2003 Ford Mustang Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 145 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Ford Mustang, 3% of the 145 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“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 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 wiring that leads to the brake light switch constantly fails. While driving at various speeds, the cruise control would not deactivate when pressure was applied to the brakes. The contact also noticed that the brake lights do not illuminate and when parking the vehicle, he cannot shift the vehicle out of park. New terminal ends were placed on the switch; however, the wiring continues to fail. The repair usually lasts six months. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208451, filed 2007-11, 36,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 25% |
| 2024 | 8 | 9% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 42 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 16 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 14 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 16 | 15% |
| 1987 | 5 | 13% |
| 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 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Mustang
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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