MYRModel Year Report

1996 Ford Mustang GT

▲ Better than typical
1996 Ford Mustang GT
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:51:26.535Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Mustang GT Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1996: 32 complaints 1996 1997: 23 complaints 1998: 53 complaints 1998 1999: 36 complaints 2000: 64 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2002: 48 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2004: 14 complaints 2004 2005: 163 complaints 2006: 151 complaints 2006
1996: 32 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199632
199723
199853
199936
200064
200159
200248
200351
200414
2005163
2006151

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 75%

75% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and cooling system.

FIRE
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, 20070807

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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20010702

SEAT BELTS 9%

9% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20030517

SUSPENSION 3%

3% of complaints: suspension — 1 distinct report on file, most commonly citing rear.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HEARD METAL CLANKING SOUND, STOPPED AND NOTICED REAR SWAYBAR WAS BROKEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20001211

STEERING 3%

3% of complaints: steering — 1 distinct report on file, most commonly citing column.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20060705

POWER TRAIN 3%

3% of complaints: power train — 1 distinct report on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Ford Mustang GT — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1999 ● 2002 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2006 ● 2000

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.