Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 164 of 213 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 36 of 213 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
35 complaint records
"VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING, DEALER DETERMINED HEADGASKET WAS BLOWN AND REAR SEAL OF ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
32 complaint records24 crash reports
"VEHICLE INVOLVED IN FRONTAL CRASH, UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Power train
27 complaint records3 crash reports
"TRANSMISSION IS MAKING A LOUD HUMMIMG NOISE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD 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... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V349000 | Parking Brake | 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... | Normally free |
| 99V250000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. | Normally free |
| 99V062001 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001079 2001-04-05 | Suspension | 250 | On certain Mustang SVT vehicles, when operated in severe driving cycles such as frequent drag race type standing start acceleration, the ball joint in the rear suspension knuckle where the lower control arm attaches may be displaced... |
| 2000282 2000-11-28 | Brakes | 18,700 | On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, if 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... |
| 1999176 1999-10-19 | Seats And Restraints | 1,889 | On certain vehicles, the seat belt retractor in certain seating positions may have a pin shaft in the switchable ELR/ALR(emergency locking retractor/automatic locking retractor) mechanism that is incorrectly formed. |
| 1999153 1999-08-19 | Emissions | 1,891 | On certain Mustang GT vehicles equipped with 4.6 litre, 2-valve engines, the transmission control wire harness may chafe against the EGR tube and sleeve possibly damaging the harness convolute and wires. |
| 1999061 1999-04-15 | Engine | 35,668 | On certain vehicles, the speed control cable may interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the speed control. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-08B01 May 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE | |
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 05N04 Dec 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 041003 Nov 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST LEAK - CRACKED OR SEPARATED RIGHT SIDE EXHAUST PIPE - 3.8L AND 3.9L ENGINES. *TT | |
| 04198 Oct 2004 | Power Train | MANUAL TRANSMISSION HARD TO SHIFT INTO FIRST/REVERSE FROM A STOP. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 17868 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER OR CRANK NO START - POSSIBLE PATS LAMP FLASHING AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) U1147 AND/OR U1262. *TT | |
| 04103 May 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST LEAK. RIGHT SIDE EXHAUST PIPE ON 3.8L OR 3.9L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 17577 Feb 2004 | Power Train | GEAR WHINE IN 1ST, 3RD AND REVERSE GEARS. *TT | |
| 17510 Jan 2004 | Power Train | DRIVELINE CLUNK DURING GEAR CHANGES AND/OR QUICK ACCELERATION AFTER COAST (TIP-IN) CLUNK. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03144 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 0395 May 2003 | Suspension | POPPING TYPE NOISE WHILE TURNING INTO OR OUT OF AN INCLINE, SUCH AS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY, AT LOW SPEEDS (BELOW 15 MPH (25 KM/H). *TT | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 03261 Jan 2003 | Power Train | NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 030105 Dec 2002 | Seats | PASSENGER SEAT RUBS AGAINST DOOR PANEL. *TT | |
| 0258 Nov 2002 | Power Train | INOPERATIVE OR INACURRATE SPEEDOMETER, 4X4 LAMP ILLUMINATD, AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1635 OR P1639. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ | |
| 16380 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FOR 4.6L APPLICATIONS. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 16069 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SOME COBRAS MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE FROM THE DRIVELINE DURING A QUICK ACCLERATION JUST AFTER COAST (TIP-IN CLUNK). *TT | |
| 15922 May 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING INACCURATE SPEEDOMETER. *TT | |
| 0245 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT | |
| 15702 Mar 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED CONTROL LAMP. *TT | |
| 0222 Feb 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTAKE MANIFOLD CROSSOVER (FIRST RUNNER) COOLANT SEEPAGE CONDITION. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 15462 Dec 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON DRIVELINE CLUNK FOR COBRA MODELS. *TT | |
| 01235 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE T45 MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF BEING STUCK IN REVERSE, DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR MAY POP OUT OF REVERSE. *TT | |
| 15373 Nov 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY RUN ROUGH AT CRUISE OR MOMENTARILY AFTER STOPPING, A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT,AND P030X CODES. *TT | |
| 012113 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | SOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT | |
| 01205 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01174 Sep 2001 | Structure | BODY - HOOD SCOOP LOOSE OR DETACHED FROM HOOD. *NLM | |
| 15205 Sep 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE DOOR GLASS COMING OFF OF THE WINDOW TRACK. *TT | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 15111 Aug 2001 | Equipment | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AUDIO SPEAKER BUZZ, SQUEAK, RATTLING OR AN INOPERATIVE CONDITION. *JADA | |
| 15158 Aug 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FEAD BELT JUMP-OFF TOSS. *YH | |
| 15178 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES EXHIBIT THE DOOR GLASS POPPING OFF TRACK. *YH | |
| 15151 Aug 2001 | Exterior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A STAIN ON THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMP LENS. | |
| 01137 Jul 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4R70W AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE DURING THE 2-1 DOWNSHIFT EVENT. *TT | |
| 15067 Jul 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A POWERTRAIN NOISE DESCRIBED AS A BRIEF ROAR, HOOT OR GROAN BETWEN 2500 - 3500 RPM WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS HALF WAY DOWN, DURING SHIFTING OR WHEN DEPRESSING AND RELEASING THE CLUTCH. *TT | |
| 01108 May 2001 | Power Train | A WHINING NOISE HEARD FROM THE REAR DURING COASTDOWN FROM 97 TO 56 KM/H (60 TO 35 MPH). THIS NOISE WILL DISAPPEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN BELOW 56 KM/H (35 MPH). | |
| 14918 May 2001 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN STATES THAT ON SOME VEHICLES (INCLUDING 2002 BLACKWOOD) A BATTERY DISCONNECT OR PARAMETER RESET IS REQUIRED DURING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (VIC / HEC / ICM) REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 14907 May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE REGISTERING LOW OR NO OIL PRESSURE USUALLY ON INITIAL START-UP AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF COLD SOAK. *TT | |
| 0183 Apr 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVELINE VIBRATION FELT THROUGH THE SEAT, FLOOR AND / OR STEERING WHEEL AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN 4TH OR 5TH GEAR. *TT | |
| 0162 Apr 2001 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT | |
| 14826 Apr 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT INOPERATIVE DOOR GLASS DUE TO THE WINDOW REGULATOR REAR TRACK ROLLER BREAKING OFF OF THE WINDOW STUD. *TT | |
| 14864 Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4.6L ROMEO ENGINES EXHIBITING AN OIL LEAK FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 0147 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT | |
| 14740 Mar 2001 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1233 AND / OR P1414, RIGHT FRONT EXTERIOR LIGHTING, TURN LAMP ERRATIC AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LAMP ON. *TT | |
| 13737 Mar 2001 | Power Train | INOPERATIVE OR INACCURATE SPEEDOMETER AS WELL AS 4X4 LIGHT INOPERATIVE AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1635 AND / OR P1639 AFTER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) HAS BEEN REPLACED. *TT | |
| 13987 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT ENGINE SPARK KNOCK ON HEAVY ACCELERATION WITH 87 OCTANE FUEL. HOT WEATHER AND LOWER OCTAINE FUEL CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF A SLIGHT KNOCK ON HEAVY ACCELERATION. |
Showing 60 of 189 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Mustang →