Model year record

2003 Ford Mustang recalls & problems

The 2003 Ford Mustang has 6 safety recalls and 145 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (41 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints145filed by owners

Crashes · fires19 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths11 · 0reported in complaints

2003 Ford Mustang in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E05600058,640 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Vehicle speed controlApr 7, 2006

Accelerator pedal

Recall 06V10800019,140 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN MUSTANG COBRA PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH FLOOR CARPETING DURING HEAVY THROTTLE APPLICATION. THE UNIQUE SURFACE PROFILE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY CATCH IN THE CUTOUT ON THE FLOOR CARPETING BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Risk: THIS COULD INTERFERE WITH THE PEDAL'S ABILITY TO RETURN TO AN IDLE POSITION. UNEXPECTED, CONTINUED THROTTLE APPLICATION AND/OR INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE CUTOUT IN THE CARPET BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Ford Mustang Convertible

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2003 Ford Mustang 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2003 Ford Mustang NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Mustang

21mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Mustang

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Mustang

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Mustang

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Mustang

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Mustang

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Mustang

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	41	1	0	0	4,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	16	4	0	2	14,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor	16	0	0	0	65,425 mi
Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission	15	2	0	1	7,927 mi
Air bagsFrontal	11	8	0	8	48,000 mi
Unknown or other	10	0	1	0	10,459 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	10	1	0	0	2,949 mi
Electrical systemWiring; Ignition	10	1	4	0	22,174 mi
EquipmentRecreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Water heater; Appliance › Air conditioner	7	0	0	0	11,120 mi
Engine	6	1	0	0	166,000 mi
TiresSidewall	5	1	0	0	9,000 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch	5	1	1	0	25,500 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
Breaks went out
Jun 3, 2026
Service brakes
Breaks went out
Jun 3, 2026
Air bags
From all the research I have done on my vehicle, it has the Takata airbag inflators that uses phaseâstabilized ammonium nitrate without a desiccant which should have been in the Nationwide Ford vehicle recall. I am the original owner of my 2003 Mustang Mach 1 and it has never had the airbags replaced and I have never received a recall notice. I had Ford run an OASIS report on my VIN and they tell me there is no recall for my car. I told them the reports don't show data past 15 years. After all these years I thought I was safe because my car never showed it had the Takata recall, so I didn't think mine had them. Now after watching a YouTube documentary and doing research, I am now afraid…
Apr 9, 2003
Structure › Body
Because of Mustangs heavy doors the latch mechanism malfunctioned and the door came open on the highway. I realize the car is old but I have read up on other complaints on mustangs. The door was fine and within the couple of hours of seeing the problem I was driving 70 on the highway. And I heard the door ding go off and something told me to grab the door. It was all I could do to get back home. Which has now led to other issues like the door sagging and the window is now messed up.
Sep 24, 2025
Electrical systemFire
Burning of terminal on brake light switch wiring. Brake lights left on.
Mar 11, 2025
Seat belts
The Belt Strap will get twists along the length. The Body Pillar clip refuses free movement. This is aggrevating for a Driver in the Seat. Driver in vain pushes Power Seat back to allow the Belt to clip into Latch at the Console. Reality. The car is 22-yrs old. Owner expects indifference by the local Ford shop. Both a neighbor & the Owner had a hard time about service. What does the Owner thinks a good solution? Late Model Restoration is this Model's best parts hope. A indy-body shop near the home of the car a repair alternative. Owner is [XXX] in a [XXX] & uses the Car as a Daily Driver. May be able to upload images of the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION…
Mar 3, 2025
Electrical systemFire
Date of incident....sometime over night 1/27/24. Vehicle FIRE I believe started in electrical components. Happened overnight while PARKED in front of home in parking lot Melted left side of dash (all odometer area) and center console where AC controls and radio are. Shattered front windshield which was black with soot, as well as the plastic frame around front area of convertible top. Fire has somehow extinguished itself. Whole interior car full of soot. I had actually used my key FOB to enter my car at which time I noticed what had happened & all the damage. I immediately disconnected my battery. The engine did not look damaged. The fire seemed to have stayed behind firewall. My insurance…
Jan 27, 2024
Service brakes
Flooded salvage title not listed
Dec 23, 2022

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADClosed
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN ANY OF THE 10,319,810 SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT RESTART.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND OBTAINED FROM 72 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPLAINANTS SHOWED THE FOLLOWING:(1) 99% OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON MY…
DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCEClosedLed to recall 06V108000
ON APRIL 3, 2006, FORD MOTOR COMPANY SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND FLOOR CARPETING IN APPROXIMATELY 19,140 MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 2004 MUSTANG COBRA VEHICLES (FORD RECALL NO. 06S43/NHTSA RECALL 06V-108, COPY ATTACHED).FORD WILL RECALL THE VEHICLES TO INSTALL A SHIELD BENEATH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO PREVENT THE PIVOT PIN ON THE REAR SURFACE OF THE PEDAL FROM COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE FLOOR CARPETING DURING HEAVY THROTTLE APPLICATION.IN THOSE VEHICLES WHERE THE FLOOR CARPETING DOES NOT FIT FLUSH WITH THE SHEET METAL, THE UNIQUE REAR SURFACE PROFILE OF THE MUSTANG COBRA PEDAL MAY ALLOW THE PIVOT PIN OF THE PEDAL TO CATCH IN THE CUTOUT ON THE FLOOR CARPETING BEHIND THE PEDAL, INTERFERING WITH THE PEDAL'S ABILITY TO RETURN; THE RESULT OF WHICH COULD BE UNEXPECTED, CONTINUED…
EA05014 · opened Sep 13, 2005 · closed Apr 10, 2006
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCEClosed
PE05-038 WAS OPENED ON JULY 7, 2005, WITH 11 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF THROTTLE STICKING DUE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE CARPET.ODI HAS RECEIVED AN ADDITIONAL 24 COMPLAINTS SINCE THE PE WAS OPENED.DURING PE05-038, FORD SUPPLIED COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY INFORMATION REGARDING 86 ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE IN MODEL YEAR 2003 TO 2004 MUSTANG COBRA VEHICLES.EIGHTY-FIVE OF THESE HAD CONCERNS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING, 70 OF WHICH WERE ANALYZED AS BEING RELATED TO CARPET INTERFERENCE.ODI IS CONTINUING ITS ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSAL FACTORS IN THE REMAINING 15 INCIDENTS.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
PE05038 · opened Jul 7, 2005 · closed Sep 13, 2005