1991 Ford Mustang Problems
- Complaints
- 77filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 119,500miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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 / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Ford Mustang (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, especially the ignition switch: complaints describe smoke, melted wiring, or fires starting under the dash or in the engine bay, sometimes on parked cars. Transmission trouble and air-bag concerns also appear repeatedly in the sample, and many of these reports come from vehicles with well over 100,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Ignition switch smoke, melted wiring, or fire
- 17 complaints (22%)
- median 65,000 mi at 22.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 17 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2020
Complaints describe smoke coming from under the dashboard or steering column, melted wiring between the light switch and tail lights, and cars catching fire while parked or shortly after being driven. Several owners mention recall 96V071000 for the ignition switch and state that the car burned either before the recall work was done or after it was performed. Some reports note a loose connection or internal short at the ignition switch as the diagnosis given by a mechanic. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 50,000 to 170,000 miles, often while the vehicle was parked or just after use.
What to check: Ask whether recall 96V071000 was completed on this vehicle and inspect the wiring and connector at the ignition switch for heat damage, melted insulation, or a burnt smell.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Had smoke coming out from under dash. Lost radio, and tail lights wires from light switch to tail light melted. Not sure if from faulty ignition switch. Would like more info.”
NHTSA complaint #10231239, filed 2008-06, 126,000 miles“Driving home approximately 25 MPH , there was a smell of smoke and brake light came on, noticed smoke coming from underneath the steering panel, pulled over , got out of car and in matter of seconds it was in flames. Consumer states there was a recall on a faulty ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #804051, filed 1996-10 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission failure or hard shifting
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 106,500 mi at 14.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2006
Owners describe gears that are difficult to select, a transmission that quit and was rebuilt or replaced, and repeat failures after repair. One owner reports that a plastic fitting feeding oil to the transmission broke, leaving fourth gear unusable, and that the dealer recommended a rebuild. In one case the dealer sent the car to a transmission shop under warranty, and later repairs were not covered. Most reports in the sample cluster between roughly 79,000 and 133,000 miles, with one early failure noted around 20,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the car engages park firmly and shifts cleanly through all gears on a test drive, and ask for service records showing whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have 1991 Ford Mustang with a NHTSA recall number 91v048000. Ford is telling me that thiere is no such recall in there data base and they will not fix it. This is a big safty issue for me considering my wife and kids ride in this car. I need to know if this is a valid recall and if Ford is not responsible to repair it, then who?”
NHTSA complaint #10032662, filed 2003-08, 133,000 miles“The transmission has gone out three times in this car. The first time it had 20000 miles on it and under warranty and the dealer sent it to a local transmission shop who rebuilt it. One year later it went out again. The dealer would not cover Ford would not cover. I got stuck replacing the transmission out of pocket. Now the transmission went again.”
NHTSA complaint #10153329, filed 2006-03, 80,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light or air bag not deploying
- 8 complaints (10%)
- median 148,452 mi at 18.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2015
Complaints describe a flashing air bag warning light, an air bag that did not deploy in a frontal crash, and in one case a driver-side air bag that deployed while the car was parked and unattended. Owners report having no clear explanation from the manufacturer for the warning light. Mileage varies widely in the sample, with several reports from cars above 100,000 miles and others without mileage listed.
What to check: Turn the key to run and confirm the air bag warning light comes on and then goes out; a light that stays on or flashes is worth having diagnosed before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The airbags could deploy at an inappropriate time or not at all due to this problem the air bag blinks all the time and the manufacturer has no answers so I am red flagging this problem thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10730249, filed 2015-06, 79,064 miles“While vehicle was parked and unattended, the air bag in steering wheel activated. This is the first occurance. No injuries,. Replacement has not occured.”
NHTSA complaint #10230858, filed 2008-06, 170,000 miles
Buying note. On a car this old, ask directly whether the ignition switch recall was completed and have the wiring under the dash inspected, since electrical and fire-related reports are the most common in the sample. A pre-purchase check of the transmission, cooling system, air bag warning light, and seat mountings is also worth the cost.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 38 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 1991 Ford Mustang. 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 6% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 119,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 22 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns 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 system31 40%
- Air bags7 9.1%
- Engine cooling6 7.8%
- Brakes5 6.5%
- Fuel system4 5.2%
- Seats4 5.2%
- Exterior lighting3 3.9%
- Seat belts3 3.9%
- Steering2 2.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (2), Suspension (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Ignition switch got stuck and would not go into the auxiliary mode. Nhtsa recall 96v071000 concerning ignition switch was issued, but this vehicle was not included in the recall. Also, floor of the vehicle detached at the sides. Dealer inspected the floor, and informed the consumer that the floor could be fixed, but it should not have detached on the sides.”
NHTSA complaint #10061734, filed 2004-03, 263,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The speedometer bounces around not staying a speed driven. The cable and the speedometer head needed to be replaced. This failure has occured before and was repaired under warranty. Please provide more information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8021998, filed 2002-10Engine cooling: “Engine head gasket was replaced under the owner's notification campaigns. Head gasket blew again, but the dealership was refusing to repair it because it was over the 100,000 miles of the campaigns warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10042712, filed 2003-10, 74,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
6% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 74,000 and 136,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1991 Ford Mustang. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 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 | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Mustang RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Mustang RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 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
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Ford Mustang 1988–1993, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- 91V048000Mar 18, 1991Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford Mustang 1991, Mercury Grand Marquis 1991, Ford Crown Victoria 1991 +2 more
The park rod assembly contains a park cam with inadequate surface hardness, which could lead to park disengagement or no park engagement when the lever is placed in park.
Recall details for the 1991 Ford Mustang → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1991 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 | 20 | 14,000 | 6 | 5 | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 85 | 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
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Mustang?
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, especially the ignition switch: complaints describe smoke, melted wiring, or fires starting under the dash or in the engine bay, sometimes on parked cars. The issues reported most often: Ignition switch smoke, melted wiring, or fire; Transmission failure or hard shifting; Air bag warning light or air bag not deploying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 1991 Ford Mustang as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Ford Mustang is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 31 complaints (40% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 9.
Has the 1991 Ford Mustang been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Ford Mustang get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Ford Mustang (Mustang, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 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 1991 Ford Mustang reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 119,500 miles and the middle half falls between 74,000 and 136,000 miles; 6% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.