1996 Ford Mustang Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,123miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Ford Mustang, 9% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,123 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The air bags did not deploy during an accident. The consumer was rear ended and hit other vehicles, as this happened, the seat back broke and the seat belt buckle had came loose. The engine continued to run and the fuel safety switch did not turn off. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10014843, filed 2003-04, 62,123 miles“Did you know that air bags contained soduim azide and when detonated will give off tha toxic and very harmful sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) im sure the public would not want to inhale these toxic vapors witch have very harmful or fatil results when inhaled I would appricate your imediate attion to my concerns. Concern about air bag safety (other than short person). Added on 09-07-1999.”
NHTSA complaint #700753, filed 1998-11“Air bag light is flashing a code, and no one can tell consumer what the code means. Every now and then engine check light goes on for no reason. Consumer has taken vehicle to a number of mechanics, and no one could give her any reason why vehicle was doing this.”
NHTSA complaint #8011817, filed 2002-06“Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision of 30 MPH impact with a 1991, chevrolet, suburban. Upon impact, both air bags deployed but did not inflate. Vehicle at an independent shop for repairs. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #895210, filed 2001-08“Driving 30mph; started applying brakes when they locked up; vehicle went into other lane & hit another vehicle. Damaged driver's front; air bags did not deploy. Driver hit steering wheel; lost control of vehicle. Had vehicle towed to dealer & they took responsibility for repairs. Manufacturer won't honor warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #814346, filed 1997-07Related recalls
- 01V318000Oct 3, 2001Equipment description: passenger vehicles that have had the driver's air bag module replaced after april 5, 2000. The replacement driver's air bag module…Covers: Ford Mustang 1994–1997, Lincoln Town CAR 1995–1997
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 8 | 7% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 10 | 4% |
| 2016 | 15 | 4% |
| 2015 | 23 | 5% |
| 2014 | 245 | 68% |
| 2013 | 145 | 54% |
| 2012 | 158 | 34% |
| 2011 | 125 | 27% |
| 2010 | 179 | 69% |
| 2009 | 135 | 75% |
| 2008 | 240 | 69% |
| 2007 | 348 | 57% |
| 2006 | 228 | 54% |
| 2005 | 235 | 33% |
| 2004 | 9 | 8% |
| 2003 | 11 | 8% |
| 2002 | 20 | 17% |
| 2001 | 26 | 15% |
| 2000 | 42 | 14% |
| 1999 | 32 | 15% |
| 1998 | 15 | 6% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 21 | 9% |
| 1995 | 27 | 4% |
| 1994 | 35 | 10% |
| 1993 | 16 | 16% |
| 1992 | 8 | 12% |
| 1991 | 7 | 9% |
| 1990 | 9 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Mustang
82 complaintsBrakes
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsTires
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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