Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
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.
1996 Ford Mustang gt convt. ---rear sway bar broken at atach point on right side just ahead of rear axle. Car has never been in collision, snow where salt might have caused corrosion, doesn't have any noticable corrosion, and sway bar has never collided with any road hazzards...it just snapped.
Rear sway bar sheared off at bolt hole on lower control arm on drivers side. I removed the part and placed in truck of car. Since this is a part that should last the life of the vehicle I called the dealer the next day for a replacement sway bar. I offered to bring the part in so they could inspect it to make sure the failure was not caused by abuse. Dealer was unwilling to help so I contacted fords customer relations. They state since the car is out of warranty and does not have a recall they will not help. They have been very evasive and difficult to work with. The first representative refused to let me speak to a supervisor when I was not satisfied with her decision. The final supervisor admitted she did not know what a sway bar was. If she did she would know they last the life of the car. Any help would be appreciated. They have made this seem like an isolated incident. …
The plastic intake? Cracked Ford recall repaired it. 1st dealership notified wayne morris Ford in perry, ga would not help at all. 2nd dealership notified warner robins Ford found the recall and repaired it a no charge. Also have problems with the front end and steering wheel vibrating/shaking at various speeds. I have replaced the rotors and brake pads which has helped a little. But can not get any answers or a resolution from any mechanic to date.
This car has had a shimmy in the teering wheel that is felt between 50-55 MPH. The alignment has been checked, tires inspected and balanced, rotors turned. All have failed to fix the problem. The selling dealer had also replaced the front brake calipers in an attempt to solve the problem. In addition, the problem has an intermittent element to it. Sometimes the car drives fine for a short while, and then it starts shaking again.
Rear sway bar broken at left end. This is not a mounting failure but an actual break! This problem is so common that all dealers (more than five) in this area are out of replacement parts!! Because this is part of the suspension system and because so much of the sway bar is hanging loose this should be considered a serious safty hazard.
Caster adjustment in front of the vehicle was defective, causing tires to wear excessively. Dealerhsip examined vehicle,and informed consumer that an autobody shop would have to make the repairs to vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Driving at approx 60 MPH brakes went to floor, had to pump brakes in order to try to gain control. Steering column vibrates/all front end vibrates at about 55 MPH. Dealer replaced front rotating arms on both sides in 1996, 3 weeks later defect reoccurred.
Front end vibrates/shakes. In addition, brakes failed, pedal went all the way to the floor, almost caused an accident. In addition, emergency brake failed/steering assembly malfunctioned, causing vehicle to pull in either direction.
Suspension complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Ford Mustang, 8% of the model year's 286 complaints. The component named most often is rear (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Mustang suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1996 Ford Mustang, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Mustang suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
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.