2003 Ford Mustang Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 145 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 166,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Ford Mustang, 4% of the 145 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 166,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my vehicle on the interstate I heard what I thought was a popping sound and then experienced a loss of power. I exited off the interstate and began driving again. My vehicle felt as if my torque converter was slipping and that power was reduced from the motor. I took my vehicle to my local service mechanic who advised me that the 3rd cylinder spark plug had somehow backed itself out of the cylinder head which was causing a loss of power to that cylinder. …”
NHTSA complaint #10661948, filed 2014-12, 165,000 miles“We have had issues with this car since it was bought new. All issues have been looked at by the dealer during the factory warranty and still remain unresolved. I have written a letter to Ford headquarters but they sent a complete rejection letter. I was told today by a Ford customer service representative to file a complaint here. I can supply documents and the original letter to Ford if needed. The main issues from purchasing new and driving off the lot are (in rough order of importance): -major paint and clear coat issues (brought to dealer two days after purchase to complain. …”
NHTSA complaint #10760959, filed 2015-09, 100 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the spark plug was missing from the engine compartment. While tightening bolts in the engine compartment, the vehicle ejected another spark plug. The vehicle was taken to hollingsworth richards Ford where the contact was notified that this was a known issue with this vehicle. Since there was no recall, the engine head cylinder would need to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10994402, filed 2017-06, 167,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 38% |
| 2025 | 3 | 16% |
| 2024 | 10 | 12% |
| 2023 | 2 | 13% |
| 2022 | 5 | 10% |
| 2021 | 8 | 15% |
| 2020 | 25 | 21% |
| 2019 | 53 | 35% |
| 2018 | 59 | 30% |
| 2017 | 27 | 10% |
| 2016 | 76 | 20% |
| 2015 | 51 | 12% |
| 2014 | 18 | 5% |
| 2013 | 22 | 8% |
| 2012 | 30 | 6% |
| 2011 | 48 | 10% |
| 2010 | 8 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 15 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 3% |
| 2005 | 19 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 6 | 4% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Mustang
39 complaintsSeat belts
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 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