2003 Ford Mustang Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 145 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 180miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Ford Mustang, 3% of the 145 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 180 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.
“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“All 4 seat belts have operational issues. Passenger seat belt fully extended and will not retract. Driver side semi functional will not retract fully. Both rear difficult to retract. Clear coat on front bumper and spoiler coming off in sheets.”
NHTSA complaint #10680390, filed 2015-02, 80,000 miles“Because of Mustangs heavy doors the latch mechanism malfunctioned and the door came open on the highway. I realize the car is old but I have read up on other complaints on mustangs. The door was fine and within the couple of hours of seeing the problem I was driving 70 on the highway. And I heard the door ding go off and something told me to grab the door. It was all I could do to get back home. Which has now led to other issues like the door sagging and the window is now messed up.”
NHTSA complaint #11689960, filed 2025-09Related service bulletins
- 10013081Oct 1, 2002Convertible top lifts unevenly.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 7% |
| 2022 | 5 | 10% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 9 | 6% |
| 2018 | 15 | 8% |
| 2017 | 41 | 15% |
| 2016 | 28 | 7% |
| 2015 | 45 | 10% |
| 2014 | 17 | 5% |
| 2013 | 8 | 3% |
| 2012 | 23 | 5% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 17 | 7% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 15 | 4% |
| 2007 | 51 | 8% |
| 2006 | 30 | 7% |
| 2005 | 56 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 8% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 18 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% |
| 1998 | 8 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 3% |
| 1996 | 10 | 4% |
| 1995 | 19 | 3% |
| 1994 | 14 | 4% |
| 1993 | 6 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 8 | 7% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 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 28, 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