1998 Ford Mustang GT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1998 Ford Mustang GT sits mid-pack among Mustang GT years: 58 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 78% of all reports (45 of 58), far ahead of seat belts at 2.
58
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Mustang GT years?
What are the most common 1998 Ford Mustang GT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 45 | 78% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“INTAKE MANIFOLD DEFECTS.. IT'S MADE FROM PLASTIC AND IT CAN NOT WITHSTAND ALL THE PRESSORE AND HEAT THAT IT WILL CRACK VERY EALRY AND CAUSE COOLING FLUID TO LEAK , AND WITH ALL THAT STEM COMING FROM THE HOOD IT WILL BE SO HARD TO SEE THE ROAD AND WILL CAUSE A FIRE FROM THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM SHORTING…”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION (00V349000) CONSUMER STATES APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCED, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT READY BECAUSE THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE, CONSUMER IS NOT SATISIFED WITH THE WAY SITUATION WAS HANDLED BECAUSE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE IN ADVANCE AND…”
“MY COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE 05N04 RECALL ON MY MOTHERS 1998 FORD MUSTANG. LAST FRIDAY MY 80 YEAR MOTHER GOT LOST AND I SENT MY NIECE TO PICK HER UP, AND ON THEIR WAY HOME THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND DIED, MY NIECE THINKING QUICKLY TURNED THE CAR INTO FIRE STATION AND WAS ABLE TO GET HELP FAST. I…”
“SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO NORMAL POSITION, CAUSING IT TO BE HARD TO PULL AND RELEASE FOR MORE ROOM, CONSUMER WILL BE FORCED NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT ON. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK”
“MY COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE 05N04 RECALL ON MY MOTHERS 1998 FORD MUSTANG. LAST FRIDAY MY 80 YEAR MOTHER GOT LOST AND I SENT MY NIECE TO PICK HER UP, AND ON THEIR WAY HOME THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND DIED, MY NIECE THINKING QUICKLY TURNED THE CAR INTO FIRE STATION AND WAS ABLE TO GET HELP FAST. I…”
1998 Ford Mustang GT — common questions
Is the 1998 Ford Mustang GT reliable?
It is close to typical for the Mustang GT: 58 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 1998 Mustang GT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (45 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).
Does the 1998 Ford Mustang GT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford Mustang GT.
Is the 1998 Ford Mustang GT under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Mustang GT years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mustang GT years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Mustang GT years belongs to 2004.
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.