2003 Ford Mustang Problems
- Complaints
- 145filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 13,958miles, 98 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher 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 2003 Ford Mustang (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe two kinds of trouble: engines that stall when the clutch is pressed or the car is coasting to a stop, and a gas pedal that catches on loose floor carpet. A large share of the stall reports come from the supercharged Cobra variants and arrive at very low mileage, while complaints about seat belts that will not retract and spark plugs that come loose from the cylinder head tend to appear later in the car's life. Many reports describe the loss of power steering and power brakes that follows an engine stall, which owners say makes the car hard to control.
- Engine cooling
Engine stalls while decelerating or pressing the clutch
- 42 complaints (29%)
- median 4,500 mi at 1.1 yrs old (30 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2016
Owners describe the engine shutting off without warning when coasting, braking to a stop, or pushing in the clutch while downshifting. With the engine off, power steering and power brakes stop assisting, and several drivers say the car became hard to steer or slow. Complaints report repeat visits to the dealer, computer reflashes, and in a few cases engine replacement, with the stall returning; many of the reports name the supercharged Cobra version. Reported from a few hundred to a few thousand miles, often on the earliest 2003 examples and mostly on supercharged Cobra cars.
What to check: Drive the car through repeated stops and clutch-in coasting from highway speed and see whether the idle dips or the engine cuts out. Ask whether any idle or computer calibration work has been done and whether the stall has recurred.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2003 svt Mustang cobrs that has a stall problem. It cuts off randomly and when this happens I lose power to the braking and steering systems. It has happen several times in traffic and I have been lucky to not have hit someone. This started happening the day I picked the car up and to date I have not received a fix only put offs.”
NHTSA complaint #10041022, filed 2003-10, 20 miles“2003 Ford Mustang cobra... Vehicle will stall without warning when clutch is depressed. Often this happens when coming to a stop and shifting gears. When this happens the brakes and steering immediately stop working. When stopping on an incline this can cause a situation where you either roll into the vehicle in front of you or out into the middle of an intersection. I have had no accidents yet because of this but I have had 1 close call.”
NHTSA complaint #10039162, filed 2003-09, 6,300 miles - Vehicle speed control
Accelerator pedal catches on floor carpet
- 17 complaints (12%)
- median 13,957 mi at 2.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2014
Complaints describe the gas pedal hanging up on the floor carpet, either because the carpet's edge curls and traps the pedal or because the pedal's shape catches the carpet cutout. Drivers report unintended acceleration or a pedal that will not release when they lift off, sometimes while backing up or slowing for a light. Dealers in the reports generally did not identify a cause, and one owner noted the dealer said no recall applied to the car. Reported from around 17,000 to 40,000 miles, though several complaints came at much lower mileage.
What to check: Press the pedal through its full travel and check whether the carpet edge or cutout can catch it; look for a floor mat or carpet that is loose or curling. Ask whether recall 06V108000 was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am writing this because of the research regarding the accelerator pedal interferance with the carpet with my 2003 Ford Mustang. The carpet frees itself from the holder and lodges itself between the pedals. To date there has not been any damages occured by this, however it does interefere with the gas pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10128611, filed 2005-07, 25,000 miles“My 2003 Mustang has a driver side carpet problem where the carpet comes unattached and folds down at the top. Well it hooked my accelerator pedal and almost caused me to get into an accident. Heading to stop at a red light downshifting into 2nd and then having your gas pedal stuck is scary to say the least. If Ford doesn't want a lot of lawsuits I suggest they open a recall on this, it will be way cheaper in the long run.”
NHTSA complaint #10178291, filed 2007-01, 31,980 miles - Seat belts
Seat belts will not retract or extend
- 15 complaints (10%)
- median 65,425 mi at 7.4 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2003–2017
Owners report front seat belts that stop retracting, hang loose, twist, or lock so the belt cannot be pulled to a usable length; some describe all four belts acting up. In several complaints the dealer either quoted a replacement cost for the belt assembly or said nothing was wrong. Several owners mention being told by the dealer that no related recall applied. Mostly reported between about 9,000 and 140,000 miles, with many clustered between 45,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: Pull each belt slowly all the way out and let it retract several times, checking for twisting or slack. Ask whether any belt assembly has been replaced and keep the quotes in mind.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I recently purchased this vehicle and noticed the next day that the passenger seat belt will neither retract or extend to a usable length . Online I have noticed numerous similar complaints. My local dealer wants $287.00 plus labor of approximately 2 hours to repair and from what I'm seeing there is no guarantee it will be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10692684, filed 2015-03, 143,000 miles“Drivers seatbelt not retracting properly. Frequently have to drive without the seatbelt as it gets progressively tighter. When putting on the seatbelt I can feel a lot of tension on the belt for some reason. Also at time it will not retract at all and hangs loose.”
NHTSA complaint #10028362, filed 2003-07, 45,000 miles - Suspension
Front control arm bushings make noise and fail early
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a crunching or screeching noise from the front or rear end, often heard while braking or over bumps, traced to worn control arms and bushings. Some report the parts were replaced and failed again within a few thousand miles, and a few say the dealer declined a repeat repair under warranty. Others link the same area to a cracked rear end or vibration. Reported very early, often under 1,000 to 5,000 miles, with repeat failures a few thousand miles later.
What to check: Drive over speed bumps and brake firmly from low speed with the windows down, listening for crunching or squeaking from the front and rear. Ask for service records showing whether the control arms or bushings were replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought a 03 Ford Mustang from bob mccormick Ford in hughesville pa. My first problem with this car was it had a squeaking noise in the rear of the car so they replaced the right and left side control arms and bushings on the rear end.this seemed to get rid of most of the noise but not all of it they are checking it out after they fix the gas leakage problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10108306, filed 2005-01, 24,480 miles“At 800 miles I had a crunching sound from the front end. They had to replace the bushings and arms. Did both sides. I have heard other Mustang owner has had same issue. Can someone check into this?”
NHTSA complaint #10078964, filed 2004-06, 800 miles - Engine cooling
Spark plug blows out of the cylinder head
- 8 complaints (6%)
- median 57,665 mi at 5.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2017
Complaints describe a loud pop from the engine bay followed by rough running, with a spark plug found loose or ejected from the cylinder head; in one case several plugs came out over time and threads had to be repaired. Owners report the repair was not covered by warranty or an extended plan, leaving them with a large bill. A spark plug thread repair bulletin exists for the engine family used in these cars. Reported from about 24,000 to 92,000 miles, with most examples on V8 cars.
What to check: Ask whether any spark plug threads have been repaired or inserts installed, and have a mechanic listen for a ticking or puffing sound at the plug wells before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“5 of my spark plugs on my 2003 Mustang gt 4.6 popped out of the spark plug hole in the cylinder head.all these spark plugs popped out at different times,2 spark plugs holes were striped out and had to be tapped out. This all happened on the right side of the motor too.”
NHTSA complaint #10197179, filed 2007-07, 74,000 miles“Was going 25 MPH when spark plug blew out of my 2003 Ford Mustang. From talking with others this seems to be a known problem resulting from only 4 threads. I nearly had a wreck thinking and held up traffic in a very dangerous area as I was afraid to restart car.”
NHTSA complaint #10227261, filed 2008-05, 24,000 miles
Buying note. Given how many complaints center on stalling and on the pedal catching in the carpet, a thorough test drive with repeated stops and a close look at the driver's-side carpet matters more than cosmetics. Service records showing whether belt assemblies, control arms, and any spark plug thread repairs were done will tell you a lot about how the car has been kept.
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 145 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford Mustang. 98 of the complaints include a mileage, and 79% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 13,958 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 16 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.
- Engine cooling39 27%
- Seat belts16 11%
- Vehicle speed control16 11%
- Air bags11 7.6%
- Electrical system10 6.9%
- Other or unknown10 6.9%
- Suspension9 6.2%
- Brakes7 4.8%
- Equipment7 4.8%
Also reported: Engine (6), Fuel system (6), Exterior lighting (5), Tires (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Body and structure (4), Seats (2), Steering (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “I own a 2003 Ford Mustang cobra. This vehicle is prone to stalling on deceleration causing loss of power to the brake and steering systems. This condition occurs usually in the morning. This occurs at a rate of around once every week or two since I purchased the vehicle last june 2002.”
NHTSA complaint #10039196, filed 2003-09, 50 milesSeat belts: “Passenger seat belt started sticking and being hard to pull out in 2005, I took it back to dealership they stated it was ok, I hardly used that passenger seatbelt because I usually drive alone. In 2009 it got stuck in the holder and I could not pull it out, at that point the Ford dealership wanted over $300.00 to replace their already defected seatbelt. I checked junkyards in three different states and all the 2003 Ford Mustang passenger seatbelts was broken. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586103, filed 2014-05, 15,000 milesVehicle speed control: “I have a 2003 Ford Mustang cobra that had the throttle get stuck in a wide open mode that could only be stopped by turning the key to the off position. This was extremely scary as I almost rear end another car.”
NHTSA complaint #10128708, filed 2005-07, 2,216 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While slowing down, downshifting or switching gears, the car engine will just fail and shut off/stall without any warning. The car will not buck or shake, it will just turn off, causing the power steering to stop operating. I have had two close incidents where I was turning into a parking lot and almost hit a car because the power steering shut off when the engine died without warning. I am afraid this problem will cause a bad accident, especially when I have two young children riding in the vehicle most of the time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10144415, filed 2005-12, 28,450 milesMileage when problems were reported
79% of the 98 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,335 and 45,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 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 | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
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 2003 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 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Mustang RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Mustang RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Mustang RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Mustang RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Mustang RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Mustang RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,850 |
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
- 06V108000Apr 7, 2006Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCovers: Ford Mustang 2003–2004
On certain mustang cobra passenger vehicles, the rear surface of the accelerator pedal may come into contact with floor carpeting during heavy throttle application. The unique surface profile of the accelerator pedal may catch in the cutout on the floor…
Recall details for the 2003 Ford Mustang → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA05014Accelerator pedal interferenceClosed · Sep 13, 2005
- PE05038Accelerator pedal interferenceClosed · Jul 7, 2005
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. 16 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 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…
- 10019912Jan 1, 2006Engine cooling. Engine misfire with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) pewee, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306, p0307, p0308, and p0316.
- 10014100Jan 1, 2006Transmission and drivetrain. Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 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.
- 10014080Dec 13, 2004Steering. Steering rack noise. *tt squeak/creak noise from steering rack when turning.
- 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.
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 2003 Ford Mustang?
Owners of this model year most often describe two kinds of trouble: engines that stall when the clutch is pressed or the car is coasting to a stop, and a gas pedal that catches on loose floor carpet. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls while decelerating or pressing the clutch; Accelerator pedal catches on floor carpet; Seat belts will not retract or extend.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA recorded 145 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford Mustang as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Ford Mustang is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 39 complaints (27% of the total), followed by seat belts with 16.
Has the 2003 Ford Mustang been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Mustang get?
The EPA rates the 2003 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 2003 Ford Mustang reported?
Among the 98 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 13,958 miles and the middle half falls between 2,335 and 45,000 miles; 79% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.