Most common 2004 Ford Mustang problems
Share of the 130 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 →
2004 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 2004 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 2004 Ford Mustang owners say
Speed control & acceleration all 35 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Mustang. While attempting to drive off from a parking space, the vehicle accelerated from 0 to approximately 40 MPH. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of another vehicle the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was damaged, but was not towed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
Dt: the owner was going to leave driveway it took three times to go into gear. Then, when it went into gear, it went about 10-20 feet by itself and crashed into the owner's house. The owner never had foot on the gas pedal. The owner had foot on the brakes the whole time. The owner sustained shoulder injury. Had about $400 in home repairs, about $6000 in car repair, and doctor bills as a result of accident. The owner called Ford, who said it must be an unusual accident, and they had never heard of this problem.
Engine & cooling
After starting engine, spark plug ejected from block and exploded. Engine was immediately shut down and hauled to a repair mechanic. Cost of repair was $2,400 and vehicle was in shop for 5 days. Explosion was loud and could have caused an accident with the shock of the loud noise.
The spark plugs have a tendency to blow out. An explosion makes the plug strip the threads and do damage to the head. There is also potential for fire as fuel vapor is then release directly into the engine compartment.
Brakes
Front brakes drag or freeeze up causing extreme heat or actually stop vehicle. Car has 18,000 miles. Front calipers have been rebuilt twice. First failure at ten years,then failed after apx 3 years. The problem is the phenolic pistons swell after time or due to lose of lubrication. They change dimension and stick in the caliper. This is the 3 rd vehicle with the same probem. 81 Ford f150, 98 Ford f150 front disk brakes. Both after the vehicle had been on the road about 10 years. When pistons have been replaced with metal pistons I have had no more issues with the front brakes. The Mustang has no metal piston available and had to be rebuilt with after market phenolic pistons. They failed again probably because of lack of lubrication of boot and piston. …
(1) cold weather in michigan. Dry car, no additional frozen water on vehicle. (2) parking brake does not release when freezing temperatures exist. Unable to move in reverse without heavy acceleration. Free play in parking brake handle eventually goes away after sitting ( 3 - 10 minutes ), or driving forward with the vehicle for roughly .5 mile. (3) dealer could not verify concern, I scheduled an appointment again to look at this problem, but was unable to keep the appointment. No service bulletins in regard to this problem. I am not currently using parking brake as I don't wish to break anything, or prematurely wear anything out. This vehicle was a fleet vehicle purchased with 17,210 miles on it. Dealer is very cordial, and appears to be very knowledgeable, but has not had this problem presented to them previously. …
2004 Ford Mustang engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Ford Mustang a good car?
Based on 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Mustang rates better than average: 56% 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 2004 Ford Mustang?
The speed control & acceleration — 35 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the engine & cooling (13) and brakes (12).
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Mustang have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 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 2004 Ford Mustang problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 15,000 miles; 72% 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.