2006 Ford Mustang Owner Complaints

This has happened since purchasing my personal 2006 Mustang GT new in 2006. I also see early S-197 Mustangs (2005—2007) in my shop that cannot be reliably refilled because fuel shoots out of the filler neck, splashes the operator, the side of the Mustang, and puddles on the ground. The defective On-board Refueling and Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system causes high internal fuel tank pressures that will also cause the filling station pump to cut off and prevent putting fuel in the tank. This creates a fire hazard as the spillage contacts the left hot tail pipe and muffler as well as a puddle of fuel that can be ignited by a spark, cigarette, etc. This problem is in direct violation of the Environmental Protection Agency emission standards that clearly state the operator is “expected to fill the fuel tank without spit back or spillage during the refueling event.” EPA emission regulations also require that service vents, also known as safety and vacuum relief valves, be installed in tanks to prevent excessive pressure or vacuum that can build up “due to tank filling or emptying.” The parts of the Ford ORVR system that contribute to the fuel tank pressure spikes and fuel spills include: 1.Poor fuel filler design. The filler pipe is narrow (5/8” to 3/4”) with a severe an S-bend before it reaches the tank. There is a spring-loaded plug at the top of tank built into the fill neck that closes the fill pipe until fuel pushes the plug down to open the fuel tank. 2.Poor fuel tank design. The saddle style tank has two sections that “saddle bag” over the drive shaft making the opening between the two tanks very narrow and at the top of the tank. 3.Insufficient tank venting system. The capacity of this vent system is not sufficient to vent the fuel tank during refueling. Please see attached file that documents the problem and possible solutions. I also recommend sharing your many complaints on this problem with the EPA as the problem is also in their area.

NHTSA ID

11707368

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

Driver side air bag randomly deployed after hitting bump at 40 miles an hour

NHTSA ID

11675785

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that she purchased a vehicle that was not working. The contact had the engine replaced by an independent mechanic. While starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V319000 (Air Bags) and 19V001000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired at the local dealer, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 230,272.

NHTSA ID

11662831

Incident

May 18, 2025

Mileage

230,272 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11636507

Incident

Dec 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that several local dealers declined to perform the recall repair on the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11621809

Incident

Oct 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while in reverse, he observed a grinding sound emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain guides needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ID

11594407

Incident

May 1, 2023

Mileage

116,000 mi

Did not sustain some sort of accident in order for me to notice thank God, I simply noticed thanks to multiple virtual methods which told me-considering how stupidly fast this car is and how important air bags are whe combined with that I thought id do this. Ford doesn't really care unless it can somehow bleed more money from something so...kinda just letting y'all know. Not much else I can do..other than drive really carefully (5-speed and I suck with Manual :()

NHTSA ID

11588232

Incident

May 11, 2024

Dealership refuses to do recall

NHTSA ID

11581266

Incident

Apr 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and shuddered significantly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while driving over a slightly bumpy road surface. The contact stated that her father inspected the vehicle and informed her that the front passenger's side suspension was damaged. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11576604

Incident

Dec 11, 2023

I have a 2006 Ford Mustang GT; 100,000 miles, excellent condition. While driving and when turning, at any speed, the steering wheel locks making it impossible to steer. I took it to two different mechanics who would not work on the problem as they believed it to be a defect, and they did not want the responsibility of the repair required. I then went to the Ford dealership, and the service manager said he had never heard of such a problem. It is very dangerous, and impossible to determine when it will happen again. Therefore it sits in the driveway. I want to keep the car, and don't want to sell it to an unsuspecting person. Please help if you can. Thank you. The owners manual advised and encouraged me to contact the NHTSA.

NHTSA ID

11574297

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

No a pasado nada están encendidas las luces de advertencia del airbag solo eso

NHTSA ID

11569163

Incident

Jan 1, 2006

While driving the car goes into limp mode randomly causing the RPM’s to fall. There is no power to get off the road safely and has almost caused an accident numerous times. I have had Diagnostics ran and the mechanic has no clue what’s causing this. Ford forums are full of these mustangs doing this. It is a huge safely risk!!!!

NHTSA ID

11535469

Incident

Jul 7, 2023

On June 18, 2023, my throttle unexpectedly stuck open after intentional acceleration, causing the car to continue to accelerate uncontrollably after releasing the accelerator pedal. The engine continued to increase RPMs and speed. After using all of my leg strength to apply the brakes to fight the uncontrolled acceleration, the throttle unexpectedly eased up and returned to normal. This was the most frightening instance. On two other occasions, I noticed similar uncontrolled acceleration that seemed to correct itself immediately after shifting, where the tachometer approached 5k RPMs. I have not had the vehicle inspected, and there were no warning lamps, or other symptoms prior to this failure.

NHTSA ID

11527714

Incident

Jun 18, 2023

I bought a 2006 Mustang convertible for my wife on her 40th birthday. We store the car every winter and bring the battery into the home. Car has 40k miles. 6 years ago we began experiencing amperage draw while the vehicle is off. I have went through 4 batteries, 1 alternator, several flat bed truck tows, and weeks into service at my local Ford dealer - only to have the dealership continue to tell me how difficult it is to find 'parasitic' amp draw because it is intermittent. My wife has had it being stuck and now afraid to drive the car, and contemplating to get rid of it. I work for a major tier 1 automotive supplier in engineering and know how my company pays special attention to NHTSA complaints and investigations relating to our products. I am hopeful that Ford engineering will get a hold of me and get this right before I take the Mustang to the scrap yard!

NHTSA ID

11522640

Incident

May 1, 2017

For nearly a year now I’ve been in touch with Ford and its dealerships to get this recall rectified to no avail. I spoke to corporate Ford customer care on 2/6/23 and was told that the vehicle in question with the recall will not be repaired due to its age! So I responded on a recorded line to make it clear Ford is refusing to repair the recall and is opening its self up for a major law suit. Mind you my teenage son is the primary operator of the vehicle and Ford simply doesn’t care. Please file a violation to the said recall on our behalf ty.

NHTSA ID

11505947

Incident

Feb 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated the front driver’s side seat belt failed to latch properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver’s side seat belt latch to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,200.

NHTSA ID

11491784

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

Mileage

61,200 mi

Rear differential bears wore out

NHTSA ID

11458628

Incident

Feb 1, 2021

Sudden failure of rear differential bearings

NHTSA ID

11458625

Incident

Mar 18, 2022

I have documented eight separate unsuccessful attempts to repair outstanding recalls on my vehicle due to Ford’s repeated refusal and continued failure to provide a loaner vehicle for the duration of the repair. Whether the required time is half-day or one week it makes no difference, I cannot run my business without a vehicle. Please advise how to proceed. Thanks

NHTSA ID

11424852

Incident

Jul 13, 2021

Vehicle was involved in a very serious accident which caused injuries and well as scared me away from driving fords….our young child was also in the car….. it is so scary that the air bags did. It work on vehicle at all……..

NHTSA ID

11422531

Incident

Jun 27, 2021

WHEN I TRY TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR THE CAR WILL ONLY ALLOW ME TO PUT HALF OF A TANK IN THE CAR AND I HAVE TO FORCE IT TO TAKE MORE WHICH AS CAUSE THE GASOLINE TO OVERFLOW EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS NOT FULL. I HAVE TRIED TAKING IT TO VARIOUS GASOLINE STATIONS ALL DIFFERENT BRANDS TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY DIFFERENCES BUT HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS.ALSO THE VEHICLE IS STAIONARY. THIS ORIGINALLY HAPPEN IN 2019 BUT IT HAS HAPPEN EVERY TIME SINCE THEN. ALSO MY REVERSE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF FOR SOME REASON. DON'T KNOW WHY.

NHTSA ID

11384820

Incident

Feb 1, 2019

Mileage

185,000 mi

THE 2006 FORD MUSTANG V6 COUPE SEATS POSE A DANGEROUS THREAT NOT ONLY FOR THE WAY THEY ARE BOLTED INTO THE CAR'S FRAME AND RUST AWAY BUT THE FACT THE SIDES OF THE SEAT CLOTH RIPS AWAY, EXPOSING THE INTERNAL STUFFING. AS STUFFING FALLS OUT, THE SEAT'S SOLID STRUCTURE IS LEFT, WHICH WILL CAUSE A SEVERE BACK INJURY IF IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THE 2006 FORD MUSTANG V6 COUPE MANUEL TRANSMISSION SYNCHRONIZER POSES A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SECOND GEAR NO LONGER FUNCTIONS, POSING A SEVERE THREAT IN SWITCHING GEARS AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE SUSPENSION CONTINUOUSLY CAUSES THE BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARM TO DAMAGE YEARLY. THE THREAT OF A BALL JOINT GOING OUT CAN CAUSE A TIRE TO DETACH AND CAUSE A SERIOUS WRECK.

NHTSA ID

11353356

Incident

Sep 5, 2010

DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING NORTH ON WILMA RUDOLPH BLVD AT 45-50 MPH IN CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE AND ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN BRAKES DID NOT APPLY. SHE ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER DIRECTION OF TRAVEL AND REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER QUADRANT. UPON REAR-ENDING THE VEHICLE, SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL THEN A SPLIT SECOND LATER AS HER HEAD WAS RETURNING TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED "AFTER" AND "LATE". THIS AIRBAG WAS PART OF A FORD RECALL AND HAD BEEN REPLACED AT OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICED IN DECEMBER OF 2018 AND WE HAD INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP OF BRAKE SYSTEM FEELING "SPONGY". THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID

11329900

Incident

Jun 18, 2020

Mileage

115,000 mi

THE "WELL" UNDERNEATH THE WINDSHIELD BECAME CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS, CAUSING WATER TO BACK UP THROUGH THE A/C VENTS INTO THE CAR, DAMAGING THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THERE ARE NO INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MANUAL RELATED TO SERVICING THIS PART OF THE CAR. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOOR HANDLES CAN BECOME "STUCK" IN THE OPEN POSITION WITHOUT THE DRIVER NOTICING BECAUSE THE DOOR STILL CLOSES; HOWEVER, THE DOORS MAY COME BACK OPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324739

Incident

May 16, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

WE DO NOT OWN THIS CAR. IT WAS SOLD OUT-OF-STATE 1.5 YEARS AGO. SORRY, THOUGH FORD SHOULD KNOW WE DO NOT HAVE POSSESSION OR KNOW WHERE CAR IS.

NHTSA ID

11319750

Incident

Mar 30, 2020