RoadVitals

1994 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.
356
Latest Nov 12, 2020
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.
13
Latest May 11, 2009
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.
4
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.
41
19 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 356 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Ford Mustang, most frequently naming the engine, transmission and interior & seats categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 125 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

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

13 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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 11, 2008
1,921 units potentially affected
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
K2 MOTOR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA98013ClosedEngineering Analysis

PARKING BRAKE

Opened May 27, 1998
Closed Oct 31, 2000

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 00V349000
PE97051ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

PARKING BRAKE FAILURE

Opened Dec 23, 1997
Closed May 27, 1998

THE NUMBER OF CRASHES REPORTED TOT HE MANUFACTURER WARRANTS FURTHER THIS INVESTIGATION

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA97018ClosedEngineering Analysis

OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT

Opened Sep 30, 1997
Closed Oct 22, 1997

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURELed to recall 97V180000
PE97011ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT

Opened Mar 13, 1997
Closed Sep 30, 1997

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN.FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS.FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE IS PRIOR COLLISION DAMAGE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.

STRUCTURE

Recent owner complaints

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

Body & structureExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 12, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLAMPS WERE VERY DIM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HOOD LATCH FRACTURED CAUSING THE HOOD TO RAISE UP AND CRACK THE WINDSHIELD AND DAMAGE TO THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT HEATER OVER HEATED AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY LETTER HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E025000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), 97V180000 (STRUCTURE), AND 95V062000 (SEATS) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURES HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000. *CK*BF CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS WATER DAMAGE AND PROBLEMS PERSISTED.*JB

NHTSA ID
11374375
Incident
Jul 8, 2020
Mileage
88,000 mi
AirbagsOther / unspecified
Filed Jan 9, 2019
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE RIM. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SLID INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND WENT AIRBORNE INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PURCHASED FOUR TIRES FROM SAM'S CLUB AND THAT THE WRONG TIRE SIZE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,480.

NHTSA ID
11166008
Incident
Jul 11, 2018
Mileage
42,480 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

NHTSA ID
11101884
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
Mileage
13,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 7, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK SEPARATED FROM THE STRAP. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK AND STRAPS FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO INSTALL THE NEW FUEL TANK DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION TO THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING AREA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

NHTSA ID
10993686
Incident
Jun 2, 2017
Mileage
124,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 1, 2014

WHILE TRYING TO BUCKLE UP THE LOWER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCKED AND WILL NOT UNLOCK. I TRIED CONTACTING EVERY THIRD PART, OEM AND DEALER IN THE EASTERN HALF OF THE UNITED STATES FOR A REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT. THIS PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AS NEW OR RECERTIFIED. SINCE THIS IS CRITICAL TO THE SAFETY OF PASSENGERS FORD SHOULD PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION OR PART. *TR

NHTSA ID
10629902
Incident
Sep 1, 2014
Mileage
124,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Jun 4, 2014
Fire reported1 injury reported

STARTED CAR, DROVE LESS THAN A MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND GOT A BIG CLOUD OF SMOKE INSIDE THE CAR. PULLED OVER AND MADE IT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE BACK PANEL WAS ALREADY BUBBLING WITH FIRE. CALLED 911 BUT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES. STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE JUST GLAD I GOT OUT ALIVE.

NHTSA ID
10596261
Incident
Jun 2, 2014
EngineVisibility
Filed May 5, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE MADE A STRANGE SOUND THEN ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 6/27/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A CONSTANT HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE RADIO AND ENGINE AREA WHEN TURNED ON. THERE WAS AN INCREASE SREECHING NOISE FROM THE RADIO BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF OR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK

NHTSA ID
10586580
Incident
Aug 15, 2013
Mileage
97,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 1, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. A DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER WAS FORTHCOMING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10468778
Incident
Jun 14, 2012

Manufacturer communications

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

03181

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

03261

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

15702

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED CONTROL LAMP. *TT

0214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *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
1994Viewing35613464.3
19931017168.6
1992695372.1
1991776269.6
1990855372.8
19891095472.0
19881085573.3
1987385673.3
1986302568.0
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.