2003 Ford Mustang GT

● Typical for this model
2003 Ford Mustang GT
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:05:08.927Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
51
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1996: 32 complaints 1996 1997: 23 complaints 1998: 53 complaints 1998 1999: 36 complaints 2000: 64 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2002: 48 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2003 51 2004: 14 complaints 2005: 163 complaints 2006: 151 complaints 2006
1996: 32 complaints 1996 1997: 23 complaints 1997 1998: 53 complaints 1998 1999: 36 complaints 1999 2000: 64 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2001 2002: 48 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 51 2004: 14 complaints 2004 2005: 163 complaints 2005 2006: 151 complaints 2006
1996: 32 complaints 1996 1997: 23 complaints 1997 1998: 53 complaints 1998 1999: 36 complaints 1999 2000: 64 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2001 2002: 48 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 51 2004: 14 complaints 2004 2005: 163 complaints 2005 2006: 151 complaints 2006

2003: 51 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.

Power train

31% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

INJURY

Seat belts

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall passenger seat belt locked up now drivers side seat belt acting up and hard to retract in and out as well.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-02

Driver side seat belt gets twisted and wont retract and gets shut in door if you don't pay attention, passenger side seat belt is stuck and wont come out or work at all.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-14

Electrical system

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing ignition.

Seats

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing power adjust and head restraint.

INJURY

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2005-07-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-13 Accelerator pedal interference
  2. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Ford Mustang GT — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 6 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Ford Mustang GT reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford Mustang GT is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Mustang GT?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 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.