Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
ABS light came on, sometimes when braking/slowing down at freeway speeds, the brakes won't catch and it feels like I'm going to ram into the cars ahead, I've replaced the rotors, the calipers, the brakes, the wheel bearings, ABS light won't go away, I've looked into it on the bullitt community forums, and this is a common problem that most just decide to live with, cause no solution has been found.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Mustang. After refueling the vehicle, a fuel leak was discovered underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered that a rubber washer in the fuel system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The washer was replaced and the failure was remedied. While driving at night, the low and high beam headlights were very dim and the driver was unable to see the road. Also, while the vehicle was parked on a incline with the emergency brake engaged, it rolled down the driveway and into the street. The cause of the failures was not determined. Estabrook Ford (3689 14th st, pascagoula, ms) and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 64,000.
2001, Mustang, hydroplaned at 50 MPH in heavy rain, spun 360 degrees, and slid down an embankment. Had flat on right front, and required a tow truck. While towing the vehicle the tow truck operator noticed that the car was pulling hard. When he examined the vehicle both rear brake calipers were glowing red hot. I was informed by my insurance adjuster and the mechanic that the calipers were corroded. This required replacing the calipers on both rear wheels. I drive the vehicle every day for 125 mile round trip to work and have for the last 12 months. There was no warning when this occurred and find it hard to beleive that the calipers were locked up for any length of time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Mustang. While driving approximately 40 MPH the contact smelled a burning odor. The ABS light also illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the ABS computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
The rear tires of my 2001 Ford Mustang gt convertible began to skid, since the road was wet. This is understandable, so I eased off the gas to allow the tires to catch, but the traction control must have turned on, and caused my car to begin spinning in circles. This made my car go off the road and into a tree. I believe the traction contrl system is faulty.
1. There is a dreadful gas fume odor inside the car every time I put fuel in the car especially when I fill the tank. 2.the emergency brake does not work properly. When engaged my car still rolls a little. 3. The seat belts do not retract properly and tend to twist and tangle when I try to do it manually.
Anti lock brake pump leaking brake fluid from what appears to be a vent /weep hole resulting in rapid brake fluid loss and low/ soft pedal and significant loss of braking.
2 days earlier had car at mechanic and he said my pads were a little low so they shoould be changed. The day I had the appointmnet to replace the pads the rear caliper frozen open and emergency brake would not work either. While in my driveway with foot on brake pedal, car started rolling forward. Hit post in driveway and tore off driver mirror and dented door. Brought car back to mechanic then towed car to dealer as I had extended warranty and didn't want to pay mechanic for parts or labor as mechanic stated caliper frozen. Dealer would not fix damage to door/mirror. The pads still had something left otherwise rotors would be scratched up with metal digging in. There is no evidence of metal against metal what so ever. Dealer also stated master cylinder needed replacing as it had leaked all fluid out of system. Needed to bleed system and replace caliper. …
A loud fog horn sound coming from under the hood. Raised RPM helped to reduce or stop noise. The ABS light (amber) comes on and disengages the traction loc for the rear end (drive wheels). Over a period of approx. 1 month the ABS light stays on with tracloc disengaged. I got the system checked and they stated no electric signal is coming out of the control module but power is going in. I was told for a more detailed analysis I should take it to Ford because there are 2 items that could be replaced and it could be $2600.00 or more.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH the rear end of the vehicle fishtailed from side to side which made the vehicle difficult to control. It was taken to the dealership for inspection; however the problem could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop. The mechanic determined the right rear brake line and the lateral arm support bracket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted however, no repairs have been made.
Related recalls
Parking brake › Conventional
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.
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.
Brake complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Ford Mustang, 12% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Mustang brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-349 (conventional, Oct 30, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Mustang brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.