1986 Ford Mustang
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 PER YEAR
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 | 109 |
| 1990 | 85 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 1992 | 69 |
| 1993 | 101 |
| 1994 | 356 |
| 1995 | 602 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 176 |
| 1998 | 236 |
| 1999 | 213 |
| 2000 | 311 |
| 2001 | 173 |
| 2002 | 118 |
| 2003 | 143 |
| 2004 | 116 |
| 2005 | 705 |
| 2006 | 422 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 260 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 356 |
| 2015 | 434 |
| 2016 | 367 |
| 2017 | 260 |
| 2018 | 184 |
| 2019 | 141 |
| 2020 | 113 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 70 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE JUST DIES, ALL POWER GONE, WON'T COMPRESSION START, BUT WILL RESTART WITH CLUTCH IN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020923
10% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR WAS PARKED AND IT WENT UP IN FLAMES DUE TO THE IGNITON SWITCH.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960620
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IT STARTED SMOKING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960528
7% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEATBACK FAILURE
STALLING
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed
SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION
FR SEAT FLOOR MOUNT FAILS
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
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 VEHIC
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.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Ford Mustang — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Ford Mustang reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Ford Mustang is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford Mustang?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Mustang have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.