2003 Ford Mustang Convertible problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Mustang Convertible year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 9 Mustang Convertible years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (8), body & structure (7), and suspension (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
42
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Mustang Convertible years?
What are the most common 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Other | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Brakes | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE MOST RECENT BEING JUST A FEW DAYS AGO, MY VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES HAVE A PROBLEM IN WHICH IT STALLS WHILE MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED WHILE A GEAR IS NOT ENGAGED. THE CAR IS A 2003 SVT FORD MUSTANG COBRA CONVERTIBLE. A CALL TO FORD'S SVT DIVISION HAD NO SOLUTIONS. MANY PEOPLE THAT I KNOW WITH THE…”
“PUDDLE OF WATER IS FORMED IN THE "WELL" BEHIND THE BACK SEAT WHERE THE CONVERTIBLE TOP SITS WHEN LOWERED. I ALSO NOTICE MOISTURE IN THE OTHER AREAS SUCH AS REAR FLOOR MATS AND TRUNK. THIS HAPPENS AFTER RAIN OR AFTER CAR WASH. I'VE NOTICED HUNDREDS OF SAME ISSUES ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND FORUMS AND…”
“2003 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE REAR WHEELS WOULD BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS AND WHEN PULLING OFF FAST.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS ON OR OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE WHEEL HOPPING WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE AND SUGGESTED THAT…”
“1998 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE UNDER WARRANTY, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT (LAP PORTION) BECAME SEVERELY FRAYED. BELT (AND MAYBE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY) WAS REPLACED BY DEALER. DON'T HAVE AN EXACT DATE - BUT WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. *AK NOW, AT 5 YRS 4 MO OF AGE, THIS BELT IS AGAIN FRAYING.”
“1998 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE UNDER WARRANTY, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT (LAP PORTION) BECAME SEVERELY FRAYED. BELT (AND MAYBE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY) WAS REPLACED BY DEALER. DON'T HAVE AN EXACT DATE - BUT WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. *AK NOW, AT 5 YRS 4 MO OF AGE, THIS BELT IS AGAIN FRAYING.”
2003 Ford Mustang Convertible — common questions
Is the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 9 Mustang Convertible years. It is one of the Mustang Convertible years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 Mustang Convertible problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), body & structure (7 complaints), suspension (5 complaints).
Does the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible.
Is the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Mustang Convertible years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mustang Convertible years to avoid are 2003. The cleanest record among Mustang Convertible years belongs to 1996.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.