2003 Ford Mustang Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 27%of 145 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford Mustang, 27% of the 145 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,500 miles. 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.
“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“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 miles“I purchased a 2003 Ford Mustang on june 20, 2003. Since then I have had it in the repair shop two times, going back for a third on sept. 3, 2003 for the air conditioning unit. It works for a week or two then starts blowing warm air. The first time I was told it didn't have freon, the second time the compressor was taken out and I was given a new one. I won't know until I go back for the 3rd time what the problem now is.”
NHTSA complaint #10036799, filed 2003-08, 150 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“Potentially dangerous situation when 2003 Ford cobra stalls upon deceleration and brakes become inoperable. Almost crashed multiple times. If I get into an accident because of this I will sue forward as they have not recognized this as a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10023381, filed 2003-06, 8,000 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…
- 10019912Jan 1, 2006Engine misfire with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) pewee, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306, p0307, p0308, and p0316.
- 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 2003 Ford Mustang
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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