Most common 2003 Ford Mustang problems
Share of the 231 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Mustang complaints by model year
Best Mustang years: 2023, 2025, 2021. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2015, 1995, 2005. Compare all years →
2003 Ford Mustang recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
On certain mustang cobra passenger vehicles, the rear surface of the accelerator pedal May come into contact with floor carpeting during heavy throttle application. The unique surface profile of the accelerator pedal May catch in the cutout on the floor carpeting behind the accelerator pedal.
Remedy: Dealers will install a shield over the cutout in the carpet behind the accelerator pedal. The recall began on April 26, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2003 Ford Mustang:
Accelerator pedal interference
Pe05-038 was opened on July 7, 2005, with 11 consumer complaints to odi alleging incidents of throttle sticking due to accelerator pedal interference with the carpet.odi has received an additional 24 complaints since the pe was opened.during pe05-038, Ford supplied complaint and warranty information regarding 86 additional incidents of accelerator pedal interference in model year 2003 to 2004 mustang cobra…
Accelerator pedal interference
On April 3, 2006, Ford motor company submitted a defect information report to NHTSA concerning a defect condition that could result in interference between the accelerator pedal and floor carpeting in approximately 19,140 model year 2003 and 2004 mustang cobra vehicles (Ford recall no.
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 the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or…
What 2003 Ford Mustang owners say
Engine & cooling all 64 →
We have had issues with this car since it was bought new. All issues have been looked at by the dealer during the factory warranty and still remain unresolved. I have written a letter to Ford headquarters but they sent a complete rejection letter. I was told today by a Ford customer service representative to file a complaint here. I can supply documents and the original letter to Ford if needed. The main issues from purchasing new and driving off the lot are (in rough order of importance): -major paint and clear coat issues (brought to dealer two days after purchase to complain. They have never resolved problem and it has continued to get worse to this day.) -driver door window stops working intermittently. -car engine surging making car lurch forward (my wife was involved in a minor accident because of this. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the spark plug was missing from the engine compartment. While tightening bolts in the engine compartment, the vehicle ejected another spark plug. The vehicle was taken to hollingsworth richards Ford where the contact was notified that this was a known issue with this vehicle. Since there was no recall, the engine head cylinder would need to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that, due to the mileage of the vehicle, the contact would be responsible for the repair cost even though this was a known issue with this model vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 31 →
2003 Ford Mustang gt rt axle snaps on freeway car is totalled and the dealership acts like its not there problem the car is 8 months old with 14,000 miles on it .I have been in the automotive buisness for 25 years I raced cars had hot rods and I have never seen a axle do what this did I put 6,000 down my payments are 550.00 a month I have over 10,000 into this car drove for 8 months now I have 0 and a wreck on my driving record car insurance raised what do I do big valley Ford were I bought this car dont care please help I still have possesion of vehicle thank you ron whitley .
2003 Mustang gt cp, purchased from planet Ford dealership 20403 I-45 north, spring, tx 77388 [phone] on June 28,2003. I was one happy customer until I drove my vehicle into their service department April 10,2004 when all hell broke loose about my Mustang; steering wheel vibration, rear end vibration and delayed shift in transmission. I was told to rotate my tires, balance tires, upgrade the wheel balancing and front end alignment. Along with the problems I receive three embarrassment; police escorted me off the property because I was trying to prove to both dealerships that my problem was not my tires. But, their words were that Ford has the best mechanics. I then had to drive my car to leadership Ford in dallas, tx in order for someone to provided with the proper customer service that I was denied by planet, team and russell & smith Ford in houston. …
Seat belts all 25 →
The Belt Strap will get twists along the length. The Body Pillar clip refuses free movement. This is aggrevating for a Driver in the Seat. Driver in vain pushes Power Seat back to allow the Belt to clip into Latch at the Console. Reality. The car is 22-yrs old. Owner expects indifference by the local Ford shop. Both a neighbor & the Owner had a hard time about service. What does the Owner thinks a good solution? Late Model Restoration is this Model's best parts hope. A indy-body shop near the home of the car a repair alternative. Owner is [redacted] in a [redacted] & uses the Car as a Daily Driver. May be able to upload images of the car.
I recently purchased this vehicle and noticed the next day that the passenger seat belt will neither retract or extend to a usable length . Online I have noticed numerous similar complaints. My local dealer wants $287.00 plus labor of approximately 2 hours to repair and from what I'm seeing there is no guarantee it will be fixed.
2003 Ford Mustang engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Ford Mustang a good car?
Based on 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Mustang rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mustang at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Mustang?
The engine & cooling — 64 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (31) and seat belts (25).
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Mustang have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 Ford Mustang, the most recent from April 7, 2006 (accelerator pedal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Mustang?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2025 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011, 2015, 1995 and 2005. See the full Ford Mustang years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Mustang problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 14,000 miles; 79% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.