Ford Mustang / 1996
1996 Ford Mustang problems
Owners have filed 329 complaints about the 1996 Ford Mustang with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 28.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 11.6%.
Complaints329
Crashes23
Fires6
Injuries22
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 28.3% · 93
Service brakes, hydraulic 11.6% · 38
Power train 8.5% · 28
Suspension 7.0% · 23
Air bags 6.4% · 21
Fuel system, gasoline 5.2% · 17
Seat belts 4.0% · 13
Steering 3.6% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 23 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 22 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 30 model years of the Ford Mustang in this data, 1996 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 71,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Recall notice was not sent to our address and b class recall is expired. However this just became a problem with our car. Related problems are as follows. Heater giving cold air, timing chain cover rusting, 1 or more gallons of water daily is leaked out thru gasket after driving. Constant overheating and feared overheating damages to motor may occur or engine fire as a result of such severe motor overheating. Engine and engine cooling
I purchased a 96 Mustang gt 4.6, In 1998 and in 2001 the plastic intake manifold cracked so I did some research into this problem and it turns out 90% of all 96 and 97 mustangs with the junk plastic intake manifold cracked. I call my local Ford dealer and it costs 904.00 That is outrageous. Why was there never a recall and why do you charge such an un comprehendable ammount of money to replace it???? Engine and engine cooling · reported at 60,000 miles
The first head gaskets blew at 40,000 miles and were replaced at my cost, and now, again, at 80,000 miles head gaskets are going bad. I have had multiple other problems with this vehicle since it's purchase, although this has been the most frustrating and costly. There is definately a problem here that needs to be addressed by Ford. They have, thus far, turned a deaf ear to the problem. Thank you. Engine and engine cooling
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 1997 231 complaints · 17.3% engine and engine cooling 1998 297 complaints · 15.8% engine and engine cooling 1999 281 complaints · 12.1% engine and engine cooling