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2003 Ford Mustang recalls and problems

The 2003 Ford Mustang has 1 safety recall and 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
145
Crashes / fires
19 / 4
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford Mustang vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Ford Mustang recalls

Recall 06V-108: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Apr 7, 2006 · 19,140 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 accelerator pedal may catch in the cutout on the floor carpeting behind the accelerator pedal.

Risk: This could interfere with the pedal's ability to return to an idle position. Unexpected, continued throttle application and/or increased stopping distances may occur which could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

2003 Ford Mustang problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling41
Vehicle Speed Control16
Seat Belts16
Power Train15
Air Bags11
Unknown or Other10
Suspension10
Electrical System10
Equipment7
Engine6
Tires5
Exterior Lighting5

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 23
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 9
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 6
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 14,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Ford Mustang complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jan 27, 2026
From all the research I have done on my vehicle, it has the Takata airbag inflators that uses phase‑stabilized ammonium nitrate without a desiccant which should have been in the Nationwide Ford vehicle recall. I am the original owner of my 2003 Mustang Mach 1 and it has never had the airbags replaced and I have never received a recall notice. I had Ford run an OASIS report on my VIN and they tell me there is no recall for my car. I told them the reports don't show data past 15 years. After all these years I thought I was safe because my car never showed it had the Takata recall, so I didn't…
Structure · reported Sep 26, 2025
Because of Mustangs heavy doors the latch mechanism malfunctioned and the door came open on the highway. I realize the car is old but I have read up on other complaints on mustangs. The door was fine and within the couple of hours of seeing the problem I was driving 70 on the highway. And I heard the door ding go off and something told me to grab the door. It was all I could do to get back home. Which has now led to other issues like the door sagging and the window is now messed up.
Seat Belts · reported Mar 3, 2025
The Belt Strap will get twists along the length. The Body Pillar clip refuses free movement. This is aggrevating for a Driver in the Seat. Driver in vain pushes Power Seat back to allow the Belt to clip into Latch at the Console. Reality. The car is 22-yrs old. Owner expects indifference by the local Ford shop. Both a neighbor & the Owner had a hard time about service. What does the Owner thinks a good solution? Late Model Restoration is this Model's best parts hope. A indy-body shop near the home of the car a repair alternative. Owner is [XXX] in a [XXX] & uses the Car as a Daily Driver. May…
Electrical System · reported Mar 8, 2024
Date of incident....sometime over night 1/27/24. Vehicle FIRE I believe started in electrical components. Happened overnight while PARKED in front of home in parking lot Melted left side of dash (all odometer area) and center console where AC controls and radio are. Shattered front windshield which was black with soot, as well as the plastic frame around front area of convertible top. Fire has somehow extinguished itself. Whole interior car full of soot. I had actually used my key FOB to enter my car at which time I noticed what had happened & all the damage. I immediately disconnected my…
Engine · at 195,000 miles · reported Apr 16, 2019
The exhaust pipe breaks where the A/C water drips. This is due to poor design of the car. This article describes it better. Https://ford.oemdtc.com/100/exhaust-leak-cracked-or-separated-right-side-exhaust-pipe-1999-2004-ford-mustang

Other Ford Mustang years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Mustang have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Ford Mustang: 06V-108 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Mustang?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (41 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 14,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.