2002 Ford Mustang GT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2002 Ford Mustang GT sits mid-pack among Mustang GT years: 59 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (36% of the total).
59
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Mustang GT years?
What are the most common 2002 Ford Mustang GT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 21 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 12% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 5 | 8% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD MUSTANG GT. WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL WHEN TRYING TO AVOID A DEER ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED OVER WHEN THE SEAT BELTS BROKE FROM THE LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INTERNAL BLEEDING, TORN LIGAMENTS TO THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING, CLUTCH AND BRAKE PRESSED CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE APPROACHING TRAFFIC, LEAVING THE CONSUMER WITH NO STEERING OR BRAKE POWER TO HANDLE THE CAR. CAR IMPACTED SUV. VEHICLE TOWED TO FORD DEALER.*AK”
“MY CAR HAS A FACTORY 6 DISC CD CHANGER, AND ONE SLOT, #3, HAS NUMEROUS PROBLEMS LOADING AND UNLOADING CDS, CAUSING THEM TO GET STUCK IN THE HEAD UNIT. ALSO, WHEN LOADED WITH CD'S, THE UNIT WILL RANDOMLY GO INTO SHUFFLE MODE IF PLAYING A CD, OR SCAN AND SAVE MODE IF PLAYING THE RADIO. THIS SEEMS…”
“1 - ENGINE MAKES HORRIBLE SOUND IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO APPEARS TO BE ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. VERY BAD GAS MILEAGE - BIG CHANGE IN DECREASED MPG. HAVE ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP GAS TANK WHERE FUEL GUN FILLER WONT ALLOW ME TO FUEL AS THE GAS PUMP AT MOST GAS…”
2002 Ford Mustang GT — common questions
Is the 2002 Ford Mustang GT reliable?
It is close to typical for the Mustang GT: 59 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2002 Mustang GT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (21 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).
Does the 2002 Ford Mustang GT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford Mustang GT.
Is the 2002 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.