2004 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 | 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 | 436 |
| 2016 | 375 |
| 2017 | 265 |
| 2018 | 191 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 119 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
29% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE OFF FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM 0 TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180904
9% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit and manual transmission.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA ODI report, 20240412
8% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS TURNED SIDEWAYS AND CRASHED INTO A POLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161104
WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2-28-2016 AND WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE AND PUSHED INTO A DITCH WHILE PASSING A FORD 250 HE TURNED INTO US WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160302
I HAD A DEER ACCIDENT ON MY WAY TO WORK & WRECKED MY 2004 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE & THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY & I TOOK THE ENTIRE FORCE OF THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050623
6% of complaints: tires — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sidewall and pressure monitoring and regulating systems.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT HAS A COOPER MASTER-CRAFT SENSYS01 TIRE, SIZE 205/65R15, DOT #2402 THAT FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120521
6% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and macpherson strut.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON CERTAIN MUSTANG COBRA PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH FLOOR CARPETING DURING HEAVY THROTTLE APPLICATION. THE UNIQUE SURFACE PROFILE OF THE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE CUTOUT IN THE CARPET BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 06V108000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WITH
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.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Ford Mustang — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V108000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Ford Mustang reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford Mustang is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Mustang?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Mustang have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.