1998 Ford Mustang Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Ford Mustang, 9% of the 236 complaints for this model year. 1 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.
“We took car in to local Ford dealer for routine oil change and to check a noise we had heard in the rear end. They tore into the rear end to see what problem was. We were told that the whole rear end needed to be replaced. They gave us an estimate of $1600. We questioned how this could happen. We were told it doesn't usually happen at this mileage. They also told us that there was no preload on the axel. We complained to Ford headquarters to no avail. The car was no longer under warranty. This was not a good answer. …”
NHTSA complaint #769159, filed 2002-10“We took car in to local Ford dealer for routine mileage checkup. They heard noise in rear -end. We had them tear into the rear end to see what problem was. They gave us an estimate of $2,000. This car is only 2 yrs. Old. We questioned how this could happen. We were told it doesn't usually happen at this mileage, bearing went out and caused entire rear end to need replaced. We do not have extended warranty so we contacted Ford motor corp. Customer service. They said there was no recall, therefore we would have to incur all cost. They said it was not a concern of their's. …”
NHTSA complaint #735344, filed 2000-10“I lost count after 22 times for that car being in the shop. Now... I can barely get it out of park.. They ordered the part for it, but failed to call me when it came in, therefore it was sent back. Then after I complained again to the service manager. I was told that the part was now on back-order, but they found one in oklahoma that was going to be sent to them for me in a week. After 3 weeks I went up there again and I was told that there is no part coming in from oklahoma, that one's on back-order too ! I am getting the run around for a car that doesn't even get me around !!!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #722476, filed 2000-05“When vehicle is turned on, it would make strange harmonic resonance noise, causing vehicle to vibrate & shake. Only happens when vehicle is running. Noise would build up. Problem cannot be duplicated. Vehicle could be idling & noise would also appear. Mechanic cannot solve problem. Also has a bad drive train & rear end.”
NHTSA complaint #873963, filed 2000-10“While parked on decline vehicle rolled and hit another vehicle with parking brakes still on, had parking brakes done on recall in 2001. Took to dealer and dealer repaired vehicle stating parking brakes were fine.”
NHTSA complaint #8008906, filed 2002-05Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 13% |
| 2025 | 3 | 15% |
| 2024 | 10 | 12% |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 4 | 8% |
| 2021 | 9 | 16% |
| 2020 | 26 | 21% |
| 2019 | 28 | 18% |
| 2018 | 46 | 23% |
| 2017 | 22 | 8% |
| 2016 | 29 | 8% |
| 2015 | 42 | 10% |
| 2014 | 30 | 8% |
| 2013 | 48 | 18% |
| 2012 | 177 | 38% |
| 2011 | 200 | 43% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 7 | 4% |
| 2008 | 30 | 9% |
| 2007 | 35 | 6% |
| 2006 | 32 | 8% |
| 2005 | 25 | 4% |
| 2004 | 9 | 8% |
| 2003 | 15 | 10% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 16 | 9% |
| 2000 | 40 | 13% |
| 1999 | 25 | 12% |
| 1998 | 21 | 9% |
| 1997 | 29 | 16% |
| 1996 | 25 | 10% |
| 1995 | 57 | 9% |
| 1994 | 50 | 14% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 9 | 12% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 3 | 3% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Mustang
40 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsAir bags
15 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