1990 Ford Mustang Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 41%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Ford Mustang, 41% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 21 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a Ford Mustang 1990. The electronical system has gone down the toliet. Both the electronical front windows and the automatic locks barely work. Both the front windows work but as they are rolling up they squeak like no other. The locking mechanisms on the driver and passenger side have a mind of there own and rarely lock or just lock one side. I have tried to fix this all in vain. Sucks to have electronical locks and windows in a 1990 Ford Mustang. Thanks- rumit.”
NHTSA complaint #10045553, filed 2003-11, 90,000 miles“After parking in the garage I turned off the ignition, the key burned my hand it was so hot! Then multiple electrical problems appeared. The turn signals no longer functioned, the car would stall at low speeds, the air conditioner would not come on, convertible top would not function. The ignition recall had already been preformed on my car prior to these problems. The Ford dealership found the switch burned, and the wiring assembly melted.”
NHTSA complaint #751751, filed 2001-09“While my car was in for investigation (see oid#75644 for throttle assembly failure) the dealer replaced ignition switch module from recall that had never been done by previous owner. Subsequently, while driving the battery light came on and car lost power. Smoke rose from under the hood. I rolled into a parking lot and opened the hood where I found the wiring harness to the alternator in flames. I unplugged it and put out the fire. The fire flared up 2 more times before dying out.”
NHTSA complaint #756912, filed 2002-01“The contact owns a 1990 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the turn signals and air conditioner would not function. The contact was able to correct the failure by slightly turning back the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10453580, filed 2012-03, 130,000 miles“Dt: the contact owns a 1990 Ford Mustang. The contact states that the motor caught on fire and melted the wiring under the hood. The air bag deployed without an accident. The cruise control does not work on the vehicle. Picutres are available if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10122329, filed 2005-05Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Mustang 1988–1993, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical 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 | 25 | 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 1990 Ford Mustang
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Ford Mustang
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology