1996 Ford Mustang Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Mustang, 5% of the 246 complaints for this model year.
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 have had several reoccurring problems including 2 transmission failures. The transmission is an aod automatic, and it still doesn't shift correctly. If passing gear is engaged, then car's rpms shoot up and it shifts down to too low of a gear. I have replaced 2 water pumps that were leaking. I have replaced a sway bar that broke while driving down a flat road. There is a whinning sound that comes from either the pulleys or the crankshaft. In hot weather the car will act like it is running out of gas when accelerating even when the tank is full. …”
NHTSA complaint #749104, filed 2001-07“Was driving vehicle & felt transmission slipping. Had returned to dealer who refused to repair it. Later had cruise control on & vehicle suddenly accelerated. Applied brakes shut it off, but did not stop it. Turned vehicle off & restarted it. Vehicle has no air bags. Vehicle had a 1998 front repair done, but no accident had happened.”
NHTSA complaint #850789, filed 1999-10“Front end vibrates/shakes. In addition, brakes failed, pedal went all the way to the floor, almost caused an accident. In addition, emergency brake failed/steering assembly malfunctioned, causing vehicle to pull in either direction.”
NHTSA complaint #526493, filed 1997-11“While driving the hydraulic brake booster failed causing the steering wheel to lock up and loss of control (accident), as a result the seat belt retractor broke.”
NHTSA complaint #784740, filed 2000-07“Fractured inner tie rod, causing the vehicle to shimmy, same problem with the the 1995 Ford Mustang recall # 95s1, 7 consumer has taken the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer has yet to replace any parts.”
NHTSA complaint #807453, filed 1997-01Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 33% |
| 2022 | 8 | 16% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 11 | 4% |
| 2016 | 12 | 3% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 22 | 6% |
| 2013 | 10 | 4% |
| 2012 | 16 | 3% |
| 2011 | 25 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 12 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 13 | 4% |
| 1999 | 10 | 5% |
| 1998 | 22 | 9% |
| 1997 | 8 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 5% |
| 1995 | 30 | 5% |
| 1994 | 9 | 3% |
| 1993 | 4 | 4% |
| 1992 | 5 | 7% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 6% |
| 1984 | 3 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
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 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 30, 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