2005 Ford Mustang Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 2%of 705 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,010miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Ford Mustang, 2% of the 705 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,010 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.
“Drove not knowing how fast I was going except my GPS thank god, airbag said malfuntion popped me in the face, lights were dim couldn't see and drove into a pole. Third huge issue and Ford won'r fix b/c warranty I could have killed or been killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10607997, filed 2014-07, 70,000 miles“There is an apparent design flaw in 2005 mustangs as I have read hundreds of similar complaints as to what I am experiencing. Due to this design flaw after a recent day of heavy rain 1 headlight and 1 signal light will not turn off once the car has been shut off. I researched and apparently the smart junction box (sjb) got wet and the electrical unit is now malfunctioning. There was also a strong burning smell when I got home that night as well. Spoke with an online mechanic technician and he confirmed that the sjb needs to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11163225, filed 2018-12, 157,000 miles“Complete lighting failure while traveling at night. While driving home all of my lights began to flicker then completely failed, no headlights tail lights dash ( seemed to be a complete electrical failure ) initially thought engine had quit but no it was still running. I did get an engine code indicator light on the dash. Once pulled over I checked the battery cables both were tight still no lights in the process I had put the car in park, transmission locked in park. After a short while lights came back on . …”
NHTSA complaint #10238518, filed 2008-08, 36,000 miles“Driving down the highway in a drizzle rain, the headlights, blinkers, fuel gauge, stereo, stopped working, the ebrake light, fuel light, check engine light, oil light, came on. The traction control turned of and will not turn back on. On passenger side of vehicle floor was wet, the smart junction box had water on it and on the wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10282386, filed 2009-08, 86,020 miles“There is a manufacturer's defect that allows water leakage into the instrument panel/smart box junction and subsequently into the vehicle itself. Resultant issues include the inability to drive the vehicle (frozen shift), electrical failure with loss of instruments including various gauges, brake lights, ventilation/AC, power windows, and headlights, and physical water damage (mold/mildew). Ford is aware of the defect and later models were redesigned to compensate for the flaw. …”
NHTSA complaint #10400373, filed 2011-05, 103,000 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 2005 Ford Mustang
235 complaintsElectrical system
225 complaintsFuel system
100 complaintsBody and structure
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
54 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsEquipment
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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