NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
602 reportsMileage unknown · Apr 20, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
AT 57000 MILES THE CAR'S HEATER STOP WORKING. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS FAILURE OF THE GASKET RESULTING IN ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY BEING BURNED BY THE ENGINE. THE LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE RESULTED IN HEAT…
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AT 57000 MILES THE CAR'S HEATER STOP WORKING. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS FAILURE OF THE GASKET RESULTING IN ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY BEING BURNED BY THE ENGINE. THE LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE RESULTED IN HEAT NOT BEING DISSIPATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH RESULTED IN THE LACK OF HEAT FROM THE VENTS AND THE OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE. COST OF REPAIR WAS $1033.96.
NHTSA ODI #721736
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS. THE SAME DAY IT BLEW A HEADGASKET. I REPLACE IT AND NOW HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CRANKSHAFT.
NHTSA ODI #721723
Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2000
Unknown Or Other
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721686
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
BLOWN HEAD GASKET, TOTAL COST: $1140. THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN POSTED AND THE FACT THAT THIS ENGINE IS BEING COVERED IN OTHER MODELS, (WINDSTAR, ETC), MUSTANG'S 3.8L ENGINES SHOULD BE INCLUDED. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO FOLLOW UP, OR WILL I RECEIVE FOLLOW UP INFORMATION FROM NHSTA? OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WI…
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BLOWN HEAD GASKET, TOTAL COST: $1140. THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN POSTED AND THE FACT THAT THIS ENGINE IS BEING COVERED IN OTHER MODELS, (WINDSTAR, ETC), MUSTANG'S 3.8L ENGINES SHOULD BE INCLUDED. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO FOLLOW UP, OR WILL I RECEIVE FOLLOW UP INFORMATION FROM NHSTA? OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH MUSTANGS, NOT JUST THE OTHER VEHICLES! THEY'VE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE OTHER VEHICLES TO 7 YEARS AND 100,000 MILES. I HAVE THE DOCOMENTATION WITH MILEAGE AND DATE ON MY REPAIR RECEIPT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I NEED, OR CAN DO. THANK YOU. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721585
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET FAILURE DURING NORMAL DRIVING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721514
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2000
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE BETWEEN NORMAL AND HOT. ONE SECOND, YOU LOOK AT THE GAUGE, IT IS NORMAL, ONE SECOND LATER IT IS HOT. WHEN YOU START THE CAR COLD, THE ANTIFREEZE DOES NOT CIRCULATE, IT GOES INTO THE RESERVOIR BOTTLE, AND THEN COMES OUT ONTO THE GROUND. I HAVE CHANGED THE WATER PUMP, THE RADIATOR CAP, A…
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THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE BETWEEN NORMAL AND HOT. ONE SECOND, YOU LOOK AT THE GAUGE, IT IS NORMAL, ONE SECOND LATER IT IS HOT. WHEN YOU START THE CAR COLD, THE ANTIFREEZE DOES NOT CIRCULATE, IT GOES INTO THE RESERVOIR BOTTLE, AND THEN COMES OUT ONTO THE GROUND. I HAVE CHANGED THE WATER PUMP, THE RADIATOR CAP, AND THE THERMOSTAT THREE TIMES.IT DOES HAVE A DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG, BUT IT HAS NEVER DEPLOYED.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P3515 )
NHTSA ODI #721496
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW, CAUSING LOSS OF COMPRESSION AND ENGINE STOPPING. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THE 3.8 ENGINES WITH FORD IN THE TAURUS AND SABLE. FORD HAS BEEN FIXING THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX THIS IN THE MUSTANG. I NOTIFIED FORD THAT THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE IN ALL THREE VEHICALS. HAD TO BE TOWED AT MY EXPENCE. F…
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ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW, CAUSING LOSS OF COMPRESSION AND ENGINE STOPPING. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THE 3.8 ENGINES WITH FORD IN THE TAURUS AND SABLE. FORD HAS BEEN FIXING THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX THIS IN THE MUSTANG. I NOTIFIED FORD THAT THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE IN ALL THREE VEHICALS. HAD TO BE TOWED AT MY EXPENCE. FORD SAYED THEY WILL NOT COVER!!!!!. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721468
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET BLOWN WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721411
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE HEAD GASKET IN THE ENGINE FAILED. I HAVE BEEN FINDING MORE AND MORE REPORTS THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEAD GASKETS IN THAT MODEL ENGINE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721388
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE IDENTICAL HEAD GASKET,ENGINE,TRANSMISSION AND PAINT PEELING PROBLEMS AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER MUSTANG OWNERS. I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE FROM FORD I AM CONTACTING THEM ONE LAST TIME. ON APRIL 16 I WILL START A PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPIAGN IN MY AREA TO INFORM EVERYONE OF MY PROBELMS WITH FORD AND THEIR PRODUCTS. I WANT…
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I HAVE IDENTICAL HEAD GASKET,ENGINE,TRANSMISSION AND PAINT PEELING PROBLEMS AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER MUSTANG OWNERS. I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE FROM FORD I AM CONTACTING THEM ONE LAST TIME. ON APRIL 16 I WILL START A PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPIAGN IN MY AREA TO INFORM EVERYONE OF MY PROBELMS WITH FORD AND THEIR PRODUCTS. I WANT MY CAR FIXED . FORD KNOWS ABOUT THESE PROBELMS AND WILL NOT FIX THEM. I HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND NO MONEY TO FIX THIS NEW YARD ORNAMENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721201
Official recalls
5Dec 21, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Jul 17, 1995
THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH INCORRECT TAPER BALL STUDS. THE INCORRECT TAPERED BALL STUDS CAN FRACTURE WITHIN 50,000 MILES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FRACTURED BALL STUD CAN RESULT IN A NOTICEABLE SHAKE OR SHIMMY AND COULD CAUSE THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO TUCK INWARD OR OUTWARD, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND REPLACE THE INCORRECTLY TAPERED BALL STUDS.
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
4EA98013 · Parking Brake
Opened May 27, 1998 · Closed Oct 31, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE97051 · Parking Brake Failure
Opened Dec 23, 1997 · Closed May 27, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE NUMBER OF CRASHES REPORTED TOT HE MANUFACTURER WARRANTS FURTHER THIS INVESTIGATION
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.
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