1987 Ford Mustang Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 45%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 1987 Ford Mustang, 45% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 9 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 1999-03“A floating short has ruined to different horns, the map light, the RPM gauge, the fuel guage, and two stereos. In addition, the heat/air only work on high, and the dash lights now only work on the brightest setting and are still faded to the point it is extremely difficult to read.”
NHTSA complaint #737810, filed 2000-12“Tfi module failed while vehicle was being driven on highway. As a result of this failure, all power was lost with driver stranded on highway. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #8011277, filed 2002-06“Ford solenoid switch has weak spring which, over time, wears out and allows vechicle to crank over on its own. This caused fire and explosion which injured two people and destroyed garage.”
NHTSA complaint #710198, filed 1999-08“While driving car would shut off at any time. Consumer was almost in an accident twice because of the car cutting off. Dealer said it was the electrical ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #858272, filed 2000-03Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 25% |
| 2025 | 5 | 26% |
| 2024 | 40 | 48% |
| 2023 | 5 | 33% |
| 2022 | 7 | 14% |
| 2021 | 6 | 11% |
| 2020 | 26 | 21% |
| 2019 | 32 | 21% |
| 2018 | 31 | 16% |
| 2017 | 34 | 13% |
| 2016 | 73 | 19% |
| 2015 | 68 | 15% |
| 2014 | 11 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 7% |
| 2012 | 21 | 4% |
| 2011 | 24 | 5% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 7 | 4% |
| 2008 | 15 | 4% |
| 2007 | 33 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 7% |
| 2005 | 225 | 32% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 10 | 7% |
| 2002 | 9 | 8% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 17 | 5% |
| 1999 | 10 | 5% |
| 1998 | 12 | 5% |
| 1997 | 8 | 5% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 37 | 6% |
| 1994 | 22 | 6% |
| 1993 | 31 | 31% |
| 1992 | 29 | 42% |
| 1991 | 31 | 40% |
| 1990 | 35 | 41% |
| 1989 | 46 | 42% |
| 1988 | 56 | 52% |
| 1987 | 17 | 45% |
| 1986 | 11 | 37% |
| 1985 | 3 | 19% |
| 1984 | 9 | 50% |
| 1983 | 3 | 60% |
Other parts of the 1987 Ford Mustang
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Ford Mustang
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology