2003 Ford Mustang GT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2003 Ford Mustang GT sits mid-pack among Mustang GT years: 59 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with no recalls and 2 closed investigations.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (27% of the total).
59
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Mustang GT years?
What are the most common 2003 Ford Mustang GT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 16 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Seats | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SPARK PLUG WAS SPIT OUT OF HEAD. IT HAS THE FACTORY PLUGS IN IT NEVER BEEN CHANGED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR,THE DEALERSHIP, CHECKED SPARK PLUG IN QUESTION,THEN TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. AT THIS POINT I DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS…”
“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 35 MPH AND PUT ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SHUT OFF (SHUTTING OFF THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES). THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE. THE SECOND TIME WAS A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO I WAS GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR SHUT OFF, I WAS LUCKY…”
“DT: CONTACT STATES THE VEHICLE SHE OWNS HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR BRAKES, THE SEAT BELTS, AND THE COMPUTER CHIP THAT MADE THE VEHICLE START. NOW, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTIONED. THE REPAIRS WERE BEING MADE AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.”
“I OWN A 2003 FORD MUSTANG GT. WHEN ACCELLERATING IN SLUSH TYPE CONDITIONS THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKED IN AND KILLED ALL POWER TO THE CAR WHICH LEFT ME SITTING ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. IF I HAD NOT THOUGHT TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL BUTTON MY TWO CHILDREN AND MYSELF…”
“VEHICLE SOMETIMES STALLS UPON DECELERATION. CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO THE BRAKES AND STEERING. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS.”
2003 Ford Mustang GT — common questions
Is the 2003 Ford Mustang GT reliable?
It is close to typical for the Mustang GT: 59 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
What are the most common 2003 Mustang GT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (16 complaints), engine (11 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints).
Does the 2003 Ford Mustang GT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Mustang GT.
Is the 2003 Ford Mustang GT under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.