1998 Ford Mustang Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 6%of 236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Ford Mustang, 6% of the 236 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,500 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On may 5, 2016, I was driving on hwy 395 (nevada). Driving at approximately 40 MPH due to rain/hail. I felt my car begin to hydroplane, and then began to spin out of control across the hwy. At least 5 complete circles until I slammed into a concrete wall where the car came to a stop. My airbags did not deploy. The drivers seat bolts broke upon impact as well. No other cars were involved, but I suffered multiple bruises on my rt. Arm, as well as severe whiplash and internal bruising from seat breaking free upon impact. …”
NHTSA complaint #10864389, filed 2016-05, 124,000 miles“Passive restraint system disables my ignition (it seems) sometimes when I put my key in to start the car. The alarm light blinks rapidly and if I take out my key and re insert it, I will hear a small noise like a mechanism resetting and then my car will start. 3 attempts to put on diagnostic machine..failed to diagnose.”
NHTSA complaint #10019060, filed 2003-05, 50,000 miles“Stirring-wheel airbags did not deploy on getting hit head-but on the passenger side did deploy but due to the defect stirring wheel airbag not deploying the driver to hit the windshield”
NHTSA complaint #11307406, filed 2020-02, 99,000 miles“I went to the passenger's side of the car to place my briefcase, and my gym bag inside. I then put the passenger seat up, I placed my briefcase on the seat, and I shut the passenger side door. As I shut the door, I heard a loud sound of what I thought was ice cracking off the car. I went over to the drivers side and found the window completely shattered and blown out of the car. At least 80% of the glass from the window was on the outside of the car, on the ground. . I was shocked to see the window shattered in such a way because I assumed all of the windows in my car had safety glass. …”
NHTSA complaint #703066, filed 1999-02“Upon impact the airbag did not deploy. The airbag deployed after the driver exited the vehicle. When the air bag finally deployed, it caused the driver's head to go into the windshield . The drive sustained severe injuries to the head. The manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #822383, filed 1998-04Air 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 1998 Ford Mustang
40 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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