RoadVitals

1986 Ford Mustang

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest Sep 26, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Aug 27, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 30 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Ford Mustang, most frequently naming the electrical, seat belts and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 22 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1134.4%
  • Seat belts618.8%
  • Engine618.8%
  • Tires & wheels39.4%
  • Transmission13.1%
  • Body & structure13.1%
  • Visibility13.1%
  • Brakes13.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E064000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Aug 27, 2007
34,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
The risk: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
The remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
87V139000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Sep 4, 1987
3,600,000 units potentially affected
The defect: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
The risk: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
The remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE93011ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION

Opened Mar 3, 1993
Closed Jul 19, 1993

There is no summary currently available

EQUIPMENT
PE90052ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FR SEAT FLOOR MOUNT FAILS

Opened Mar 7, 1990
Closed Jun 20, 1990

There is no summary currently available

SEATS
PE89118ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION

Opened Apr 19, 1989
Closed Sep 6, 1989

===

EQUIPMENT
PE87028ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STALLING

Opened May 1, 1987
Closed Jan 21, 1988

NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 30
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 26, 2022

The contact owns a 1986 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and he was able to continue driving in second gear. The vehicle then lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that due to an electrical failure, the spark plugs, distributor cap, ignition wires, and the ignition control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing belt, the gears, and the distributor needed to be replaced. The timing belt and gears were repaired. The contact stated that there was no replacement distributor available so the distributor was sent out to be rebuilt and was then reinstalled in the vehicle; however, when the vehicle was test driven and turned off, the vehicle failed to restart. The failure could not be duplicated. The manufacture was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ID
11486404
Incident
Jul 6, 2022
Mileage
62,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR EMISSION TESTING, THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS DUE TO DEFECTIVE CO2 SENSORS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR THE REPAIRS YET THE DEALER ADVISED THE CATALYST SYSTEM WAS BRAND NEW AND WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR EMISSION TESTING ONE YEAR LATER AND AGAIN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ALTERED THE CATALYST SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE FAILURE HOWEVER THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR UNSPECIFIED REASONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID
10324637
Incident
Nov 17, 2008
Mileage
68,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 2, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. HE TRIED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR THREE YEARS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WOULD TAKE TWO HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEALERSHIPS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND THE CONTACT SHOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO JAPAN FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10315799
Incident
Jul 12, 2005
Mileage
48,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 1, 2008

PURCHASED TIRES 04/2006 FOR COLLECTIBLE CAR THAT SEES LOW MILEAGE. CAR STARTED WITH A SLIGHT VIBRATION ABOUT TWO MONTHS BEFORE INCIDENT AND CONTINUED TO GET WORST WITH TIME. ROTATED ALL FOUR TIRES TO INSPECT AND FOUND ONE SUSPECT TIRE WITH A FOUR INCH WIDE BULGE THAT STARTED AT THE CENTER OF THE TIRE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE TREAD. NO DEFORMITIES WERE FOUND WITH THE SIDEWALLS AND NO DAMAGE FOUND TO THE TREAD OR CARCASS. SUSPECT BELT FAILURE. TIRE REMOVED FROM SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10229465
Incident
Jun 1, 2008
Mileage
72,105 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 27, 2007

THE IGNITION SWITCH( THE ONE'S RECALLED FOR 88-93 MUSTANGS 96V071000 ) IS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY, THE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF WITHOUT NOTICE. MINE HAS BEEN HAPPENING OR MANY YEARS NOW. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, A COUPLE OF TIMES A DAY. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP TO INCLUDE THIS VEHICLE IN THE CURRENT RECALL(96V071000) AFTER ALL IT IS THE SAME PART. THANKS A LOT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10200906
Incident
Aug 27, 2007
Mileage
120,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 7, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD MUSTANG. THE VEHICLE HAS TBC SIGMA SHADOW TIRES, SIZE P225/75R15. ON AUGUST 7, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE MUD FLAP AND BACK CORNER PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THE VIN, PURCHASE DATE, FUEL SYSTEM, AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 280,000.

NHTSA ID
10198709
Incident
Aug 7, 2007
Mileage
280,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 9, 2004

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. RIGHT REAR TIRE STARTED MAKING A WHINING NOISE AND WENT FLAT. TIRE SHREDDED BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER. LOOKED AT TIRE AND DIDN'T SEE ANY NAILS, ETC IN TIRE TO CAUSE DEFLATION. TOOK TIRE BACK TO PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A PRO-RATED REPLACEMENT. I DID KEEP TIRE IN CASE NHTSA WANTS IT. TIRES ARE BRIDGESTONE EAGER, SIZE 22560HR15.

NHTSA ID
10086462
Incident
Aug 9, 2004
Mileage
303,915 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Aug 3, 2003

2 ISSUES (DATE AND INFO IS FOR THE FIRST DESCRIBED)HEATER CORE STARTED TO LEAK AND STEAM POURED OUR OF HEATER VENTS. VERY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE SUCH A SMALL PART, 8 HOURS OF WORK BY A PROFESSIONAL AND 300 DOLLARS. HAD ABOUT 150,000 MILES AT THE TIME. ISSUE 2: CAR WAS TOTALED IN A WRECK IN EARLY FEB 2003 WITH 162,000 MILES. CAR FISH TALLED ON ICE AT 35 MPH. HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A POLE 3 FEET HIGH WHICH RESULTED IN A COMPLETE 380 SPIN EXTREMLY QUICK DUE TO THE CURRENT FISH TAILING. MINOR INJURIES SUCH AS A SCRATCH. SPIN WAS SO FAST THAT THE GLASSES I WAS WEARING FLEW OFF INTO THE BACK SEAT. THIS IS MORE OF A COMPLIMENT THAN A COMPLAIN DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HANDLES VERY WELL IN SUCH A COLLISON. MODEL WAS AN LX CONVERTIBLE. CONVERTIBLE ROOF TORE 3 WAYS DURING CRASH. PICTURES AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10030684
Incident
Dec 22, 2001
Mileage
150,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

002310

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT

0015

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

99222

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

99196

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Mustang by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026530—
2025145057.1
20247311058.9
2023156062.7
2022499060.2
2021556059.4
20201178170.4
20191426056.1
20181864056.4
20172646163.4
20163715158.4
201543611363.5
20143594054.6
20132716052.2
20124697154.0
20114665153.0
20102606052.5
20091816055.6
20083478462.7
20076159462.7
20064229358.8
20057059358.2
20041166364.9
20031456368.0
20021186161.3
20011738162.6
20003119163.8
199921310163.9
199823614265.3
199717611261.3
199624612361.8
199560216466.0
199435613464.3
19931017168.6
1992695372.1
1991776269.6
1990855372.8
19891095472.0
19881085573.3
1987385673.3
1986Viewing302568.0
1985163470.8
1984184467.0
1983513—
1982114—
1981024—
1980422—
1979072—
1978350—
1977030—
1976230—
1975001—
1974010—
1973010—
1972010—
1971010—
1970020—
1969340—
1968120—
1967250—
1966410—
1965410—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.