOCK-OUT BRIEFLY AND HAD INJURIES TO HIS FACE, CHIN, AND ARMS. THANKFULLY NO OTHER CARS ARE PEOPLE WERE IN THE PATH WHILE HE WAS TURNING. *TR |
| Tires | 16.3%ODI 10052574I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE FROM CENTURY FORD IN ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (718 ROCKVILLE PIKE) IN 2002.HEY INDICATED THE MILIEAGE ON THE CAR (94 MUSTANG) WAS 59,120. MY MECHANIC INSPECTED IT LATER AND SUSPECTED THERE WAS A POSSIBLE ROLLBACK OF 20,000.*AK HE INDICATED THE DIGITS ON THE ODOMETER DID NOT LINE UP PROPERLY, THERE WAS EXTREME WEAR ON THE PEDALS, AND THE SCUFFING AND CRACKS ON THE LEATHER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT SHOWED WEAR OF MUCH MORE THAN 59,120 MILES, POSSIBLEY 80,000. ALSO, THE DEALER DOES IT'S OWN MARYLAND STATE INSPECTIONS AND PASSE… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 10248382VIBRATION ON MY 1996 MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE BETWEEN 60-80 MPH TOOK TO DEALER SAID I NEEDED NEW TIRES BEFORE THEY COULD CHECK COULD NOT AFFORD THE TIRES AT THAT TIME GOT NEW TIRES AND BROUGHT TO DEALER AGAIN AND SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT WAS TOLD EARLIER THAT IT WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL TRIED TO ARGUE BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR A RECALL AND I GOT ANGRY AND LEFT!!!! CAN YOU HELP? *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 210.0%ODI 10139001MANUFACTURER SELECTED OEM TIRES, GOODYEAR EAGLES, UNSAFE ON WET/DAMP SURFACES. TIRES WOULD SPIN UPON STARTING AWAY FROM STOP NO MATTER HOW GENTLY/SLOWLY YOU TRIED TO DRIVE AWAY. CAR WOULD FISHTAIL AND LOSE TRACTION (ESPECIALLY REAR (DRIVE) WHEELS) ON MODERATE CORNERS AT MODERATE SPEEDS WHILE ACCELERATING OR NOT. TIRES REPLACE AT 15,000 MILES WITH PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT ON THEM DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR AQUATRED III'S. MUCH BETTER HANDLING WITH NEW TIRES. | 15.9%ODI 10286980 · 300 miI PURCHASED 2 BRAND-NEW BF GOODRICH TRACTION T/A TIRES - 225/55/R16 95H TIRES ON OR ABOUT 09/0109. 3 DAYS LATER, WITH APPROXIMATELY 300 MILES ON THESE TIRES, I EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT ON ONE OF THEM DUE TO SIDEWALL FAILURE. TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH SAME TIRE AND 2ND TIRE WAS INSPECTED AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE. ON 10/08/09 I EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT OF THE 2ND OF THE 2 ORIGINAL TIRES, AGAIN DUE TO SIDEWALL FAILURE. I DO NOT HAVE THE DOT NUMBER FROM THE 1ST TIRE, BUT THE DOT NUMBER/ID FROM THE 2ND TIRE IS: BE6RMC11. *TR | 12.9%ODI 10116053 · 24,000 miCOMPLETE LOSS OF TRACTION - SPIN OUT AT 30MPH WHILE OTHER CARS PASSED ME BY NORMALLY. FELT LIKE THE REAR END JUST COULD NOT STAY ON THE ROAD. CRAWLED 100 MILES TO THE AIRPORT AT 30-35MPH WITH CONSTANT LOSS OF TRACTION MOST OF THE WAY ON A MOIST HIGHWAY. CAR KEPT WANTING TO TURN SIDEWAYS. TIRES LOOKED GOOD AND STILL DO. TRIED SHUTTING THE TRAC ON/OFF, NO CHANGE EITHER WAY. COULD NOT KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AS THE REAR END KEPT SLIDING ALL OVER THE PLACE. I FEEL LIKE THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS LOCKED IN EITHER THE ON OR OFF POSITION O… |
| Equipment | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.1%ODI 10261547BROKE DOWN ON HIGHWAY WITH WATER AND SMOKE EVERYWHERE. HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE AND HAD TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED . FORD REFUNDED US THE MONEY AND IT WORKED FOR AWHILE BUT BEGAN OVERHEATING AGAIN AND HAD TO ADD WATER EVERYDAY. HUSBAND PASSED AWAY IN 2006 AND UNTIL 2008 EXCEPT FOR STARTING IT, I DID NOT DRIVE IT. HAD THE COOLING SYSTEM FIXED AGAIN AT MY COST AND I AM BACK APPROX 6 MTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OVERHEATING AGAIN AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. CAR SOUNDS AWFUL AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX IT AGAIN. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 211.8%ODI 10100014 · 25,000 miDETERIORATION OF MATERIALS OF HEADLIGHT LENSES. DETERIORATION CAUSED BY THE HEAT PRODUCED BY THE LIGHT ITSELF. DIMS THE HEADLIGHTS AND REDUCES VISIBILITY THEREBY CAUSING UNSAFE AND ILLEGAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.L *AK | 25.7%ODI 10028475 · 31,150 mi1998 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE UNDER WARRANTY, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT (LAP PORTION) BECAME SEVERELY FRAYED. BELT (AND MAYBE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY) WAS REPLACED BY DEALER. DON'T HAVE AN EXACT DATE - BUT WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. *AK NOW, AT 5 YRS 4 MO OF AGE, THIS BELT IS AGAIN FRAYING. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 111.1%ODI 10628014 · 125,000 miTHE ELECTRICAL POWER WIRES ON THE OEM-INSTALLED FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK, WERE INSTALLED SO THAT THEY CROSSED OVER EACH OTHER ON THEIR WAY FROM THE CONNECTOR OUTSIDE THE TANK TO THE FUEL PUMP INSIDE. ON THREE SIMILAR VEHICLES THAT WE OWN THESE CROSSING SOLID CORE FUEL PUMP WIRES CAME CLOSE ENOUGH TO EACH OTHER SO AS TO TOUCH. ON THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THE WIRES NOT ONLY CROSSED BUT THEY TOUCHED AND THE WIRES WERE RIGID ENOUGH THAT OVER THE YEARS THEY RUBBED AND WORE AWAY THE INSULATION ON BOTH THE RED AND THE BLACK ELEC… | 19.1%ODI 10272667 · 90,050 miWE TOOK OUR 1998 6 CYLINDER MUSTANG IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. IT HAS ABOUT 90,000 MILES ON IT. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT IS LEAKING FUEL AND THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. WE NOW HAVE TO SPEND $1000 TO REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL, BOTH VALVE GASKETS, VALVE COVER GASKETS AND FUEL INJECTOR O RINGS. PLUS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT ON LABOR. WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR CAR/ENGINE WILL CATCH FIRE, IF WE DO NOT REPLACE THESE PARTS. THIS IS MY DAUGHTER WHO IS IN COLLEGE'S CAR. HOW CAN THEY HAVE SUCH A HORRIBLE DESIGN AND IF WE REPLACE THE PARTS IS THIS GOING TO BE REPEAT… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 317.6%ODI 10276760 · 62,000 miFUELING CAR GAS LEAKING ONTO GROUND REACHED UNDER CAR RIGHT SIDE FILLER TUBE GOING INTO TANK ALL RUSTED FUEL COMING OUT TUBE ONTO GROUND 2001 MUSTANG 3.8OHV PART# 9034 FILLER NECK TUBE RUSTED THROUGH. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Structure | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.1%ODI 10063658 · 60,000 miTHE PAINT ON MY WHITE CONVERTABLE MUSTANG HAS BEEN PEELING FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD,I HAVE BEEN SPOT PATCHING IT. WELL THE OTHER DAY WHILE WASHING IT THE PAINT ON THE REAR PANEL JUST FLEW OFF AND HAS WATER UNDER AN EXTREMELY LARGE PIECE THAT WILL SOON FALL OFF WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAIRED.THE PAINT HAS ALWAYS SEEM TO NOT REALLY BEEN ADHEARED TO THE CAR WELL.HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT BUMPER REPAINTED PRIER TO THIS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE PAINT? IT SHOULD WEAR OUT NOT FALL OFF! *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 211.8%ODI 10074903CONSTANT VIBRATION IN THE DASH AREA. HAVE HAD ALL 4 AIR VENTS REPLACED TWICE AND THE ENTIRE CENTER CONSOLE REPLACED DO TO RADDLING NOISES. TO THIS DATE MY DASH STILL RATTLES IN THE VENT AREAS.*AK | 25.7%ODI 10034163WHILE DRIVING FLOORBOARDS VIBRATE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING IMPAIRED VISION OF REAR VIEW MIRROR. DEALER STATES, THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Too few reports for a range | 78,823 mi | 4 (sparse) | ODI 10025473 · 100,000 miMY 1994 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTABLE HAS BLOWN THE HEAD GASKET, IVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IAM WONDERING WHAT I CAN DO AS A CONSUMER TO HAVE MY CAR FIXED BY THE DEALER?*AK ODI 10039379 · 78,500 miI HAVE A 1994 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE WITH 3.8L V6. DESPITE USING THE BEST MOTOR OIL AND REGULAR SERVICE, THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 78,500 MI. AND THIS CAUSED A RAPID ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I LEARNED THAT PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE IS SO COMMON TO FORD 3.8L V6S THAT THEY CONDUCTED A VOLUNTARY ENGINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROGRAM AND NOW FORD IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN/WILL DO TO DEFRAY THE COST OF MY ENGINE/TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT THE ENGIN… |
| Electrical System | Too few reports for a range | 61,428 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10449276 · 75,000 miVEHICLES HEAD GASKETS FAILED, PCM FAILED AKA THE BRAIN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR ODI 10459630 · 47,856 miWHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. WAITED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND TURNED THE LIGHTS BACK ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THEY SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE LIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE MELTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AT THE CONNECTOR. LATER I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY MUSTANG OWNERS. MY HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AND WIRING IS COMPLETELY STOCK INCLUDING THE FUSES (WHICH NEVER BLEW). THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS TWO PROBLEMS, COMPLETE LOSS OF LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AND ELECTRICAL … |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | Too few reports for a range | 75,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10449276 · 75,000 miVEHICLES HEAD GASKETS FAILED, PCM FAILED AKA THE BRAIN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR |
| Air Bags:Frontal | Too few reports for a range | 128,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10134629 · 128,000 miI WAS DRIVING MY 1994 GT MUSTANG DOWN THE ROAD, AND LUCKILY JUST CLIMBED OFF THE FREE WAY, WHEN BOTH MY DRIVER SIDE & PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN MY FACE, FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, I CALLED FORD, THEY TOLD ME DUE TO MY CAR NOT BEING UNDER WARRANTY, THE PROBLEM DOES NOT LYE ON THEIR END. I FOUND THAT UNBELIEVABLE CONSIDERING AIRBAGS ARE NOT A SERVICEABLE ITEM. *JB |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Too few reports for a range | 78,500 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10039379 · 78,500 miI HAVE A 1994 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE WITH 3.8L V6. DESPITE USING THE BEST MOTOR OIL AND REGULAR SERVICE, THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 78,500 MI. AND THIS CAUSED A RAPID ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I LEARNED THAT PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE IS SO COMMON TO FORD 3.8L V6S THAT THEY CONDUCTED A VOLUNTARY ENGINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROGRAM AND NOW FORD IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN/WILL DO TO DEFRAY THE COST OF MY ENGINE/TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT THE ENGIN… |
| Exterior Lighting | Too few reports for a range | 47,856 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10459630 · 47,856 miWHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. WAITED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND TURNED THE LIGHTS BACK ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THEY SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE LIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE MELTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AT THE CONNECTOR. LATER I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY MUSTANG OWNERS. MY HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AND WIRING IS COMPLETELY STOCK INCLUDING THE FUSES (WHICH NEVER BLEW). THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS TWO PROBLEMS, COMPLETE LOSS OF LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AND ELECTRICAL … |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2001: 3 complaints · 2003: 19 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 2003 | 9 | 11 | 19 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 32 | 1 | 2 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Electrical System | Engine And Engine Cooling | Air Bags:Frontal | Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Exterior Lighting | Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10039379 · 78,500 miI HAVE A 1994 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE WITH 3.8L V6. DESPITE USING THE BEST MOTOR OIL AND REGULAR SERVICE, THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 78,500 MI. AND THIS CAUSED A RAPID ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I LEARNED THAT PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE IS SO COMMON TO FORD 3.8L V6S THAT THEY CONDUCTED A VOLUNTARY ENGINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROGRAM AND NOW FORD IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN/WILL DO TO DEFRAY THE COST OF MY ENGINE/TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT THE ENGIN… | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 0 | — | 1ODI 10449276 · 75,000 miVEHICLES HEAD GASKETS FAILED, PCM FAILED AKA THE BRAIN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10459630 · 47,856 miWHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. WAITED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND TURNED THE LIGHTS BACK ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THEY SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE LIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE MELTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AT THE CONNECTOR. LATER I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY MUSTANG OWNERS. MY HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AND WIRING IS COMPLETELY STOCK INCLUDING THE FUSES (WHICH NEVER BLEW). THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS TWO PROBLEMS, COMPLETE LOSS OF LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AND ELECTRICAL … | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 0 | 1ODI 10449276 · 75,000 miVEHICLES HEAD GASKETS FAILED, PCM FAILED AKA THE BRAIN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 1ODI 10039379 · 78,500 miI HAVE A 1994 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE WITH 3.8L V6. DESPITE USING THE BEST MOTOR OIL AND REGULAR SERVICE, THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 78,500 MI. AND THIS CAUSED A RAPID ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I LEARNED THAT PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE IS SO COMMON TO FORD 3.8L V6S THAT THEY CONDUCTED A VOLUNTARY ENGINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROGRAM AND NOW FORD IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN/WILL DO TO DEFRAY THE COST OF MY ENGINE/TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT THE ENGIN… | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 0 | 1ODI 10459630 · 47,856 miWHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. WAITED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND TURNED THE LIGHTS BACK ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THEY SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE LIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE MELTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AT THE CONNECTOR. LATER I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY MUSTANG OWNERS. MY HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AND WIRING IS COMPLETELY STOCK INCLUDING THE FUSES (WHICH NEVER BLEW). THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS TWO PROBLEMS, COMPLETE LOSS OF LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AND ELECTRICAL … | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.