2000 Ford Mustang Problems
- Complaints
- 311filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,306miles, 97 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Ford Mustang (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2000 Mustang most often write about front airbags that failed to deploy in a collision, seat belts that will not pull out or retract, and fuel leaking from a rusted filler neck while refueling. The fuel leaks generally show up on higher-mileage cars, while some of the brake, fuel-gauge and airbag complaints arrive at low mileage, and many reports describe faults that build up over time rather than appearing suddenly.
- Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a crash
- 38 complaints (12%)
- median 51,000 mi at 6.9 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 34 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2020
Complaints describe front-end collisions at moderate speed where neither the driver nor the passenger airbag inflated, sometimes with injuries reported afterwards. Several owners say the dealer or manufacturer was notified and a report was filed, but they describe little follow-up diagnosis. A smaller number report the opposite behaviour, with airbags deploying without a crash after a drop or bump. Most reports fall between roughly 40,000 and 110,000 miles, in crashes at around 30-45 mph.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning lamp comes on at key-on and then goes out, and ask whether the airbags or crash sensors have ever been serviced or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My daughter was involved in a single vehicle front end collision. She hit a fire hydrant after a 90 degree spin at a speed of about 30 MPH. The car sustained $6000 in damage and was totaled. Neither the driver or passenger airbags deployed. I questioned the body shop if they should have, everyone I talked to feels they should have. Isn't this what they are designed to do?”
NHTSA complaint #10165286, filed 2006-08, 74,000 miles“I was making a normal order delivery drop off going off my GPS I came to a narrow road where no signs of a dip ahead. Came to a dip ahead that you couldn't tell it was a dip and I wasn't going no more than 11 to13 miles when I was coming over it and my airbags busted out of my steering wheel hitting my hand and my arm leaving burn marks. I couldn't stay on the road so I waited 30 mins before I drove slowly back to my house cause then my tire started going low.”
NHTSA complaint #11331191, filed 2020-06, 11 miles - Seat belts
Seat belts jammed or will not retract
- 31 complaints (10%)
- median 72,500 mi at 6.2 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2021
Owners describe front seat belts that stay pulled out and will not retract, or that lock up and cannot be pulled out at all, so the belt cannot be worn. Some say the dealer identified a failing retractor but that their vehicle was not covered by the seat belt anchorage recall, and others note the belts tighten while the brakes are pressed. Commonly reported from about 40,000 to 100,000 miles, with some owners saying it was present from new.
Recall 99V2500002 related service bulletins
What to check: Pull each front belt all the way out and let it retract several times, and check the VIN against recall 99V250000 to see whether it was built with the affected retractor.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Front passenger seat belt retractor malfunctioned. The seat belt is now stuck and will not extract. It cannot be worn by a passenger. This is the exact failure recalled in NHTSA campaign id number: 99v250000. However, my car's VIN was not included in this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10444591, filed 2012-01, 100,700 miles“As many have said the pass. Side seat belt is jammed up, cannot be used. Even if you spend rime and completely straighten every thing out it works maybe once and jams up again. The complaints are legit. This car has 80,134 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11341090, filed 2020-07, 78,854 miles - Fuel system
Fuel leak at rusted filler neck
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe a strong fuel smell, then gasoline dripping or pouring from under the car during or after filling. Owners who inspected the area report the metal filler neck rusted through behind a plastic cover, and some note the leaking fuel lands near the exhaust. Repairs reported include replacing the filler neck and the tank grommet. Mostly on cars well past 90,000 miles, often in the northeastern US where road salt is used.
What to check: Look at the filler neck behind the rear wheel for rust or dampness, and fill the tank fully once to check for drips under the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Mustang developed a fuel leak as the result of the fuel tank filler necks grommet failing. I initially smelled gas and after filling up the tank and parking on a hill I notice a large spot of gasoline on the pavement below.”
NHTSA complaint #10221577, filed 2008-03, 65,728 miles“I went to fill up my car (gas) and I smelled more gas than what I would consider normal. I looked on the ground under the car and there was a pool of gas, and it was leaking as I was filling. I stopped filling the tank and asked the attendant for something to clean up the gas. When I got the car home, I looked underneath and upon close inspection found the filler neck was where the problem was. There is a piece of plastic surrounding the filler neck, which holds moisture and rusts the metal filler neck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466844, filed 2012-07, 132,525 miles - Brakes
Brakes drag, stick or wear unevenly
- 38 complaints (12%)
- median 40,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2018
Owners describe calipers that stick and overheat, pads and rotors wearing unevenly, and a shaky or soft pedal even when braking gently. Some say the brakes stopped working after a caliper seized, while others report the ABS or traction control light coming on with the module blamed and a replacement advised. Reported across a wide range, from under 15,000 miles up to about 130,000 miles, and not tied to a single condition.
What to check: Ask for brake service records, feel for pulsation or pull while braking, and check each wheel for uneven pad wear or a hot caliper after a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I 'm having problems with the brakes of my Mustang gt 2000. This car has only 13500 driving miles and for three occasions I had been with the brakes because its has the sticking problems (front left side and rear right side). Eventually the pads and calipers turned hot and brakes do not stop the car. The last time of this event the car was on an accidents and we went down on a hill and my car broke down the front part. I was reading in internet many people are having the same problems with Mustang from 99-04.”
NHTSA complaint #10230093, filed 2008-06, 13,500 miles“Is a big problem shifting in a gear after in first gear starts to sputter and shake believe it's the transmission manual 5-speed also engine overheating and knocking sounds vibrations coming from engine compartment brakes have always been shaky even if applied slowly and softly”
NHTSA complaint #11100693, filed 2018-06, 116,000 miles - Engine cooling
Intake manifold cracks and leaks coolant
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe coolant loss, overheating or a split in the plastic intake manifold, sometimes noticed while replacing a thermostat. Owners report replacing the manifold and paying for the labour, and some mention a knocking noise from the engine around the same time. Generally reported from about 60,000 miles upward, often as gradual coolant loss before a visible crack.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for crusty residue or cracks around the plastic intake manifold, and ask whether the manifold has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“So I thought I had a simple thermostat issue. Went to change the thermostat and noticed the manifold housing (plastic) had a nice crack in it. When doing research on this, I noticed there have been numerous complaints/instances of this happening to other people. Now I am in the process of finding a new intake manifold and will have to pay to have it installed. This seems to be an issue that the department of transportation should be involved in. …”
NHTSA complaint #10438127, filed 2011-12, 140,000 miles“While driving 55 MPH the intake manifold split without warning. As a result all the coolant and water leaked from the engine. The cause had not been determined. Please provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10108515, filed 2005-01, 60,000 miles
Buying note. On a car this age, have a mechanic check the seat belts and airbag warning lamp, inspect the fuel filler neck and brake calipers, and pressure-test the cooling system before buying. Service records for the belt retractors and intake manifold are worth asking about.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 311 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford Mustang. 97 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,306 miles. Of all complaints, 56 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 42 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes63 20%
- Air bags42 14%
- Seat belts36 12%
- Engine cooling34 11%
- Fuel system21 6.8%
- Vehicle speed control19 6.1%
- Body and structure18 5.8%
- Electrical system17 5.5%
- Exterior lighting14 4.5%
Also reported: Steering (13), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (13), Seats (12), Suspension (10), Other or unknown (9), Tires (9), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Engine (3), Equipment (3), Wheels (3).
Example complaints
Brakes: “2000 Ford Mustang parked in driveway with emergency brake engaged. The driveway has a slight grade. Brake failed, and car backed out of driveway and across the road, striking a pole. Damage to left fender; broken taillight. The car was previously brought to dealer for the brake recall and supposedly repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10014335, filed 2003-04, 17,000 milesAir bags: “On may 30, 2005, our daughter was exiting a parking lot in her 2000 Ford Mustang. Due to the fact that the exits weren''t clearly marked, she drove over the sidewalk, resulting in approximately a four inch drop off. After waiting for traffic to clear, she accelerated to exit the parking lot and both of her airbags deployed. She was fortunate that a police officer witnessed this incident. After speaking with the officer, I was assured that speed was not a factor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10128956, filed 2005-07, 45,100 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I bought the vehicle used on may 03, 2003 from ramey Ford in tazewell, va and under the terms that they would check the clutch for vibration. Upon checking the clutch, I was advised that the clutch rod needed replaced and this was completed. After getting the vehicle back the first time, I have gone through an ongoing problem with the clutch making a vibration/rattle type noise that comes and goes even after the pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and fly-wheel were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071022, filed 2004-01, 25,851 milesSeat belts: “I have a 2000 Ford Mustang, which has major seatbelt malfunction problems. I found the recall on your website and several auto websites NHTSA campaign id number: 99v250000. This recall is for 2000 Ford mustangs, and the exact problem that we have been having with our seatbelts. But the dealer was suppose to replace the seatbelts, after verifying that they were malfunctioning, and now they will not.”
NHTSA complaint #10263807, filed 2009-03, 35,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
38% of the 97 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 39,000 and 91,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Ford Mustang. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Ford Mustang version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Mustang RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Mustang RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Mustang RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Mustang RWD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V349000Oct 30, 2000Parking brake › ConventionalCovers: Ford Mustang 1994–2001
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. If a vehicle is parked with the parking brake not fully applied and not in first gear, as directed in the owner guide, and the self adjustment pawl subsequently skips one or two…
- 99V250000Sep 20, 1999Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Ford Mustang 1999–2000, Taurus 1999, Mercury Sable 1999 +1 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The seat belt retractor may have a pin shaft in the switchable elr/alr mechanism that is incorrectly formed. In some circumstances, the switching mechanism could become nonfunctional, preventing the seat belt webbing…
Recall details for the 2000 Ford Mustang → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10026389May 16, 2008Engine cooling. Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for sale in…
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Engine cooling. Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome…
- 10018959Dec 14, 2005Engine cooling. Extended coverage program 05n04 - extended coverage for composite intake manifold. This program is being provided as a settlement to a class action lawsuit. The terms of the settlement extend the…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10012954Feb 21, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013368Nov 1, 2004Engine cooling. Exhaust leak - cracked or separated right side exhaust pipe - 3.8l and 3.9l engines.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Electrical system. Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Other model years of the Ford Mustang
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 2,500 | 5 | 5 | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 19 | 14,000 | 6 | 5 | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 84 | 5,000 | 12 | 5 | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 15 | 14,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 50 | 10,102 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 15 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 55 | 5,465 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 18 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 121 | 24,000 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 151 | 20,000 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 196 | 28,795 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 268 | 40,000 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 41 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 380 | 35,300 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 439 | 34,500 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 73 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 359 | 24,000 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 271 | 40,000 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 469 | 23,000 | 6 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 466 | 22,018 | 4 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 261 | 43,086 | 5 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 181 | 40,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 347 | 37,250 | 5 | — | 18 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 615 | 36,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 424 | 54,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 705 | 49,500 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 116 | 13,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 145 | 13,958 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 118 | 45,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 173 | 56,847 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 311 | 64,306 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 213 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 236 | 88,900 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 176 | 100,110 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 246 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 602 | 79,828 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 356 | 78,490 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 101 | 82,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 69 | 116,863 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 77 | 119,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 85 | 129,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 109 | 121,500 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 108 | 72,313 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1987 | 38 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1986 | 30 | 96,052 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1985 | 16 | 50,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 18 | 34,250 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Mustang model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Mustang?
Owners of the 2000 Mustang most often write about front airbags that failed to deploy in a collision, seat belts that will not pull out or retract, and fuel leaking from a rusted filler neck while refueling. The issues reported most often: Airbags did not deploy in a crash; Seat belts jammed or will not retract; Fuel leak at rusted filler neck.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA recorded 311 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford Mustang as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Ford Mustang is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 63 complaints (20% of the total), followed by air bags with 42.
Has the 2000 Ford Mustang been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Ford Mustang get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Ford Mustang (Mustang, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Ford Mustang reported?
Among the 97 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,306 miles and the middle half falls between 39,000 and 91,000 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.