1996 Ford Mustang GT
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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
- 32
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
None on file
None on file
75% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 32 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 32 |
| 1997 | 23 |
| 1998 | 53 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 64 |
| 2001 | 59 |
| 2002 | 48 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 163 |
| 2006 | 151 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
75% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 Ford Mustang GT. While parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught fire underneath the hood. The front end of the vehicle up to the dashboard was destroyed. There were no injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-08-07
While driving 55 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming from under hood, pulled over, opened hood, and saw fire. Fire put out by fire department. Fire department stated cooling fan caused fire. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-02
Seat belts
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belts are loose, tangled, and don't work properly, will not pull out at times. * jb
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-17
Suspension
3% · 1 reportMost commonly citing rear.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving vehicle heard metal clanking sound, stopped and noticed rear swaybar was broken on the right side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-12-11
Steering
3% · 1 reportMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
On 4/12/06 I was going westbound toward tacoma, I made a left turn into a highway divide to cross traffic to go to the doctors office. Traffic was heavy because of the time of day. So I decided to make a left hand turn and go another direction.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-05
Power train
3% · 1 reportSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Ford Mustang GT — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Ford Mustang GT reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford Mustang GT is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Mustang GT?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Mustang GT have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.