Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Where it shows how many miles it's digital and it constantly goes off. Smells of gasoline and like something is burning every time drive it. Has a very rough idle and when a /c is on the car has absolutely no power, also burns gas very quick. Exterior head lights lights are dim and I just installed new one yet still dim
2 weeks after I bought the car, I had reported problems with engine and trans and rear-end. They knew about it, but said they did not have the knowledge to work on a seleen, which that is what I was told I was buying at the time. Come to find out it is no. Big difference in price. On or about feb 15th 2006 the engine blew, I had parked it in their parking lot. They had my car for a total of 45 days. Still no trans work or rear-end, they said to bring it back in 30 days. Adding on the linkage was damaged when they had it. I had to pay other shop to fix. Along with engine problems, engine light was on. Since June of 2006 my car has been in the shop 10 times , totaling 55 more days. Rental car cost over 2500.00 and time and mental anguish . Luzzi refused me the 2nd time engine blew because the fact I am married to david harding. He is not on any contract with me. …
About 6-8 months after I purchased my 2001 Ford Mustang bullitt my transmission went out and had to have it replaced because 3 gear would not engage with ease or it would slip.. Ever since the shifting of gears has deteriorated.. Also the rear leaks for no apparent reason the access nut seems to come loose and leak with out a cause, I have had to replace the rear nut and oil were the driveline meets the rear axle. It is very difficult to put the car in 1st or in reverse some times and when shifting between 1st 2nd and 3rd the gears stick or slip. I had a number of issues since day one with this car and it spent a lot of time in the shop the first two years I owed it and sat for a little over a year due to mechanical problem there after. …
The main problem is the transmission failures. It has gone out three times all in the same manner. The car in bone stock and only has 13,800 miles on it. The third time a field district engineer supposedly examined it and said the the parts and workmanship appear to be fine with no flaws and declined my warranty claim. I have been through the dispute settlement board and the ks attorney general with no positive outcome. I don't understand this action especially since I work for Ford(kansas city assembly plant)I have researched this problem and found out that there weere problems with the '01 transmissions as per the technical service bulletins, TSB# 14879 NHTSA# sb620176, so it appears that dearborn assembly and Ford know of this problem but yet I'm still getting resistance????????????
2001 Mustang gt with automatic transmission displays an extended-hard-grinding shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear especially after making a right turn. Also when cruising at normal highway speeds the transmission makes a hesitant clanking noise which jerks the car slighlty if one's foot is taken off the gas pedal for a few seconds and then clank again when speed is resumed when depressing the gas pedal. This problem began soon after purchase of the new car and still exits now with 48,000 miles on it. * cb
The manual transmission is extremely difficult to shift from first to second gear when cold. This is a safety issue because I need to make a left turn onto a busy street when the car is cold. The difficulty in shifting has left me vulnerable as I can't accelerate as I intend and I am in danger of colliding with oncoming traffic that expects me to accelerate at a reasonable rate.
Was traveling approximately 5mph when for no reason air bags deployed. Vehicle then bumped into wooden fence. Driver suffered burns on arms. Consumer wrote in stating "the car was parked and when I got out of the car it rolled forward bumping a wood fence post and both air bags deployed".
Special gas/brake/clutch pedals in Mustang gt bullitt edition (only) can slip out from under foot when foot pressure is applied in wet and especially soapy conditions (I.e. Car wash). Clutch pedal is especially prone to slippage. Rubber nubs on pedals can also come off with certain shoes, reducing foot-pedal friction further.
Defective window channel - driver side. Replaced 2/1/02. Now the window will not go up nor down (after warranty has run). Also clunking noise under hood when stopping or accelerating 1/02. Cause per dealer: rear transmission mount bolts loose. They were tightened and the problem was resolved.
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced some parts of transmission. Every 3000 miles transmission started slipping, then, gauge was stuck with rpms at 3, no matter if vehicle was stopped or driving. Please provide any further information.
Transmission complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Mustang, 8% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Mustang transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Ford Mustang, though it has 1 recall 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 2001 Ford Mustang transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.