Ford Mustang Convertible Problems by Year
NHTSA has 123 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Ford Mustang Convertible, across 8 model years (1995–2003). The 2003 model year has the most complaints (35). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Ford Mustang Convertible years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Mustang Convertible year: 2003. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2003 Mustang Convertible: 35 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 Mustang Convertible: 20 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2001 Mustang Convertible: 17 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1996 Mustang Convertible: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1997 Mustang Convertible: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1999 Mustang Convertible: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Ford Mustang Convertible problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 32 | 8 | 2 |
| Structure | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Power Train | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Equipment | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Ford Mustang Convertible model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Mustang Convertible | 35 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2001 Mustang Convertible | 17 | 0 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2000 Mustang Convertible | 20 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | More complaints than other years |
| 1999 Mustang Convertible | 9 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 1998 Mustang Convertible | 11 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1997 Mustang Convertible | 9 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1996 Mustang Convertible | 8 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1995 Mustang Convertible | 14 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | More complaints than other years |
More from Ford: all Ford models · Ford VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Mustang Convertible years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2003 (35) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Mustang Convertible year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Ford Mustang Convertible?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 32 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Ford Mustang Convertible have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.