1987 Ford Mustang Problems
- Complaints
- 38filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles, 3 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Ford Mustang (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Mustang. The part named most often is electrical system, with 17 complaints (45% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and exterior lighting (5). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 65,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 3 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 system17 45%
- Engine cooling5 13%
- Exterior lighting5 13%
- Fuel system3 7.9%
- Vehicle speed control3 7.9%
- Seat belts2 5.3%
- Brakes1 2.6%
- Other or unknown1 2.6%
Also reported: Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The headlight and fog light switches burned and melted, which caused my fog lights to not work. The multi-function switch would not let my lights turn on sometimes and also cause them to turn off while driving. I also cannot use my brights because of the multi-function switch.”
NHTSA complaint #704431, filed 1999-03Engine cooling: “Engine races to 3000-4000 RPM suddenly, while driving or idling. When ignition is switched off and then back on, engine returns to normal idle. This occurs several times a day. This has been going on since about 1992.”
NHTSA complaint #10305291, filed 2010-02, 48,000 milesExterior lighting: “My complaint doesn't have this problem but it was required. My complaint is with new cars new cars coming out now where their headlights are there low beams are unbelievably bright and I cannot believe if you've ever driven at night you don't see the same problem it's blinding it's ridiculous. I mean honestly let's do something about it. You guys are all worried about speed and what not but at least you can see a streak of me going by going fast but you're blinded with those lights I think that's a way of more of a safety hazard than speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11320733, filed 2020-04, 126,000 milesFuel system: “While driving at 55 MPH consumer lost control of vehicle and hit a tree. Fuel cut off system shut off, causing vehicle to catch on fire. Vehicle was totalled. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8006246, filed 2002-03Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,000 and 126,000 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 1987 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 | 5-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Mustang RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Mustang RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Mustang RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Mustang RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
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 1987 Ford Mustang → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE93011Cruise control malfunctionClosed · Mar 3, 1993
- PE91137Hood latch failuresClosed · Oct 9, 1991
- PE91078Headlamp assembly failureClosed · May 28, 1991
- PE90052Fr seat floor mount failsClosed · Mar 7, 1990
- EA89037Speed cntrl malfunctionClosed · Sep 6, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 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 | 122 | 24,000 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 152 | 20,000 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 39 · 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 1987 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Mustang as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Ford Mustang is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 17 complaints (45% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1987 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 1987 Ford Mustang get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Ford Mustang (Mustang, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Ford Mustang reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 65,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,000 and 126,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.