1988 Ford Mustang Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 15%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1988 Ford Mustang, 15% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After 5 to 15 minutes after the fog lights are turned on, all the lights went out. The lights did not come back on for about 5 to 10 seconds. Luckily I was able to come to a stop without hitting anything. I have spoken with many people who own late model mustangs, 1986 to 1997, and most of them report this same problem. As secretary and newsletter editor for the first pennsylvania Mustang club, I come in contact with many 'Mustang' enthusiasts. …”
NHTSA complaint #714447, filed 1999-11“Since car new had problem when using fog lights, all lights would go out for 5 minutes or more whilst driving. Dealer at that time said there was no problem with lights. I did not realize at that time that the problem was related to the fog lights. I had used fogs frequently on long distance driving and had initally gone off road on fla turnpike. After warranty over, spoke to other gt owners who informed me of the same problem. Stopped using fogs after realizing wiring harness at switch was overheating. (glowing red).”
NHTSA complaint #738639, filed 2001-01“The contact owns a 1988 Ford Mustang. The vehicle will not pass inspection because the turn signals and horn do not work. The dealer was unable to correct the failure because the manufacturer discontinued the parts. The current mileage was 19,400 and failure mileage was 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10214276, filed 2008-01, 17,000 miles“The ignition switch malfunctioned. Consumer received recall 96v071000 concerning ignition switch failure. Dealer performed recall repairs, but problem reoccurred. Also, when heater is on the turn signals are inoperative. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #849683, filed 1999-10“Headlights shut off after about (20) of driving then come on after a minute. The dash above headlight switch gets very hot and dash has started to melt. *akthis happens until driving lights are turned off.”
NHTSA complaint #986259, filed 1996-06Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 25% |
| 2024 | 8 | 9% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 42 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 16 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 14 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 16 | 15% |
| 1987 | 5 | 13% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Mustang
56 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford Mustang
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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