Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving the car goes into limp mode randomly causing the RPM's to fall. There is no power to get off the road safely and has almost caused an accident numerous times. I have had Diagnostics ran and the mechanic has no clue what's causing this. Ford forums are full of these mustangs doing this. It is a huge safely risk!!!!
This has happened since purchasing my personal 2006 Mustang GT new in 2006. I also see early S-197 Mustangs (2005-2007) in my shop that cannot be reliably refilled because fuel shoots out of the filler neck, splashes the operator, the side of the Mustang, and puddles on the ground. The defective On-board Refueling and Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system causes high internal fuel tank pressures that will also cause the filling station pump to cut off and prevent putting fuel in the tank. This creates a fire hazard as the spillage contacts the left hot tail pipe and muffler as well as a puddle of fuel that can be ignited by a spark, cigarette, etc. …
The electronic throttle body and electronic throttle sensor were sending my car into "limp mode", and very nearly caused two accidents before I could have the issue diagnosed and repaired. The first instance of "limp mode" came while I was driving home on the freeway in commute traffic. It was warm, traffic was erratic stop-and-go, and I had the ac on. After a period of coasting at idle, traffic opened up; but when I tried to accelerate the car staggered and nearly stalled. I thought it was due to heat and the ac. The car then jerked forward before running smoothly again. The second time, I was on my way to work, again in freeway commute traffic. Traffic was at a stop for several minutes, and then I heard a news report that there were accidents ahead. I moved over to the 4th lane of 5, in preparation for exiting at the next off ramp. …
This is just the recent event. Happens more the half the time when fueling vehicle. While stationary, newer model Mustang have a split fuel tank each holding eight gallons. One half on driver side , other half passenger side , under the back seats, the drivers side will fill and the passenger side will not take any fuel. The problem occurs while trying to fill the passenger side. The fuel spills on the ground . Which not only causes a fire problem , but maybe more importantly a serious environmental problem. I found out about this problem from googling it thinking I might be able to fix it or if I needed a new tank and or parts. What I found out was this a common problem with the split tank. Fire is a deadly and painful accident to happen. The environmental impact is permanent. Maybe it is an epa problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the fuel indicator lamp illuminated and remained illuminated for two weeks. The vehicle lost motive power during acceleration. The contact had researched online and became aware of a technical service bulletin: 10019387 (fuel system gasoline), which described the failure. The contact also mentioned that the parking brake cable ceased which caused the rear brakes to drag. The vehicle was taken to miracle Ford, 1394 nashville pke, gallatin, tn 37066 for repairs. The vehicle was also taken to town and country Ford, 101 anderson lane madison tn, 37115 for additional repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
Car started to stall while in motion, applied gas and was OK. At next stop light, the car stalled out. After trying to start a few times which it did but immediately stalled out. After sitting a few minutes, it started OK and was fine. Left car at dealer for 1 week, they could not find anything wrong. On 8/15/15, the wrench came on twice and then the engine check light stayed on. This was after a 215 mille drive on the interstate. Returned to dealer who now had computer codes. Electronic throttle body needed replacement. Part listed on bill says potentiometer Ford part#6l2z-9b989-d. This now explains subtle accelerations that occurred on highway when it was not me applying pressure to the gas pedal.
Car suddenly went into limp mode, no reason. Just started it up one day and it just did not want to move. No one knows how to get it out of the mode. Many mechanics have tried with no luck. Now a mechanic says I have a faulty computer. 3 years of it acting this way.. Computer diagnosis showed many things messed up, even after replacing all of those (and I am sure some were uneeded) the car is still in limp mode, has no power at all and has been basically down for 3 years. Beautiful lawn ornament but it being all I have left of my late husband, I'm not happy it just sits there. No mechanic wants to even touch it!
While driving the 5 spd, taking off from stop sign there is a dead spot then it takes off irradically. Once on the interstate, I tried to slow down and footfeed stuck so I shifted down and pumped the footfeed/pedal that wasn't stuck..the motor eventually slowed down to a manageable level. It has something wrong with the throttle pedal assembly sensor. Has others complained of this? It is a recall situation Ford is willing to take care of? I am the 3rd owner. The first two complained it was hard to take off on a hill. But that can be an inexperienced driver problem is why I bought it.
Hesitation in gas pedal/throttle body. When trying to pull out into traffic I would ease down on gas pedal with no reaction until about half throttle and the car would jump at about half throttle and I would then have to let off gas pedal and repeat process until up to speed of approximately 30 MPH. After the first incident this became a re-occurring problem. Very dangerous situation. Everyone I talk to about this says it is a common problem with this model, 2005-2014 Ford Mustang. I have 3 of them and they all have the same problem.
When I try to put gas in my car the car will only allow me to put half of a tank in the car and I have to force it to take more which as cause the gasoline to overflow even when the tank is not full. I have tried taking it to various gasoline stations all different brands to see if there are any differences but have not had any success.also the vehicle is staionary. This originally happen in 2019 but it has happen every time since then. Also my reverse light will not turn off for some reason. Don't know why.
Fuel System complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2006 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2006 Ford Mustang, 10% of the model year's 575 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Mustang fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2006 Ford Mustang, though it has 5 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 2006 Ford Mustang fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 57% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.