2001 Ford Mustang GT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2001 Ford Mustang GT sits mid-pack among Mustang GT years: 78 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 7 deaths and 23 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (15), fuel system (11), and brakes (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
78
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
23
Injuries
7
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Mustang GT years?
What are the most common 2001 Ford Mustang GT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 11 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I JUST HAD TO PAY APPROX $700 TO REPLACE MY INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH CRACKED AND CAUSED A COOLANT LEAK. UPON FIXING THIS ISSUE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A FORD RECALL A FEW YEARS AGO. SEEING AS THIS PART HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE, I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THIS RECALL AND WHAT…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 23 MPH ON A RECENTLY FILLED FUEL TANK, THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT THE FILLER NECK GASKET HAD SPLIT, CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.…”
“THE REAR TIRES OF MY 2001 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE BEGAN TO SKID, SINCE THE ROAD WAS WET. THIS IS UNDERSTANDABLE, SO I EASED OFF THE GAS TO ALLOW THE TIRES TO CATCH, BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL MUST HAVE TURNED ON, AND CAUSED MY CAR TO BEGIN SPINNING IN CIRCLES. THIS MADE MY CAR GO OFF THE ROAD AND…”
“WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH CONSUMER TURNED LEFT ON A ROAD UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND VEHICLE ROLLED ACROSS A STRETCH OF GRAVEL, IT LOST CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH A BEAM PROTRUDING FROM A RETAINER WALL. SEAT BELTS WERE WORN, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR BACK AND HEAD…”
“ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2001 FORD MUSTANG BULLITT MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED BECAUSE 3 GEAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE WITH EASE OR IT WOULD SLIP.. EVER SINCE THE SHIFTING OF GEARS HAS DETERIORATED.. ALSO THE REAR LEAKS FOR NO APPARENT REASON THE ACCESS NUT SEEMS TO…”
2001 Ford Mustang GT — common questions
Is the 2001 Ford Mustang GT reliable?
It is close to typical for the Mustang GT: 78 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2001 Mustang GT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).
Does the 2001 Ford Mustang GT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Ford Mustang GT.
Is the 2001 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.