1991 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
- 78
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1991
Opened by NHTSA
41% of complaints
Complaints per year
1991: 78 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
41% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the independent mechanic notified him that the ignition switch had caught on fire, after the vehicle was parked and repairs were completed to the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-04
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke and then fire from the dash board. The contact called the fire department and personally extinguished the fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-16
Had smoke coming out from under dash. Lost radio, and tail lights wires from light switch to tail light melted. Not sure if from faulty ignition switch. Would like more info.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-16
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Power train
12% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
Air bags
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states that the vehicle was in a head on accident at 35MPH. Consumer states that the drivers side air bag did not deploy. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-24
Upon impact, during frontal crash at approx. 50MPH, 12:00 on front bumper, airbag failed to deploy, hit gaurd rail twice. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-13
Engine and engine cooling
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing gas recirculation valve (egr valve) and engine.
Service brakes
8% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1991-07-22Power train91V048000 The park rod assembly contains a park cam with inadequate surface hardness, which could lead to park disengagement or no park engagement when the lever is placed in park.
Remedy: Replace park rod assembly on automatic transmissions.
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I
1991-10-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-02-27 Hood latch failures
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I
1994-02-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-04-19 Fuel line routing
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R
1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
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2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…
Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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R
2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Buy-smart checklist
1991 Ford Mustang — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 91V048000 · Power train
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1991 Ford Mustang reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Ford Mustang is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Mustang?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Mustang have?
- 6 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.