1996 Ford Mustang Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,066miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Ford Mustang, 2% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,066 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a 1996 Ford Mustang from auto credit #3 in airway heights, washington. On 1/2/2011, I receive the vehicle and after three hours of driving, the driver side rear emergency brake locks up. This puts me into an uncontrolled 180 degree spin. On 1/3/2011, I take the vehicle to a les schwab tire center. I told the mechanic to check the brakes. After a few minutes of waiting, I am called into the work area, and I see the front passenger tire is clearly needing to be replaced, as it had the appearance of having been shredded. …”
NHTSA complaint #10375093, filed 2011-01, 17,033 miles“Brake lights never inspected. Went to take car back right away, lights were fixed but failure to do a thorough inspection resulted in not liscence plate.”
NHTSA complaint #10112685, filed 2005-03, 49,100 miles“Brake lights: the rear brake lights don't work while the brake pedal is depressed. There have been no aftermarket modifications to any part of the electrical system. The brake lights work only when the clutch pedal is lightly pressed and the brake pedal is depressed. This problem is currently being addressed by the dealer, but since the car is out of warranty, I have to pay for it. Seat belts: the front drivers side seat belt doesn't retract. The belt hangs loosely after it is the driver takes it off and requires excessive manual adjustment for a proper and safe fit. …”
NHTSA complaint #700844, filed 1998-11Exterior 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 1996 Ford Mustang
82 complaintsBrakes
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Mustang
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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