2002 Ford Mustang Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 19%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford Mustang, 19% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,250 miles. 2 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.
“I went to drive my car friday morning and heard a squeaking noise I took it to the shop and had 3 pulleys replaced on it and it was still squeaking they replaced the water pump still squeaking I had 3 mechanics check the car and they told me with the miles that was on my car I should not be having problems coming from my crankshaft I don't even have 100,000 miles on the car yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10257471, filed 2009-02, 90,566 miles“The fourth spark plug on my 2002 Ford Mustang gt 4.6l vehicle blew out. This resulted heavy loss of power, shaking, and more importantly fuel fumes to come out. The incident occurred on an interstate at high-speed and I was very fortunate to safely make it over to the emergency lane. The cost to repair the damage to the car is estimated at $2500. This is a very common safety issue with the Ford 8-cylinder engines for what I gathered through independent research after the incident. The threads are too thin around the spark plug and the heat causes them to blew out - literally.”
NHTSA complaint #10423995, filed 2011-09, 103,000 miles“The vehicle stalled while driving. When the consumer attempted to restart the vehicle it stalled again and sometimes does not start at all. The control valve was changed with no codes showing in the system. Before, the mecahnic stated that the problem was due to the weather and the gas. The right rear tire had a bubble in the sidewall and was replaced. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10016114, filed 2003-04, 2,548 miles“2002 Ford Mustang v6 with manual transmission. Engine increases rpms even when foot is off the accelerator pedal. This happens in gear and between shifts. Even though vehicle is under warranty, Ford refuses to fix the problem. They say that this is a normal vehicle characteristic and no further repairs should be performed . The problem is consistent and worsening. I think this is dangerous and Ford should resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10128905, filed 2005-07, 45,000 miles“The vehicle shook and vibrated while driving which almost caused an accident. The vehicle also stalled several times while driving. The dealership replaced the engine with a re-manufactured one.”
NHTSA complaint #10022887, filed 2003-07, 1,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Some 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…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10013368Nov 1, 2004Exhaust leak - cracked or separated right side exhaust pipe - 3.8l and 3.9l engines.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 7% |
| 2018 | 8 | 4% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 16 | 4% |
| 2005 | 25 | 4% |
| 2004 | 6 | 5% |
| 2003 | 39 | 27% |
| 2002 | 22 | 19% |
| 2001 | 24 | 14% |
| 2000 | 34 | 11% |
| 1999 | 31 | 15% |
| 1998 | 40 | 17% |
| 1997 | 38 | 22% |
| 1996 | 82 | 33% |
| 1995 | 339 | 56% |
| 1994 | 160 | 45% |
| 1993 | 11 | 11% |
| 1992 | 7 | 10% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 10 | 12% |
| 1989 | 6 | 6% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 5 | 13% |
| 1986 | 5 | 17% |
| 1985 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 4 | 22% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Mustang
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsSeat belts
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Mustang
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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