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1996 Ford Mustang

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Mustang years

Owner complaints for the 1996 Ford Mustang are substantially higher than the model-year median of 81.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 26 of 246 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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports6 fire reports13 injury reports

Suspension complaints

22 reports
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169,886 miles · Apr 27, 2010
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, STAB…

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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 ODI #10327707

98,490 miles · Mar 8, 2006
Suspension

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 BEE…

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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 ODI #10152224

Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2001
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING UP A SMALL INCLINE AT DRIVE THRU, HEARD LOUD CRACKING SOUND. STOPPED TO INVESTIGATE AND NOTICED REAR SWAY BAR ON DRIVERS SIDE HAD BROKEN OFF. THIS HAS CAUSED A CLANKING SOUND WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #753225

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2001
Suspension

CASTER ADJUSTMENT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING TIRES TO WEAR EXCESSIVELY. DEALERHSIP EXAMINED VEHICLE,AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT AN AUTOBODY SHOP WOULD HAVE TO MAKE THE REPAIRS TO VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #892831

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2001
Suspension

WHILE TRAVELING 30-35MPH SWAY BAR FOR CONSUMER'S 1996, FORD, COBRA MUSTANG BROKE IN HALF. VEHICLE HAD 43,000 MILES WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #892486

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2001
Suspension

WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY SWAY BAR BROKE AWAY FROM VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD 43,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED FOR PROBLEM, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR BAR. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #892483

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2001
Suspension

REAR SWAY BAR SHEARED OFF AT BOLT HOLE ON LOWER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVERS SIDE. I REMOVED THE PART AND PLACED IN TRUCK OF CAR. SINCE THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE I CALLED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY FOR A REPLACEMENT SWAY BAR. I OFFERED TO BRING THE PART IN SO THEY COULD INSPECT IT TO MAKE SURE THE FAILURE WA…

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REAR SWAY BAR SHEARED OFF AT BOLT HOLE ON LOWER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVERS SIDE. I REMOVED THE PART AND PLACED IN TRUCK OF CAR. SINCE THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE I CALLED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY FOR A REPLACEMENT SWAY BAR. I OFFERED TO BRING THE PART IN SO THEY COULD INSPECT IT TO MAKE SURE THE FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY ABUSE. DEALER WAS UNWILLING TO HELP SO I CONTACTED FORDS CUSTOMER RELATIONS. THEY STATE SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL THEY WILL NOT HELP. THEY HAVE BEEN VERY EVASIVE AND DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH. THE FIRST REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO LET ME SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR WHEN I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH HER DECISION. THE FINAL SUPERVISOR ADMITTED SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT A SWAY BAR WAS. IF SHE DID SHE WOULD KNOW THEY LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THEY HAVE MADE THIS SEEM LIKE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. FROM LOOKING AT THE NTSA WEB SITE I SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE THIS DEFECT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #743154

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension

WENT TO DEALER 11/99 ABOUT SHUDDER- CHANGED BELTS, ETC. STILL SHAKING- TEAR DOWN 7/00. *AK

NHTSA ODI #738886

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

THE PLASTIC INTAKE? CRACKED FORD RECALL REPAIRED IT. 1ST DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED WAYNE MORRIS FORD IN PERRY, GA WOULD NOT HELP AT ALL. 2ND DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED WARNER ROBINS FORD FOUND THE RECALL AND REPAIRED IT A NO CHARGE. ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING/SHAKING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. I HAVE REPLACED …

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THE PLASTIC INTAKE? CRACKED FORD RECALL REPAIRED IT. 1ST DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED WAYNE MORRIS FORD IN PERRY, GA WOULD NOT HELP AT ALL. 2ND DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED WARNER ROBINS FORD FOUND THE RECALL AND REPAIRED IT A NO CHARGE. ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING/SHAKING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WHICH HAS HELPED A LITTLE. BUT CAN NOT GET ANY ANSWERS OR A RESOLUTION FROM ANY MECHANIC TO DATE.

NHTSA ODI #714959

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 1999
Suspension

REAR SWAY BAR BROKEN AT LEFT END. THIS IS NOT A MOUNTING FAILURE BUT AN ACTUAL BREAK! THIS PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT ALL DEALERS (MORE THAN FIVE) IN THIS AREA ARE OUT OF REPLACEMENT PARTS!! BECAUSE THIS IS PART OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND BECAUSE SO MUCH OF THE SWAY BAR IS HANGING LOOSE THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SERIOUS SAF…

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REAR SWAY BAR BROKEN AT LEFT END. THIS IS NOT A MOUNTING FAILURE BUT AN ACTUAL BREAK! THIS PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT ALL DEALERS (MORE THAN FIVE) IN THIS AREA ARE OUT OF REPLACEMENT PARTS!! BECAUSE THIS IS PART OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND BECAUSE SO MUCH OF THE SWAY BAR IS HANGING LOOSE THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SERIOUS SAFTY HAZARD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #705412

Official recalls

3

01V318000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Oct 3, 2001

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED AFTER APRIL 5, 2000. THE REPLACEMENT DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE INFLATOR MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT WELDS THAT COULD PREVENT PROPER INFLATION OF THE AIR BAG.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

00V349000 · Parking Brake:conventional

Oct 30, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE IS 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: 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.

97V180000 · Structure:body:hood

Oct 20, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS. TEARING OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS DURING MINOR FRONT END COLLISIONS CAN RESULT IN A GAP AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. AIR FORCED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS CAN PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE TO FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE OUTER HOOD PANEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD AREA FOR ANY DAMAGE ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, THE HOOD WILL BE REPLACED. IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE WILL BE APPLIED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS.

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

3

PE99002 · Front Brake Hose

Opened Jan 11, 1999 · Closed Jun 30, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

EA97018 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment

Opened Sep 30, 1997 · Closed Oct 22, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

PE97011 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment

Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 30, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

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.