2002 Ford Mustang
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › Mustang › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Ford Mustang. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2002 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 aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector IS fully…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
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.
Owner complaints
118 complaints19 involved a crash6 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
On or about 01/28/2023 I purchased a 2002 Ford Mustang GT for a N.J. used car dealer. I was assured by the sales person that the Mustang had been thoroughly inspected and there were no mechanical problems whatsoever. Upon delivery of the Mustang, that had only 68,886 miles, I took the Mustang for…
On or about 01/28/2023 I purchased a 2002 Ford Mustang GT for a N.J. used car dealer. I was assured by the sales person that the Mustang had been thoroughly inspected and there were no mechanical problems whatsoever. Upon delivery of the Mustang, that had only 68,886 miles, I took the Mustang for a required Virginia Safety Inspection and learned that the front brakes were completely worn out and must be replaced. I had a complete front brake job done, to include: new brake pads, rotors, calipers and hoses. The front brake job cost $637.17. Mula Auto Group 117 E Main St Somerville, NJ 08876 mulaautogroup.com (908) 231-1777 - Main (908) 231-1799 - Fax On Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 5:19 PM [XXX] wrote: Dear sir: On or about 01/28/2023, I purchased a 2002 Mustang GT from Mulaj Auto. Before I purchased the car from [XXX], he told me there were no mechanical problems whatsoever and the car had been inspected. It took almost three weeks for me to get the Mustang transported from New Jersey to Virginia. After the Mustang arrived on February 13, 2023, I was away for two weeks and did not drive the car until early March. I recently had a Virginia state safety inspection done and the Mustang barely passed inspection because of the badly worn front brakes. Both pads were worn to minimum limits, both rotors were badly grooved and the left caliper was seized. I just had the front brake work done today, for a total of $637.17. Invoice #[XXX] is attached. If I had been told the Mustang needed front brakes, I would not have bought the car. There is no doubt that Mulaj Auto should have advised me of the bad front brakes. Because Mulaj Auto failed to do so, I think you'll agree that Mulaj Auto should compensate me for the front brake job. Your assistance with this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Engine · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
No
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel pump in my 2002 3.8L mustang stopped working. When I lowered the gas tank to replace it, I found that the plastic part the fuel pump/sending unit sets down into IS offset from the hole and the fuel pump/sending unit can not be removed without breaking the part that it sets down into. So not only do I have to replace the pump, I have to buy an entire gas tank since that part comes pre-installed
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While idling my car suddenly had cylinder #3 misfire and the spark plug blow out of the cylinder head.
- Air bags
Ten minutes prior to air bags deploying I complained to my two passengers that my eyes were burning. I was stopped in traffic, with my foot on brake in center lane in city traffic, when I hear a loud bang and instantly both airbags on driver and passenger side deployed. The noise and force startled…
Ten minutes prior to air bags deploying I complained to my two passengers that my eyes were burning. I was stopped in traffic, with my foot on brake in center lane in city traffic, when I hear a loud bang and instantly both airbags on driver and passenger side deployed. The noise and force startled me taking my foot of brake and rolling forward. The air bags blew both my passenger and my glasses into the back seat of car. The passenger bag was smoking badly and I quickly put down both windows and I pulled off street into shopping center parking lot. The car in front of me whom I rolled into pulled over as well. We checked both the front of my car and rear bumper of her car and because no visible damage. I took a picture of her bumper and license plate to show no damage. My passenger in front seat was bruised from airbag as for myself and the other passenger we were shaken by the experience.
- Air bags
While my daughter was driving on a in town road she came upon construction, all traffic was stopped because the 2 lanes were down to 1. As she was waiting for traffic to start moving her boot got caught under seat lever (thigh high boots flap got caught) and it made her foot slip from brake, she…
While my daughter was driving on a in town road she came upon construction, all traffic was stopped because the 2 lanes were down to 1. As she was waiting for traffic to start moving her boot got caught under seat lever (thigh high boots flap got caught) and it made her foot slip from brake, she then bumped into the van in front of her, less then 5MPH and both which there was no passenger or anything on her seat airbags deployed destroying her colume. Absolutely no front end damage, no damage to other vehicle, car still runs and seatbelts still work. Having it checked for malfunctions.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang. While driving approximately 35 mph, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard and, as a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang. While driving approximately 35 mph, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard and, as a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang. While driving 35 mph, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. The steering wheel and dashboard were damaged due to the deployment. The contact took the vehicle to an auto repair facility where it was diagnosed as an air bag failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 115,000.
- Exterior lighting · Seats · Structure › Body
Headlight
- Engine
While in drive, with the car stopped, the car tries to surge forward by itself. You have to be weary that you keep additional pressure on the brake or the car will burst forward.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Service brakes
There was a vehicle in front of me. Both vehicles were traveling at the same speed. the car in front of me anchored the brakes. I was 3 car length behind. th ABS failed and did not allow the brakes to resume. we hit the back end of the car in front at 35mph. the passenger seatbelt broke ending…
There was a vehicle in front of me. Both vehicles were traveling at the same speed. the car in front of me anchored the brakes. I was 3 car length behind. th ABS failed and did not allow the brakes to resume. we hit the back end of the car in front at 35mph. the passenger seatbelt broke ending my fiance head into the windshield. the airbags did not deploy car was totaled and the toyota did not have a scratch: myself and my girl are both injured. I purchased this car 5/14. I believe there may not be airbags and I also think this car escaped having to have a salvage title. we are upset to say the least. as it IS one thing but to put a consumers life at risk IS another. this IS the second car from this dealer since march 2014 that we had been given a death trap. *tr
- Engine · Structure › Body
My wife was pulling in to the drive way on her way from doing some errands a drive of less than 5 miles and its a rural road where you cant drive more than 30 miles an hour when she smelt like something was burning. She checked the gauges and everything seemed fine and then saw smoke coming off the…
My wife was pulling in to the drive way on her way from doing some errands a drive of less than 5 miles and its a rural road where you cant drive more than 30 miles an hour when she smelt like something was burning. She checked the gauges and everything seemed fine and then saw smoke coming off the hood. She only had time to park the car and get off as the whole engine bay got engulfed in flames.the fire fighters arrived and were able to control the fire from spreading but the front half of the car was totally destroyed. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
First incident: I was approaching my mail box to stop and get my mail out, while braking instead of stopping the car accelerated and went right past my mailbox. I drove into my stone driveway, the car continued to accelerate rapidly even though I had stopped, the tires were spinning so fast they…
First incident: I was approaching my mail box to stop and get my mail out, while braking instead of stopping the car accelerated and went right past my mailbox. I drove into my stone driveway, the car continued to accelerate rapidly even though I had stopped, the tires were spinning so fast they mad ruts in my driveway. even sitting there in park, the rpm needle was racing upward. No check engine lights go on. I turned the car off. next day I went out, and car was still accelerating without me stepping on the gas. scared to drive it, I had it towed to a service center. They had it for a week and a half, never happened for them, and said unless it happens while they have it, could not determine the cause. (although they did mention a few possibilities: throttle position sensor, leakage, computer) as I was taking my car to a ford dealership on 8/9/13 for other service, I explained what happened and they said also unless the car did it while it was there they would not be able to check it out. second incident: while driving on a highway, probably about 55-60 mph, the car on its own sped up, the rpm need seemed stuck at 3, even though I was breaking the car wasn't slowing down; and just like that, probably in 30 seconds, it recovered and ran fine. I wrote a letter on 9/6/13 to ford motor co explaining what IS happening and asking for their help in identifying a solution. I received a letter back from ford motor co dated 9/16/13, they offer no assistance at all. *js
- Seat belts
The passenger seat belt does not come out or retract. It stuck in a half way out position. It cannot be used. It has been replace twice only to go back the exact same way and IS not safe to use. The cost IS over $400.00 to fix if you find the part. *tr
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Lines and fittings · Fuel system, gasoline
The motorcraft fuel filter on my 2002 ford mustang cracked at the seam where the inlet nipple IS attached to the body of the filter. gasoline was spraying out of the crack and leaking on the ground. the wynn filter I purchased to replace it with uses a one piece filter body which IS much safer. has anyone else reported the filters breaking and leaking? *tr
- Seat belts
Passenger side seat belt has always been slow to retract. now it will not release at all. dealer refuses to fix or replace as a defect. will charge over $500 to fix. the vehicle has never been in an accident, has been taken care of, and has not been abused as the car has less than 83K miles. I thought seat belts were guaranteed for the life a vehicle! *tr
- Structure › Body › Hood
While driving at 45 mph the hood separated and flew over the top of the car. Into traffic almost causing a accident. The top panel flew off while the hood remained latched to the car. *tr
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang. The contact stated that the passenger side seat belt retractor was jammed. The seat belt would not move and the contact felt that it was a safety issue that the manufacturer should repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no known similar failures. The failure mileage was 50,000.
- Seat belts
Rear passenger seatbelt does not retract; unusable. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The fourth spark plug on my 2002 ford mustang GT 4.6L vehicle blew out. this resulted heavy loss of power, shaking, and more importantly fuel fumes to come out. the incident occurred on an interstate at high-speed and I was very fortunate to safely make it over to the emergency lane. The cost to…
The fourth spark plug on my 2002 ford mustang GT 4.6L vehicle blew out. this resulted heavy loss of power, shaking, and more importantly fuel fumes to come out. the incident occurred on an interstate at high-speed and I was very fortunate to safely make it over to the emergency lane. The cost to repair the damage to the car IS estimated at $2500. this IS a very common safety issue with the ford 8-cylinder engines for what I gathered through independent research after the incident. the threads are too thin around the spark plug and the heat causes them to blew out - literally. *tr
- Tires
Less then 2weeks after purchase a chunk of the tread came off the tire . The tire did not go flat but maintained 35 psi. *tr
- Seat belts
We have had a 2002 ford mustang for one year. the passenger seat belt will not function properly. it will not come out all the way making it useless. I had the dealership look at it. it was fixed for approximately a week. it IS now unusable again. from my search on this issue there seems to…
We have had a 2002 ford mustang for one year. the passenger seat belt will not function properly. it will not come out all the way making it useless. I had the dealership look at it. it was fixed for approximately a week. it IS now unusable again. from my search on this issue there seems to be a lot of complaints about it. why should I pay for a new assembly for something that occurs frequently with similar cars and IS not being taken care of by ford. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang. The contact stated that the intake manifold leaked coolant while traveling 30 mph. The contact believed that the leak could cause an engine malfunction and maybe a fire. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. Also, the spark plugs…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang. The contact stated that the intake manifold leaked coolant while traveling 30 mph. The contact believed that the leak could cause an engine malfunction and maybe a fire. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. Also, the spark plugs separated from the cylinder head while the contact was driving. The vehicle was being repaired at a local repair shop in reference to the spark plugs. The failure mileage was 108,000.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang with federal super steele tires, line size 245/45 R17. The contact stated that the front driver side and rear passenger side tires split along the sidewall. Within 4,000 miles the same failure occurred on the front passenger and rear driver side tires. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford mustang with federal super steele tires, line size 245/45 R17. The contact stated that the front driver side and rear passenger side tires split along the sidewall. Within 4,000 miles the same failure occurred on the front passenger and rear driver side tires. The manufacturer replaced the tires every time the failure occurred yet the contact stated that the tires were replaced with defective tires. The contact was concerned because the tires failed at less then 20,000 miles. The vin was not available. The failure and current mileage was 64,000.
- Tires
I have goodyear eagle LS tires on my 2002 ford mustang that keep blowing out on the inside and shredding the tire. In 3 years I have purchased 4 tires and had another blowout last night that shreds the inside of the tire. I had just had this tire checked on the 8TH of april and the tire was fine. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
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.
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014100Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014080Steering rack noise. Squeak/creak noise from steering rack when turning.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013368Exhaust leak - cracked or separated right side exhaust pipe - 3.8L and 3.9L engines.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013081Convertible top lifts unevenly.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011152Tr3650 manual transmission - jumps out of gear 2ND and/or 3RD - clash noise and/or raspy feel on gear engagement.
- 10010738Pop/clunk or squealing noise from the steering gear when turning, driving over bumps, or braking. Oasis.
- 10010718Manual transmission hard to shift into first/reverse from a stop.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008992Exhaust leak. Right side exhaust pipe on 3.8L or 3.9L engine.
- 10008582Noise-windnoise from the a pillar area.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008576Engine-oil leak from positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve area-vehicles built before 5/17/2002 equipped with 4.6L 2V engine only.
- 10008319Service cylinder head gasket for 4.6L applications.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008302Condensation and/or water accumulation in the headlamp assembly.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10008278Engine-romeo built 4.6L 2v-tick noise from engine-engines built before 9/17/2003.
- 10008262Intermittent loss of power or crank no start - possible pats lamp flashing and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) u1147 and/or u1262.
- 10008252Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10008152Passenger seat rubs against door panel.
- 10008138Gear whine in 1ST, 3RD and reverse gears.
- 10008103Thump noise when a/c clutch engages.
- 10007360Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10007357Headliner sagging in rear of vehicle.
- 10007342Driveline clunk during gear changes and/or quick acceleration after coast (tip-in) clunk.
- 10007207Customer satisfaction program 02m01 supplement #4. Certain ford 2000 through 2003 vehicles equipped with a tube-mounted egr pressure sensor - additional egr pressure sensor warranty coverage. Supplement #3. Supplement #6.
- 10004930Thump noise when air conditioning clutch engages.
- 10004064Convertible top lifting unevenly.
- 10004045Ticking/tapping noise with the engine warmed up and the transmission in gear at idle. 2003 E150 included.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
Every Ford Mustang model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.