Ford Mustang / 1990
1990 Ford Mustang problems
Owners have filed 119 complaints about the 1990 Ford Mustang with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 35.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 8.4%.
Complaints119
Crashes13
Fires39
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 35.3% · 42
Engine and engine cooling 8.4% · 10
Air bags 7.6% · 9
Vehicle speed control 6.7% · 8
Exterior lighting 5.9% · 7
Power train 5.0% · 6
Fuel system, gasoline 5.0% · 6
Seats 3.4% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 13 describe a crash, 39 describe a fire and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 30 model years of the Ford Mustang in this data, 1990 draws comparatively few complaints; 2005 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 21 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 129,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 1990 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the turn signals and air conditioner would not function. The contact was able to correct the failure by slightly turning back the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Electrical system · reported at 130,000 miles
Was parking vehicle and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Left vehicle to check under hood and vehicle caught on fire. Fire had extinguished byitself. Entire inside of the vehicle, under the hood, was damaged. Vehicle was towed. After checking under the hood mechanic indicated that problem was alternator. Electrical system
Recall 96v071000; consumer put key in the ignition and turned it halfway, and vehicle started smoking. Consumer unhooked the battery cable and it continued to smoke and caught on fire. Vehicle was used & recall notice was issued 2 years ago according to the manufacturer . Serviced at foster Ford in kansas. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Ford Mustang years
1993 132 complaints · 25.8% electrical system 1994 496 complaints · 38.7% engine and engine cooling 1995 829 complaints · 49.3% engine and engine cooling 1996 329 complaints · 28.3% engine and engine cooling 1997 231 complaints · 17.3% engine and engine cooling 1998 297 complaints · 15.8% engine and engine cooling