1980 Ford Mustang
Only 4 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1980
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1980: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 4 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 18 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 30 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 108 |
| 1989 | 111 |
| 1990 | 87 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 70 |
| 1993 | 102 |
| 1994 | 368 |
| 1995 | 603 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 176 |
| 1998 | 236 |
| 1999 | 213 |
| 2000 | 311 |
| 2001 | 173 |
| 2002 | 118 |
| 2003 | 145 |
| 2004 | 116 |
| 2005 | 705 |
| 2006 | 423 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 261 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 359 |
| 2015 | 439 |
| 2016 | 379 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 196 |
| 2019 | 152 |
| 2020 | 122 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 85 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
3 of 4 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing column and steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving vehicle, noticed a plume of smoke & bad smell coming from steering column & rear of vehicle, fire had burned thru the rear seat from muffler…
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-13
Visibility
1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.
Service brakes
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1985-02-22Engineering analysisClosed 1987-04-14 Floor pan cracks
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I
1990-05-02Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-10 Floor pan fracture
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R
2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 Certain federal-mogul aftermarket fuel pumps sold under the brand names of carter, accuflow, napa, truflow, parts depo, and parts master, shipped between August 2006 and July 2007 for use on the…
Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2007. Owners can contact federal-mogul at 248-354-7700.
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R
2008-03-19Fuel system, gasoline08E019000 Intercontinental auto parts is recalling 1,937 fuel filters, p/nos alg 44/1 and purolator F10024, shipped between January 14 and February 13, 2008, sold for use on the vehicles listed above. The…
Remedy: Intercontinental will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began during March 2008. Owners may contact intercontinental at 800-451-2593.
Buy-smart checklist
1980 Ford Mustang — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 08E019000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1980 Ford Mustang 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 1980 Ford Mustang?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1980 Ford Mustang have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.