2000 Ford Mustang GT Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Ford Mustang GT, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2434.8%
- Seat belts811.6%
- Driver assistance68.7%
- Fuel system68.7%
- Electrical45.8%
- Transmission45.8%
- Airbags45.8%
- Brakes34.3%
- Steering22.9%
- Body & structure22.9%
- Suspension22.9%
- Visibility11.4%
- Interior & seats11.4%
- Exterior lighting11.4%
- Tires & wheels11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2000 MUSTANG GT OVERHEATED WHILE I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME, ON A TEN MILE JOURNEY A COUPLE DAYS AGO. UNTIL THIS INCIDENT, MY MUSTANG HAD NEVER OVERHEATED. I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST SEPT. I USED HOSE WATER AT GAS STATION TO COOL IT FIRST ON HOOD THEN ONCE MY ENGINE LOOKED COOLER, I FILLED THE RADIATOR (THINKING WE'D FLUSH THE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN I GOT IT HOME) WATER EMPTIED AS FAST AS I POURED IT IN, FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD BEHIND WHAT LOOKS LIKE THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. MY CAR IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. NOW I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. BECAUSE I USED ALL MY MONEY TO BUY THIS CAR. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS. MY SITUATION APPEARS IDENTICAL TO SEVERAL ON YOUR SITE, SUCH AS THIS ONE I JUST COPIED FROM ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS POSTED:OCT 08, 2013 - LEXINGTON, SC - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. STEAM ROLLED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DISCOVERED CRACK IN MANIFOLD WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THERMOSTAT HOUSING. COOLANT DRIPPING ON THE ENGINE; I DO NOT KNOW IF INTERNAL COMPONENTS ARE DAMAGED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JAN JA SERVICE CENTER (5771 MAIN STREET TRUMBULL, CT, 06611 PHONE: 203-261-3249), BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S VOLUNTARY RECALL (0S34) FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY THE FIRST TIME, AS IT WAS FAILING TO RETURN TO DEFAULT POSITION PROPERLY. THE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME, AFTER I WAS REAR ENDED (IT WAS FAILING TO RETRACT AGAIN AT THE TIME, IDENTICAL TO THE FIRST TIME I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY), AND CRUSHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS AT A FULL STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT ME FROM BEHIND. THAT CRASH DEPLOYED BOTH AIRBAGS. THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS WERE REPLACED DUE TO THAT CRASH, ALONG WITH THE SEAT BELT. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THOSE TWO REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS WERE MADE BY TAKATA. THE SEAT BELT HAS AGAIN BECOME "UNSAFE" DUE TO IT NOT RETRACTING. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THE SEAT BELT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY IF I'M INVOLVED IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT! THIS LEAVES ME WITH TWO QUESTIONS: DO I HAVE TAKATA AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR, AND, IS THIS SEAT BELT ISSUE A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED OR AT LEAST HAS A TSB ISSUED? THIS IS AN 18 YEAR OLD CAR THAT I SELDOM DRIVE, AND HAVE OWNED SINCE BRAND NEW, BUT IF I HAVE TWO SAFETY ISSUES THAT FORD SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT IT, SO I CAN GET THE PROBLEMS RESOLVED. IS THERE ANY WAY FOR ME TO DETERMINE THE I DO OR DO NOT HAVE TAKATA AIRBAGS, SINCE THEY WERE REPLACED BY A FORD DEALER (NOW CALLED "AUTO NATION FORD") HERE IN FRISCO, TEXAS. THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT IS AN ESTIMATE.
MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. MY FRIEND TOOK OFF HIS SEAT BELT AND AS IT WAS RETRACTING, IT LOCKED. I TRIED TO PULL ON IT TO SEE IF IT WOULD UNLOCK AND IT WILL NOT BUDGE ONE BIT. IT IS LOCKED ABOUT HALF WAYS.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE TO STOP THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
WHEN ENGAGING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED ENGINE REEVED AND REACHED TO 2500 RPMS. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
FILLER NECK TUBE LEAKING DURING FUEL FILLUP. FILLER TUBE SEAL CRACKED IN HALF. UPON INSPECTION OF RUST DAMAGE TO FILLER TUBE, THE RUST WAS SO BAD THAT THE TUBE LITERALLY CRUMBLED IN HALF. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TUBE NET IS RUSTING OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE, FUEL SPILLS OUT OF THE GAS TANK WHENEVER IT IS FILLED. THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT STATED THAT THE TANKS ARE ON BACK ORDER BECAUSE OF THE HIGH NUMBER OF FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2000 MUSTANG GT OVERHEATED WHILE I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME, ON A TEN MILE JOURNEY A COUPLE DAYS AGO. UNTIL THIS INCIDENT, MY MUSTANG HAD NEVER OVERHEATED. I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST SEPT. I USED HOSE WATER AT GAS STATION TO COOL IT FIRST ON HOOD THEN ONCE MY ENGINE LOOKED COOLER, I FILLED THE RADIATOR (THINKING WE'D FLUSH THE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN I GOT IT HOME) WATER EMPTIED AS FAST AS I POURED IT IN, FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD BEHIND WHAT LOOKS LIKE THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. MY CAR IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. NOW I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. BECAUSE I USED ALL MY MONEY TO BUY THIS CAR. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS. MY SITUATION APPEARS IDENTICAL TO SEVERAL ON YOUR SITE, SUCH AS THIS ONE I JUST COPIED FROM ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS POSTED:OCT 08, 2013 - LEXINGTON, SC - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. STEAM ROLLED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DISCOVERED CRACK IN MANIFOLD WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THERMOSTAT HOUSING. COOLANT DRIPPING ON THE ENGINE; I DO NOT KNOW IF INTERNAL COMPONENTS ARE DAMAGED.
I HAVE A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE OF THE ALTERNATOR, FORD HAS HAVE SEVERAL SUITS FILED AGAINST THEM FOR THIS REASON. I CALLED FORD LOCALLY AND THEY ONLY SHOW A RECALL FOR THE MANIFOLD WHICH I HAVE REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. BEFORE I REPLACED IT FORD SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE MANIFOLD, I AM HEARING THE SAME STORY AGAIN AS I DID BEFORE AND I KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ALT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION BROKE DAMAGING MY ENGINE BLOCK AND SMASHING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND O2 SENSOR CAUSING AN ESTIMATED $13,000 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE.
MY 2000 MUSTANG GT, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, KEEPS CUTTING OUT SUDDENLY WITH DECELERATION AND I LOSE MY POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. VERY SCARY. THE IAC VALVE WAS REPLACED 18 MONTHS. AGO WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, BUT I STILL HAD PROBLEMS. AFTER DOING THIS CONTINUALLY FOR 2 DAYS, THE DEALER CHANGED THE IAC AGAIN. FOUR DAYS LATER IT DID IT AGAIN, TWICE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND WHEN I CALLED FORD REGIONAL, I GOT NOTHING USEFUL NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT CAUSES THIS. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY THE FIRST TIME, AS IT WAS FAILING TO RETURN TO DEFAULT POSITION PROPERLY. THE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME, AFTER I WAS REAR ENDED (IT WAS FAILING TO RETRACT AGAIN AT THE TIME, IDENTICAL TO THE FIRST TIME I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY), AND CRUSHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS AT A FULL STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT ME FROM BEHIND. THAT CRASH DEPLOYED BOTH AIRBAGS. THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS WERE REPLACED DUE TO THAT CRASH, ALONG WITH THE SEAT BELT. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THOSE TWO REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS WERE MADE BY TAKATA. THE SEAT BELT HAS AGAIN BECOME "UNSAFE" DUE TO IT NOT RETRACTING. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THE SEAT BELT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY IF I'M INVOLVED IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT! THIS LEAVES ME WITH TWO QUESTIONS: DO I HAVE TAKATA AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR, AND, IS THIS SEAT BELT ISSUE A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED OR AT LEAST HAS A TSB ISSUED? THIS IS AN 18 YEAR OLD CAR THAT I SELDOM DRIVE, AND HAVE OWNED SINCE BRAND NEW, BUT IF I HAVE TWO SAFETY ISSUES THAT FORD SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT IT, SO I CAN GET THE PROBLEMS RESOLVED. IS THERE ANY WAY FOR ME TO DETERMINE THE I DO OR DO NOT HAVE TAKATA AIRBAGS, SINCE THEY WERE REPLACED BY A FORD DEALER (NOW CALLED "AUTO NATION FORD") HERE IN FRISCO, TEXAS. THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT IS AN ESTIMATE.
AIR BAG NON DEPLOYMENT!!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
FAILURES IN BRAKES SYSTEM ON MUSTANG GT 99 TO 2004 THE BRAKE BECAME FREEZE AFTER A HEAVY TRANSIT AND THE CAR LOST THE STOPPING ACTION. FORD INFORM ME THAT WE NEED TO CHANGES THE BRAKE OIL BUT WE CHANGED OIL, PADS, LINE, ROTORS, ETC AND THE CAR REMAIN WITH THE PROBLEMS. IN MY CASE I LOST THE BRAKE ACTION AND HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
WHEN PARKING BRAKE IS ENGAGED WHILE IN NEUTRAL (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL CLICK DOWN A FEW NOTCHES AND START ROLLING CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE OR EVEN DEATH OF AN INDIVIDUAL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT. CONSUMER STATES THAT SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2004 HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION. THIS WILL MAKE THREE TIMES. ALL THE PARTS ARE REMANUFACTURED. *TT
THERE WERE NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETECT. THE SUSPENSION CREAKS/POPS WHILE DRIVING AFTER A COLD START, THE NOISES FADE AFTER THE VEHICLE IS WARM. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN COLLAPSED ON THE CONSUMERS FOOT WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE HEAD ON WITH AN 18 WHEELER. THE VEHICLE DRIFTED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER INSTALLED A NEW SECTOR SHAFT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SPONGY, THE TIRES STARTED TO DRY CRACK(THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO KEEP AN EYE ON), AND THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT. *MR *SCC *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT. THE PAINT ALL OVER THE CAR IS CRACKING LIKE AN EGGSHELL. I CALLED FORD AND OF COURSE THEY SAID THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND THEY WONDER WHY ALL THEIR SALES ARE DROPPING. *TR
THERE WERE NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETECT. THE SUSPENSION CREAKS/POPS WHILE DRIVING AFTER A COLD START, THE NOISES FADE AFTER THE VEHICLE IS WARM. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN COLLAPSED ON THE CONSUMERS FOOT WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE HEAD ON WITH AN 18 WHEELER. THE VEHICLE DRIFTED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER INSTALLED A NEW SECTOR SHAFT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SPONGY, THE TIRES STARTED TO DRY CRACK(THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO KEEP AN EYE ON), AND THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT. *MR *SCC *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR AXLE BEARINGS AND AXLE SHAFTS PREMATURELY FAILED. FIRST OCCURANCE WAS AT 34,000 MILES UNDER MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. DEALER REPLACED CARRIER BEARINGS, WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLE SHAFTS. AXLES AND BEARINGS FAILED AGAIN AT 46,000 MILES, AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. DEALER CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND FORD ELECTED TO REPLACE BEARINGS AND AXLES AGAIN UNDER WARRANTY. NOW AT 90,000 MILES THE BEARINGS AND SHAFTS HAVE FAILED AGAIN. DEALER IS EVALUATING THE PROBLEM WITH FORD AND I AM WAITING FOR A SOLUTION UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO EITHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR DESIGN DEFECT. I AM WORRIED THAT THE BEARINGS WILL SEIZE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.*AK
THERE WERE NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETECT. THE SUSPENSION CREAKS/POPS WHILE DRIVING AFTER A COLD START, THE NOISES FADE AFTER THE VEHICLE IS WARM. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN COLLAPSED ON THE CONSUMERS FOOT WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE HEAD ON WITH AN 18 WHEELER. THE VEHICLE DRIFTED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER INSTALLED A NEW SECTOR SHAFT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SPONGY, THE TIRES STARTED TO DRY CRACK(THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO KEEP AN EYE ON), AND THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT. *MR *SCC *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDOW MECHANISM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS OUT OF THE TRACK, CAUSING THE WINDOW NOT ROLL DOWN OR UP.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEATHER SEATS AT 2000 MILES ARE DETERIATING, LOOK LIKE THEY HAVE 120,000 MILES. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALER WHO SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR MUSTANGS, I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHER MUSTANG OWNERS & THEY SAY THERES IS THE SAME. EITHER THEY USE AN INFERIOR GRADE OF LEATHER OR AS OTHERS HAVE TOLD ME IT IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SEAT WHICH CAUSES THE FOAM TO DETERIATE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE LENSES WERE CLOUDED OVER AND THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 11/17/06. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE WERE NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETECT. THE SUSPENSION CREAKS/POPS WHILE DRIVING AFTER A COLD START, THE NOISES FADE AFTER THE VEHICLE IS WARM. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN COLLAPSED ON THE CONSUMERS FOOT WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE HEAD ON WITH AN 18 WHEELER. THE VEHICLE DRIFTED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER INSTALLED A NEW SECTOR SHAFT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SPONGY, THE TIRES STARTED TO DRY CRACK(THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO KEEP AN EYE ON), AND THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT. *MR *SCC *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .