2003 Ford Mustang Convertible
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 14 |
| 1996 | 8 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 20 |
| 2001 | 17 |
| 2003 | 35 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE MOST RECENT BEING JUST A FEW DAYS AGO, MY VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES HAVE A PROBLEM IN WHICH IT STALLS WHILE MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED WHILE A GEAR IS NOT ENGAGED. THE CAR IS A 2003 SVT FORD MUSTANG COBRA CONVERTIBLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030408
SVT COBRA IS INTERMITTENTLY STALLING WHILE THE CLUTCH IS FULLY DEPRESSED AND DECELERATING TO A STOP. THIS INTERMITTENT STALLING OCCURS MOST FREQUENTLY AT IDLE. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST TEN TIMES IN THE FIRST 1174 MILES OF OWNERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030110
20% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing roof and pillars and hinge and attachments.
14% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM GOT STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO CONTINUE ACCELERATED. I HAD TO HIT THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE SYSTEM DESENGAGED, AVOIDING REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BY JUST A FEW FEET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120419
9% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear/other and front.
Show complaint excerpts
AS AN OVERWEIGHT 6'9" CITIZEN AND PHD SCIENTIST, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SAFETY TESTS ARE DONE FOR PEOPLE THAT DEVIATE FROM A NORMAL SIZE AND WEIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130820
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Ford Mustang Convertible — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.