1986 Ford Mustang Problems
- Complaints
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 96,052miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford Mustang (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Mustang. The part named most often is electrical system, with 11 complaints (37% of the total), followed by seat belts (6) and engine cooling (5). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 13% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 96,052 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system11 37%
- Seat belts6 20%
- Engine cooling5 17%
- Tires3 10%
- Brakes1 3.3%
- Engine1 3.3%
- Exterior lighting1 3.3%
- Body and structure1 3.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10200906, filed 2007-08, 120,000 milesEngine cooling: “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 complaint #10315799, filed 2010-03, 48,000 milesTires: “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 complaint #10086462, filed 2004-08, 303,915 milesMileage when problems were reported
13% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 68,000 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Ford Mustang version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Mustang RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Mustang RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Mustang RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Mustang RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Mustang RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Mustang 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Recall details for the 1986 Ford Mustang → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE93011Cruise control malfunctionClosed · Mar 3, 1993
- PE90052Fr seat floor mount failsClosed · Mar 7, 1990
- EA89037Speed cntrl malfunctionClosed · Sep 6, 1989
- PE89118Speed control malfunctionClosed · Apr 19, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford Mustang.
Other model years of the Ford Mustang
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 2,500 | 5 | 5 | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 19 | 14,000 | 6 | 5 | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 84 | 5,000 | 12 | 5 | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 15 | 14,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 50 | 10,102 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 15 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 55 | 5,465 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 18 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 121 | 24,000 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 151 | 20,000 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 196 | 28,795 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 268 | 40,000 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 41 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 380 | 35,300 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 439 | 34,500 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 73 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 359 | 24,000 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 271 | 40,000 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 469 | 23,000 | 6 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 466 | 22,018 | 4 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 261 | 43,086 | 5 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 181 | 40,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 347 | 37,250 | 5 | — | 18 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 615 | 36,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 424 | 54,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 705 | 49,500 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 116 | 13,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 145 | 13,958 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 118 | 45,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 173 | 56,847 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 311 | 64,306 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 213 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 236 | 88,900 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 176 | 100,110 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 246 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 602 | 79,828 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 356 | 78,490 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 101 | 82,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 69 | 116,863 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 77 | 119,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 85 | 129,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 109 | 121,500 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 108 | 72,313 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1987 | 38 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1986 | 30 | 96,052 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1985 | 16 | 50,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 18 | 34,250 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Mustang model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Mustang as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford Mustang is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 11 complaints (37% of the total), followed by seat belts with 6.
Has the 1986 Ford Mustang been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford Mustang get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford Mustang (Mustang, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Ford Mustang reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 96,052 miles and the middle half falls between 68,000 and 150,000 miles; 13% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.