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1986 Ford Mustang

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1986 Ford Mustang do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 81.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 8 of 30 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports4 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

30 reports
62,000 miles · Sep 26, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 1986 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and he was able to continue driving in second gear. The vehicle then lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it …

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The contact owns a 1986 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and he was able to continue driving in second gear. The vehicle then lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that due to an electrical failure, the spark plugs, distributor cap, ignition wires, and the ignition control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing belt, the gears, and the distributor needed to be replaced. The timing belt and gears were repaired. The contact stated that there was no replacement distributor available so the distributor was sent out to be rebuilt and was then reinstalled in the vehicle; however, when the vehicle was test driven and turned off, the vehicle failed to restart. The failure could not be duplicated. The manufacture was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #11486404

68,000 miles · Apr 9, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR EMISSION TESTING, THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS DUE TO DEFECTIVE CO2 SENSORS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR THE REPAIRS YET THE DEALER ADVISED THE CATALYST SYSTEM WAS BRAND NEW AND WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR EMISSION TESTING, THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS DUE TO DEFECTIVE CO2 SENSORS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR THE REPAIRS YET THE DEALER ADVISED THE CATALYST SYSTEM WAS BRAND NEW AND WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR EMISSION TESTING ONE YEAR LATER AND AGAIN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ALTERED THE CATALYST SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE FAILURE HOWEVER THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR UNSPECIFIED REASONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10324637

48,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. HE TRIED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR THREE YEARS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WOULD TAKE TWO HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEALERSHIPS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND THE CONTACT …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. HE TRIED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR THREE YEARS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WOULD TAKE TWO HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEALERSHIPS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND THE CONTACT SHOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO JAPAN FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10315799

72,105 miles · Jun 1, 2008
Tires

PURCHASED TIRES 04/2006 FOR COLLECTIBLE CAR THAT SEES LOW MILEAGE. CAR STARTED WITH A SLIGHT VIBRATION ABOUT TWO MONTHS BEFORE INCIDENT AND CONTINUED TO GET WORST WITH TIME. ROTATED ALL FOUR TIRES TO INSPECT AND FOUND ONE SUSPECT TIRE WITH A FOUR INCH WIDE BULGE THAT STARTED AT THE CENTER OF THE TIRE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE TREAD…

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PURCHASED TIRES 04/2006 FOR COLLECTIBLE CAR THAT SEES LOW MILEAGE. CAR STARTED WITH A SLIGHT VIBRATION ABOUT TWO MONTHS BEFORE INCIDENT AND CONTINUED TO GET WORST WITH TIME. ROTATED ALL FOUR TIRES TO INSPECT AND FOUND ONE SUSPECT TIRE WITH A FOUR INCH WIDE BULGE THAT STARTED AT THE CENTER OF THE TIRE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE TREAD. NO DEFORMITIES WERE FOUND WITH THE SIDEWALLS AND NO DAMAGE FOUND TO THE TREAD OR CARCASS. SUSPECT BELT FAILURE. TIRE REMOVED FROM SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229465

120,000 miles · Aug 27, 2007
Electrical System

THE IGNITION SWITCH( THE ONE'S RECALLED FOR 88-93 MUSTANGS 96V071000 ) IS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY, THE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF WITHOUT NOTICE. MINE HAS BEEN HAPPENING OR MANY YEARS NOW. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, A COUPLE OF TIMES A DAY. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP TO INCLUDE THIS VEHICLE IN THE CURRENT RECALL(96V071000) AFTER ALL IT …

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THE IGNITION SWITCH( THE ONE'S RECALLED FOR 88-93 MUSTANGS 96V071000 ) IS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY, THE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF WITHOUT NOTICE. MINE HAS BEEN HAPPENING OR MANY YEARS NOW. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, A COUPLE OF TIMES A DAY. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP TO INCLUDE THIS VEHICLE IN THE CURRENT RECALL(96V071000) AFTER ALL IT IS THE SAME PART. THANKS A LOT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10200906

280,000 miles · Aug 7, 2007
Tires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE VEHICLE HAS TBC SIGMA SHADOW TIRES, SIZE P225/75R15. ON AUGUST 7, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE MUD FLAP AND BACK CORNER PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THE VIN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE VEHICLE HAS TBC SIGMA SHADOW TIRES, SIZE P225/75R15. ON AUGUST 7, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE MUD FLAP AND BACK CORNER PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THE VIN, PURCHASE DATE, FUEL SYSTEM, AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 280,000.

NHTSA ODI #10198709

303,915 miles · Aug 9, 2004
Tires

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. RIGHT REAR TIRE STARTED MAKING A WHINING NOISE AND WENT FLAT. TIRE SHREDDED BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER. LOOKED AT TIRE AND DIDN'T SEE ANY NAILS, ETC IN TIRE TO CAUSE DEFLATION. TOOK TIRE BACK TO PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A PRO-RATED REPLACEMENT. I DID KEEP TIRE IN CASE NHTSA WANTS IT. TIRES ARE B…

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DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. RIGHT REAR TIRE STARTED MAKING A WHINING NOISE AND WENT FLAT. TIRE SHREDDED BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER. LOOKED AT TIRE AND DIDN'T SEE ANY NAILS, ETC IN TIRE TO CAUSE DEFLATION. TOOK TIRE BACK TO PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A PRO-RATED REPLACEMENT. I DID KEEP TIRE IN CASE NHTSA WANTS IT. TIRES ARE BRIDGESTONE EAGER, SIZE 22560HR15.

NHTSA ODI #10086462

150,000 miles · Aug 3, 2003
StructureVisibility

2 ISSUES (DATE AND INFO IS FOR THE FIRST DESCRIBED)HEATER CORE STARTED TO LEAK AND STEAM POURED OUR OF HEATER VENTS. VERY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE SUCH A SMALL PART, 8 HOURS OF WORK BY A PROFESSIONAL AND 300 DOLLARS. HAD ABOUT 150,000 MILES AT THE TIME. ISSUE 2: CAR WAS TOTALED IN A WRECK IN EARLY FEB 2003 WITH 162,000 MILES. CA…

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2 ISSUES (DATE AND INFO IS FOR THE FIRST DESCRIBED)HEATER CORE STARTED TO LEAK AND STEAM POURED OUR OF HEATER VENTS. VERY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE SUCH A SMALL PART, 8 HOURS OF WORK BY A PROFESSIONAL AND 300 DOLLARS. HAD ABOUT 150,000 MILES AT THE TIME. ISSUE 2: CAR WAS TOTALED IN A WRECK IN EARLY FEB 2003 WITH 162,000 MILES. CAR FISH TALLED ON ICE AT 35 MPH. HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A POLE 3 FEET HIGH WHICH RESULTED IN A COMPLETE 380 SPIN EXTREMLY QUICK DUE TO THE CURRENT FISH TAILING. MINOR INJURIES SUCH AS A SCRATCH. SPIN WAS SO FAST THAT THE GLASSES I WAS WEARING FLEW OFF INTO THE BACK SEAT. THIS IS MORE OF A COMPLIMENT THAN A COMPLAIN DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HANDLES VERY WELL IN SUCH A COLLISON. MODEL WAS AN LX CONVERTIBLE. CONVERTIBLE ROOF TORE 3 WAYS DURING CRASH. PICTURES AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10030684

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE JUST DIES, ALL POWER GONE, WON'T COMPRESSION START, BUT WILL RESTART WITH CLUTCH IN.

NHTSA ODI #767386

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2001
Electrical System

IGNITION MODULE MOUNTED ON DITRIBUTOR, $148.00 REPLACMENT COST. *AK

NHTSA ODI #750478

Official recalls

1

87V139000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 4, 1987

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

5

PE93011 · Cruise Control Malfunction

Opened Mar 3, 1993 · Closed Jul 19, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment

There is no summary currently available

PE90052 · Fr Seat Floor Mount Fails

Opened Mar 7, 1990 · Closed Jun 20, 1990

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats

There is no summary currently available

PE89118 · Speed Control Malfunction

Opened Apr 19, 1989 · Closed Sep 6, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment

===

PE87028 · Stalling

Opened May 1, 1987 · Closed Jan 21, 1988

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===

EA86010 · Seatback Failure

Opened Mar 26, 1986 · Closed Jul 28, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD BELIEVES THAT THE AL-LEGED DEFECT ONLY OCCURS IN A SMALL NUMBER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ANDRECALLED ABOUT 195,732 1984 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES IN JUNE 1986.ANALYSIS: VEHICLES POTENTIALLY INVOLVED INCLUDE TEMPO/TOPAZ, ESCORT/LYNX/EXP, MUSTANG/CAPRI, LTD/MARQUIS, AND THUNDERBIRD/COUGAR.FORD SOLD ABOUT 110,000 REPLACEMENT MIO BOLTS, MAINLY FOR 1983 AND 1984MODELS. LOW CLAMPING FORCE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE PART OF THE PROBLEM.FORD INCREASED THE TORQUE REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED THE USE OF A MANUALTORQUE TOOL IN MARCH AND SEPTEMBER 1985 PRODUCTION CHANGES. 1987 MODELSWILL BE PRODUCED WITH A LONGER M10 BOLT AND A NUT TO INCREASE AND MAIN-TAIN CLAMPING FORCE. BOLTS WERE FORMERLY SELF TAPPING. REPORTS LISTEDABOVE SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT THE BOLT BROKE. NONE REFER SIMPLY TOSEAT BACK COLLAPSE ALONE.STATUS:FORD REPLY TO ODI IR DATED 2/2/87.FORD RECALLED 195,7321984 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES IN JUNE 1986 (86V-082). ANALYZING REPONSE,MONITORING CANADIAN PROGRESS. RESPONSE TO 4/6/87 LETTER TO FORDRECEIVED 7/15/87. WILL PROBABLY CLOSE AFTER CANADA COMPLETES THEIRACTIONS.===