Engine
5.4L 8-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 465 of 466 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 307 of 466 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.
Power train
203 complaint records1 crash report
"2011 MUSTANG GT, MANUAL TRANSMISSION GRINDS SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR. IT IS REAL BAD WHEN COLD AND GETS BETTER AS IT WARMS UP. *TR..."- 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 →
Air bags
125 complaint records9 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL - I RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE LAST YEAR TO GET MY AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FIXED, AND IT STILL IS NOT FIXED!..."- 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 →
Engine & cooling
55 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM STORE MOTOR SUDDENLY WENT INTO LIMP-HOME MODE. LOST POWER TO ENGINE AND MOST STEERING. BARELY ABLE TO GET CAR OFF OF THE ROAD. *TR..."- 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 →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11024 opened Aug 2011 | closed Dec 2011 | Power Train | Inability to shift gears on acceleration The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Ford as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 364 unique reports indicating various shift quality issues while driving.Ford identified several... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V001000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto... | Normally free |
| 16V384000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford... | Normally free |
| 15V319000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2014 Mustang vehicles manufactured April 6, 2004, to June 21, 2014, and 2005-2006 GT vehicles manufactured February 20, 2004, to September 22, 2006. | Normally free |
| 21V081000 | Air Bags | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021077 2021-02-19 | Airbag | 8,811 | Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had the driver-front and/or passenger-front airbag inflator replaced after a collision or theft. An obsolete airbag may have been installed. |
| 2019005 2019-01-08 | Airbag | 300,898 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. |
| 2016347 2016-07-06 | Airbag | 5,867 | Ford Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving passenger airbag inflators in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity areas of the United States equipped with Takata... |
| 2015232 2015-05-28 | Airbag | 63,700 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 54601 Feb 2026 | Electrical System | Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. | |
| SSM 52476 Apr 2024 | Equipment | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. | |
| SSM 52334 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. | |
| 22B05 S1 Jul 2023 | Air Bags | Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT ⢠Updated Ranger Technical Information to... | |
| SSM 51536 Apr 2023 | Structure | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. |
Show 53 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22B05 Mar 2022 | Air Bags | Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as... | |
| SSM 49761 Apr 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. | |
| SSM 49318 Nov 2020 | Equipment | For 2011-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine when installing a replacement secondary timing chain tensioner (6K254) or secondary timing chain guide (6K297), it is necessary to replace both components as a pair, using the latest level parts. | |
| TSB 20-2233 Jul 2020 | Structure | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. | |
| SSM 48130 Aug 2019 | Visibility | Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. | |
| SSM 48070 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. | |
| SSM 47976 May 2019 | Power Train | On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. | |
| SSM 47830 Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some 5.0L 4V engines may exhibit a tick/tap/rattle or knock immediately after secondary timing chain tensioner installation. In some cases the secondary timing chain tensioners are not fully released during installation.To confirm, remove both valve covers and inspect the... | |
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| SSM 47797 Feb 2019 | Equipment | Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. | |
| SSM 47614 Oct 2018 | Steering | Some 2011 - 2014 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 3.7L V6 engine and MT82 manual transmission may exhibit a vibration felt in the shifter, and/or the seat track and steering wheel, on deceleration between 3500 and 2000 engine RPM. | |
| SSM 47201 Mar 2018 | Equipment | Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. | |
| SSM 47080 Feb 2018 | Equipment | 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. | |
| SSM 47009 Jan 2018 | Equipment | The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). | |
| SSM 46900 Nov 2017 | Power Train | Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. | |
| SSM 46451 Mar 2017 | Power Train | 2009-2017 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6R80, 6R100, 6R140 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAVE AN UPDATED MAIN CONTROL VALVE BODY OVERHAUL PROCEDURE. REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 307-01 FOR MAIN CONTROL VALVE BODY (7A100) OVERHAUL PROCEDURES. | |
| SSM 46332 Jan 2017 | Equipment | REPLACING THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SYNC/NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH EITHER AN AFTERMARKET SYNC/NAVIGATION KIT OR MODIFYING ORIGINAL SYNC/NAVIGATION PARTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FEATURES IS NOT RECOMMENDED NOR SUPPORTED ON ANY FORD, MERCURY OR LINCOLN VEHICLE. | |
| SSM 46210 Nov 2016 | Steering | SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES. | |
| SSM 46132 Oct 2016 | Service Brakes | SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. | |
| 16B23 Sep 2016 | Vehicle Speed Control | Certain 2011-2012 Model Year Edge and MKX Vehicles Equipped with 3.5L or 3.7L Engines, and 2011-2012 Model Year Mustang Vehicles Equipped with 3.7L Engines - Electronic Throttle Body Replacement | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| 16-0074 Apr 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some 2011-2014 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 3.7L engine may exhibit coolant pump leakage due to air entering the system. | |
| TSB160074 Apr 2016 | Fuel System | 3.7L Engine - Cfoolant pump leak | |
| LTR3756 Feb 2016 | Air Bags | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016 | |
| TSB160001 Feb 2016 | Engine | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C | |
| 44863 Jul 2015 | Visibility | FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA | |
| ASI-44719 Sep 2014 | Seats | FORD: A CLICKING OR GRINDING NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM SEAT TRACK AREA AND POWER SEAT WOULD BIND DURING TILTING OF SEAT CONTROL OR ADJUSTMENT LIFT OPERATION AND COULD BE FROM EITHER REAR VERTICAL LIFT GEAR BOXES OR FRONT TILT, SPECIFICALLY. MODEL 2010-14 MUSTANG. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0156 Aug 2014 | Engine | FORD: IN FRONT OF LEFT HAND (LH) ON DRIVER SIDE CYLINDER HEAD, AN INTERMITTENT NOISE OF METALLIC RATTLE OR SCRATCHING, IS HEARD WHEN VEHICLE IS IDLE AND ENGINE AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE. MODEL 2011-12 F-150, MUSTANG. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0076 Apr 2014 | Power Train | LINCOLN/FORD: AFTER VEHICLE/TRUCK HAS BEEN PARKED SEVERAL HOURS, THERE IS A DELAYED ENGAGEMENT OF PARK TO FORWARD OR REVERSE TRANSMISSION ON INITIAL START UP. MODEL 2011-2014 EXPEDITION, MUSTANG, F-150, NAVIGATOR. *PE | |
| ASI-44352 Jan 2014 | Power Train | FORD: DUE TO VEHICLES, WITH CARBON FIBER CLUTCHES, A CHATTER OR MOAN/GROAN NOISE IS HEARD WHILE MAKING SHARP TURNS, AT LOW SPEED AND IS CHARACTERISTIC OF HEAVY DUTY/RACING TYPE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL. MODEL 2007-2014 MUSTANG GT500, GT, BULLITT. *PE | |
| ASI-44237 Oct 2013 | Structure | FORD: WHEN OPENING THE DOOR, USING THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE, IT MUST BE PULLED MORE THAN ONE TIME BEFORE DOOR(S) OPEN. MODEL 2010-2013 MUSTANG. *PE | |
| TSB-13-6-15 Jun 2013 | Power Train | FORD: NO OTHER DTCS OR DRIVABILITY SYMPTOMS PRESENT, ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN MIL IS ILLUMINATED WITH COMBINATION OF ANY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, P0308 AND/OR P0316. MODELS 2011-2014 MUSTANG. *PE | |
| TSB-13-6-8 Jun 2013 | Power Train | LINCOLN/FORD: TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT IN 5TH GEAR WHEN STARTING AND WRENCH INDICATOR AND/OR SEAT BELT MINDER MAY ILLUMINATE WITH SPEEDOMETER READING ZERO AND ODOMETER DISPLAYING DASHES, WHILE DRIVING, IN SOME VEHICLES. | |
| ASI-32252 Jun 2013 | Power Train | LINCOLN/FORD: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND TRUCKS, THE MULTIFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL), WILL ILLUMINATE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1636 (INDUCTIVE SIGNATURE CHIP COMMUNICATION ERROR) PRESENT IN PCM OR TCM. | |
| ASI-32266 Jun 2013 | Structure | FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES NEEDS TO BE PULLED AT LEAST TWICE BEFORE OPENING. MODELS 2010-2013 F150, MUSTANG. *PE | |
| ASI-32230 May 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE IS REPLACED AND THE INTRUSION/INCLINATION SENSOR, CAN NOT BE SERVICED SEPARATELY, AND MUST BE RE-CONFIGURED. MODEL 2010-2014 MUSTANG. *PE | |
| AS1-32241 May 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | FORD: ON VARIOUS VEHICLES WITH MY TOUCH,AFTER ANY APIM PROGRAMMING, REPLACEMENT OR DISCONNECT FROM FRONT DISPLAY INTERFACE MODULE (FDIM), TOUCHSCREEN CALIBRATION MUST BE PERFORMED. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013. NO MODELS LISTED. *PE | |
| SB-32167-70 Apr 2013 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN ILLUMINATED MIL OR SAFETY STOP NOW MESSAGE, OR A NO START CONDITION OR POSSIBLE MISFIRE OR ROUGHNESS AT IDLING THROUGH 2000RPM OR A LACK OF ACCELERATION. | |
| TSB-12-11-12 Nov 2012 | Fuel System | FORD: DUE TO A BLOWN FUSE IN BATTERY JUNCTION BOX, VEHICLE EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT DRIVABILITY CONDITION, WITH A CRANK/NO START AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0627 STORED IN POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). MODELS 2011-2013 MUSTANG. *PE | |
| TSB-11-11-1 Nov 2011 | Power Train | FORD: ON VEHICLES WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE, IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, AN INCREASED SHIFT EFFORT NOTICEABLE IN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. *PE | |
| SIS-21841 Apr 2011 | Air Bags | COMM-TRANS LUND: SOME 2009-2011 MODELS MAY HAVE THE AIR BAG INICATOR FLASHING WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM | |
| AS-21769 Mar 2011 | Electrical System | FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION. *RM | |
| SIS-21755 Feb 2011 | Tires | FORD: 2011-2012 MUSTANG. RACE TRACK TIRES MAY CAUSE A STEERING WANDER/FIGHT WHEN ON REGULAR ROADS. THEY MAY ALSO SHAKE/SHUDDER. *RM | |
| AS-21687 Jan 2011 | Power Train | FORD: THERE MAY BE A LOSS OF POWER, HESITATION, SURGE, OR LACK OF THROTTLE RESPONSE WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKE OVER ACCELERATOR FEATURE MAY BE ACTIVATING. *RM | |
| ASI-21661 Dec 2010 | Power Train | FORD: 2011 MUSTANG. MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES MAY HAVE INCREASED SHIFT EFFORTS IN COLD WEATHER. *RM | |
| AS-21614 Nov 2010 | Power Train | FORD: THE TRANSMISSION MAY BE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR OR REVERSE. THERE MAY BE LOOSE CLUTCH BOLTS. 2011 MUSTANGS. *RM | |
| TSB-10-21-3 Oct 2010 | Fuel System | FORD: THE FUEL GUAGE MAY DRASTICALLY DROP AND THE MESSAGE CENTER MAY SAY ZERO MILES TO EMPTY. WHEN REFUELING THE TANK MAY ALSO ONLY TAKE 7-10 GALLONS. THIS MAY BE A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. 2011 MUSTANG. *RM | |
| TSB-10-19-4 Sep 2010 | Power Train | FORD: ON SOME 2011 MUSTANGS THE CLUTCH PEDAL MAY STAY ON THE FLOOR DURING HIGH RMP SHIFTS. *RM | |
| SB-21513 Sep 2010 | Steering | FORD: SOME 2011 MUSTANGS MAY HAVE A CLUNK NOISE FROM THE STEERING OR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. *RM | |
| SB-21524 Sep 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: ON SOME 2011 MUSTANGS THERE IS A VIBRATION FELT IN STEERING WHEEL OR CHAIR UPON DECELERATION. *RM | |
| SB-21483 Sep 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE UNITIATED MYKEY ACTIVATION OR THE CAR ALARM/SOS WILL ACTIVATE. *RM | |
| AS-21475 Aug 2010 | Suspension | FORD: MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES WHEN WORKING ON FRONT END SUSPENSION OR STEERING. 2011 MUSTANG. *RM | |
| AS-21441 Aug 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: THE ENGINE MAY BE ROUGH ON IDLE DUE TO THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS. 2011 MUSTANGS. *RM |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- 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 →