1996 Ford Mustang
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Mustang › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Ford Mustang. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
12 recalls name the 1996 Ford Mustang. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Certain poli-auto combination headlamp assemblies, p/nos. 11-728, 11-728d, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708p, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (p&c), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, and 11-732, sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Poli-auto will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps at its original purchase price. the recall IS expected to begin during april 2006. owners may contact poli-auto at 305-477-1356.
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. the recall began may 9, 2006. owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
Equipment description: passenger vehicles that have had the driver's air bag module replaced after april 5, 2000. the replacement driver's air bag module inflator may have insufficient welds that could prevent proper inflation of the air bag.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the driver's air bag may not properly deploy which could potentially result in less than the intended level of occupant protection.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver's air bag module. owner notification began october 5, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. if a vehicle IS parked with the parking brake not fully applied and not in first gear, as directed in the owner guide, and the self adjustment pawl subsequently skips one or two teeth, the vehicle could move on some grades.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in unintended vehicle movement and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the parking brake control and install a plate or over-bracket to the control to lock the self adjust mechanism in position following adjustment.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans. tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. if there IS any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. if there IS no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
Owner complaints
246 complaints17 involved a crash6 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 1996 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while attempting to resell the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 109,000 and at the time of listing the vehicle for sale, it was discovered that the mileage was 145,000.
- Air bags · Engine · Unknown or other
Driver and passenger customized, and tunniing. Rims customs
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford mustang. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the radiator warning indicator illuminated and steam started to emerge from the engine compartment. The temperature gage indicated hot. The contact stopped the vehicle on the side of the road.…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford mustang. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the radiator warning indicator illuminated and steam started to emerge from the engine compartment. The temperature gage indicated hot. The contact stopped the vehicle on the side of the road. The vehicle was driven home. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the diagnosis was that the water crossover from the intake manifold and the engine was fractured and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,242.
- Seat belts
Passenger seat belt IS stuck and will not retract. *tr
- Exterior lighting · Parking brake · Tires
I purchased a 1996 ford mustang from auto credit #3 in airway heights, washington. On 1/2/2011, I receive the vehicle and after three hours of driving, the driver side rear emergency brake locks up. This puts me into an uncontrolled 180 degree spin. On 1/3/2011, I take the vehicle to a les schwab…
I purchased a 1996 ford mustang from auto credit #3 in airway heights, washington. On 1/2/2011, I receive the vehicle and after three hours of driving, the driver side rear emergency brake locks up. This puts me into an uncontrolled 180 degree spin. On 1/3/2011, I take the vehicle to a les schwab tire center. I told the mechanic to check the brakes. After a few minutes of waiting, I am called into the work area, and I see the front passenger tire IS clearly needing to be replaced, as it had the appearance of having been shredded. The same mechanic then tells me that both rear brakes must be replaced, as the emergency brake was frozen in the on position. While the work was being done, I managed to take a few pictures of the brake pads and rotors, but unfortunately, not of the tire in question. in addition, when I received the vehicle, the headlights would not stay lit, and would turn off and on at random. When I complained to the business on 1/5/2011 around 3:00 pm, they said they could not take the vehicle back as I signed a contract. What I signed was a loan agreement. Even when I told them that the vehicle was received in these conditions, they still did nothing. Finally, I told them to take a look at the vehicle and to tell me what was wrong with it the next day, referring to 1/6/2011. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford mustang. The contact stated that on june 4, 2010, while driving at 25 mph, the intake manifold cracked, the antifreeze spilled and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were approximately 136,000.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford mustang. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became resistant and loss power steering assist. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway where it was towed to a local repair shop. The independent mechanic made repairs to the front…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford mustang. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became resistant and loss power steering assist. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway where it was towed to a local repair shop. The independent mechanic made repairs to the front struts, lower ball joints, stable bar link and the control arm. The contact stated a police report was available. The failure mileage was 169,886 and the current mileage was 171,702.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Engine and engine cooling
Check engine light will not go off even after service. *tr
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
The paint IS bubbling up and peeling off the trunk lid of my car. *tr
- Parking brake › Conventional
I read about a recall for parking brakes for 1996 ford mustangs with manual. I have an automatic I bought online in january 2007 that has parking break issues it wont keep the car form moving. I had it towed one time and the tow truck driver said it was faulty. IS the recall still available for an automatic? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated the speedometer became stuck at 40 mph. the speedometer has been repaired two times in the past 2 years and this problem has recurred. this has been an ongoing problem with the vehicle since it was purchased. *Ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Clutch pedal chatters when engine at about 1500 rpms. seems to occur more frequently on cold days. *nm
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
The paint IS peeling off of my car. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs · Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
Dt*: the contact stated the coil springs failed three separate times on the vehicle. the first time the rear springs broke. the second time the front springs broke. this last time while the contact's daughter was driving 55 mph, the rear springs broke. the vehicle was able to be driven to the dealer. the vehicle has not been repaired because the springs are on national backorder.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Consumer 1996 ford mustang intake manifold cracked and could not be repaired under warranty. *ts the consumer felt that ford should cover the entire cost of repair plus the monies spent on borrowing vehicles to get to work. *sc
- Engine and engine cooling
96 mustang overheating due to cracked intake. Dealer will not fix unless I pay. There was once a recall that I was never aware of. I need my car fixed.
- Engine and engine cooling
1996 ford mustang replacement of the head gasket and radiator.***no answer required***. *Mr while driving on a trecherous mountain road the head gasket failed and the radiator split. *nm
- Structure
The paint has bubbled and now IS chipping off the car. I noticed the bubbling some years ago when the bubbles turned to tiny rust spots. Just recently a large section of paint of the truck of the car chipped off. I talked to a few well known paint shops and they said that even in a car this old…
The paint has bubbled and now IS chipping off the car. I noticed the bubbling some years ago when the bubbles turned to tiny rust spots. Just recently a large section of paint of the truck of the car chipped off. I talked to a few well known paint shops and they said that even in a car this old this should not be happening. They said that there was a problem with how the paint was applied in the factory. I also learned that many people with white ford mustangs have had the same problem.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Brake lights never inspected. Went to take car back right away, lights were fixed but failure to do a thorough inspection resulted in not liscence plate. *ak
- Electrical system
While driving 60 mph the vehicle caught on fire. driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. the fire department extinguished the fire. the vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
I have 96 mustang GT, at 21000 miles intake manifold cracked in the rear , ford replaced for free, now at 79000k the intake has cracked again in the front , the first time I was told it was a silent recall, before I go back to ford, again does ford have to fix it or do i? *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Consumer was driving approximately 35 mph when suddenly the head gasket blew out. antifreeze started to pour out of the muffler. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Consumer noticed that both drive r and passenger retractors deteriorated. the belts were inoperable when in use. consumer was afraid that there was a great risk involved while driving without belts.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Consumer noticed that both driver and passenger retrctors deteriorated. the belts were inoperable. consumer was afraid there was a great risk involved while driving without belts.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
While driving the intake manifold blew. This problem was caused by antifreeze leaking from the intake manifold. Smoke started to accumulate inside the vehicle from the a/c vents. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front brake hose
There is no summary currently available
- Outer hood panel detachment
There is no summary currently available
- Outer hood panel detachment
The office of defects investigation has received 6 reports indicating the outer hood panel separated from the vehicles as they were being driven.ford has provide 39 additional reports that are consistent with odi reports.ford indicates that the likely cause IS prior collision damage.this investigation IS being upgraded to further study this issue.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10008262Intermittent loss of power or crank no start - possible pats lamp flashing and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) u1147 and/or u1262.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6091700Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage from sustained high speed operation.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090634Information regarding vibration/extension housing bushing. *Mjs
- 6090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *Mjs
- 6090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089686Concerns with the convertible top boot may fit improperly or be difficult to install on some vehicles due to the top not folding down all the way into the well.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 6089651Subject on engine coolant leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles.
- 636339Subject regarding speed control lamp.
- 636037Paint repair material request process.
- 630628Some vehicles may exhibit an intake manifold crossover (first runner) coolant seepage condition.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630341Some vehicles equipped with the T45 manual transmission may exhibit a condition of being stuck in reverse, difficult to shift into reverse or may pop out of reverse.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625732Some vehicles may exhibit the door glass coming off of the window track.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 624711Some vehicles exhibit the door glass popping off track.
- 624571Some vehicles may exhibit a fead belt jump-off toss.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 621005Some vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit a powertrain noise described as a brief roar, hoot or groan betwen 2500 - 3500 rpm when the clutch pedal IS half way down, during shifting or when depressing and releasing the clutch.
- 620471Subject regarding installation of crankshaft pulley torque specification.
- 620301Information on caster adjustment when performing a front end alignment.
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 619266Vehicles equipped with passive anti-theft system (pats) may not start or crank.
- 618544Some vehicles may exhibit a hood that IS hard to close.
- 616835Information pertaining to 4.6L 4V pulley instructions.
- 616811Subject regarding parking brake control assembly modification.
- 616529Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration that may be heard of felt at the clutch pedal between idle and 2300 rpm, and goes away when depressing the clutch at least 25MM.
Every Ford Mustang model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.