Ford Mustang / 1998
1998 Ford Mustang problems
Owners have filed 297 complaints about the 1998 Ford Mustang with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 15.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of fuel system, gasoline at 9.8%.
Complaints297
Crashes52
Fires12
Injuries41
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 15.8% · 47
Fuel system, gasoline 9.8% · 29
Steering 7.7% · 23
Power train 7.4% · 22
Seat belts 6.4% · 19
Parking brake 6.1% · 18
Vehicle speed control 6.1% · 18
Suspension 5.4% · 16
Severity
Of those complaints, 52 describe a crash, 12 describe a fire, 41 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 30 model years of the Ford Mustang in this data, 1998 sits 16th by complaint volume. 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Excessive wear of rear brake shoes due to defective caliper. Vehicle experienced a head gasket failure due to water pump breaking off bracket, and causing a serpentine belt failure. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that nothing would be done due to expired warranty, and vehicle was not covered under a recall. *Ak consumer had water pump casing and bills on request. Engine and engine cooling
The stalling problem is a major safety hazard. The car stalls when the brake pedal is depressed (in neutral gear). The power steering and power brakes also lose power, causing me to do whatever not to crash. I know of other mustangs noticing the same problem. My car was serviced at the dealer for this specific problem, but failed to fix it. Engine and engine cooling
Check engine light remains on. Was told faulty head gasket. Losing coolant with no visable leaks. Estimated $1200.00 Repair at least. With the number of complaints regarding the Ford 3.8 C.I. Engine why have there been no recalls for the Mustang unlike the tauris? (Same engine) Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…