Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The air bags did not deploy during an accident. The consumer was rear ended and hit other vehicles, as this happened, the seat back broke and the seat belt buckle had came loose. The engine continued to run and the fuel safety switch did not turn off. Scc
Ford Mustang gt convertible '96 - while heading home me and my family were driving down the road going about 50 MPH. It was a clear sunny day, 85 degrees outside with no chance of rain. We had the windows and top up ac going. My fiance, the driver, started smelling water coming from the vents and asked if I could, but I couldn't smell the scent of water. A few seconds later it started to get smokey inside the car so he started to slow down to pull over and the smoke got thicker. As soon as we came to a complete stop the passenger air bag just deployed! We were the only car on the road at the time, we didn't hit anything or anyone... Not even a pothole! I go hit hard leaving burns and bruises underneath my chin, on my abdomen and arms... I was 3 weeks away from giving birth!
Driving 30mph; started applying brakes when they locked up; vehicle went into other lane & hit another vehicle. Damaged driver's front; air bags did not deploy. Driver hit steering wheel; lost control of vehicle. Had vehicle towed to dealer & they took responsibility for repairs. Manufacturer won't honor warranty.
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision of 30 MPH impact with a 1991, Chevrolet, suburban. Upon impact, both air bags deployed but did not inflate. Vehicle at an independent shop for repairs. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Dealer did not warn my 4'11", 100lb wife of dangers of air bag due to her size. Dealer was aware of wife neck problem. The passenger required brain surgery following accident. Despite repeated attempts dealer will not respond.
While driving on the freeway at approximately 55 MPH, the passenger side air bag deployed without any apparent reason. The vehicle was no involved in any type of impact. Ford initially agreed to pay for the damages to the car and replacement of the airbag, but is now claiming that the airbag is only covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles. They claim that this is only covered under warranty, even though it is an obviously defective part.
Did you know that air bags contained soduim azide and when detonated will give off tha toxic and very harmful sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) im sure the public would not want to inhale these toxic vapors witch have very harmful or fatil results when inhaled I would appricate your imediate attion to my concerns. Concern about air bag safety (other than short person). Added on 09-07-1999.
Air bag light is flashing a code, and no one can tell consumer what the code means. Every now and then engine check light goes on for no reason. Consumer has taken vehicle to a number of mechanics, and no one could give her any reason why vehicle was doing this.
Air bag light comes on it really scary it's been going since 05/1/2010 and today 02/08/2018
Consumer was involved in 40 MPH frontal collision in which the driver's door opened, and driver's/passenger's air bags did not deploy. Please give any further details.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
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…
Airbag complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1996 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Ford Mustang, 8% of the model year's 286 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Mustang airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-318 (inflator module, Oct 3, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Mustang airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.