VehicleVerdict

2005 Ford Mustang GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 213 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Mustang GT year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 11 Mustang GT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 64 reports (30% of the total).

213

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Mustang GT years?

Mustang GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted213 complaints1996: 33 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 58 complaints1999: 41 complaints2000: 71 complaints2001: 78 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 59 complaints2004: 21 complaints2005: 213 complaints2006: 178 complaints
Mustang GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mustang GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Ford Mustang GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System6430%
Airbags4923%
Fuel System2110%
Brakes136%
Speed Control126%
Engine105%
Body & Structure84%
Visibility & Wipers73%
Transmission73%
Lighting52%
Other52%
Suspension42%
Seat Belts31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Latches & Locks10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Seats10%

Does the 2005 Ford Mustang GT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E071000SuspensionAugust 8, 2006 · 146 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET ROUSH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS AS A STAND ALONE COMPONENT, PART NO. 401297, AND ROUSH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS AS A SUSPENSION KIT, PART NO. 401296, SOLD FOR USE ON 2005 AND 2006 FORD MUSTANG GT VEHICLES. THE FRONT ANTI ROLL BAR ATTACHMENT BRACKET ON THE FRONT STRUT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STRUT HOUSING DUE TO INCONSISTENT WELDING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CLUNKING NOISE AND OR POOR HANDLING IN EXTREME OR EMERGENCY MANEUVERS.

Consequence

IF THE BROKEN BRACKET CONTACTS THE TIRE, SIDEWALL DAMAGE CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ROUSH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO PROVIDE NEW STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROUSH AT 734-466-6255.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS AT A STOP SIGN... WHILE DRIVING IN FIRST GEAR ABOUT TO SWITCH TO SECOND... THE CAR RPM REDLINE.. EVERYONE WHO HAS THIS CAR MANUAL KNOWS THAT THIS CAR CHIRPS 2ND GEAR WITH OR WITHOUT TCS ON... IT WAS LIKE POWER SHIFTING WITHOUT USING THE GAS PEDAL.. THE CAR WAS SIDEWAYS.. BRAKES WOULDN'T…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 19, 2013 · crash

“TAKATA AIRBAG - I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH OF 2017, IT IS NOW DECEMBER, AND WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER, THEY ARE DOING NOTHING, AS PARTS OR REPAIRS HAVE NOT YET BEEN RECEIVED OR AUTHORIZED. IT WAS IN FOR A PREVIOUS RECALL A YEAR EARLIER FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAGS BUT THIS IS ANOTHER FOLLOW UP TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 1, 2017 · crash

“CANNOT FILL FUEL TANK. THE PUMP SHUTS OFF VERY QUICKLY AFTER ATTEMPTING TO FILL. FORD HAS SAID THAT IT IS A FLOW PROBLEM ON THE FUEL PUMPS. THEIR SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK. MY CAR ALREADY HAS THE UPDATED TANK AND I STILL CAN'T PUT GAS IN IT. THE DEALER SAID THERE HANDS ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 6, 2006

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION WAS STARTED A CABLE DETACHED FROM THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 15, 2012

“I WAS AT A STOP SIGN... WHILE DRIVING IN FIRST GEAR ABOUT TO SWITCH TO SECOND... THE CAR RPM REDLINE.. EVERYONE WHO HAS THIS CAR MANUAL KNOWS THAT THIS CAR CHIRPS 2ND GEAR WITH OR WITHOUT TCS ON... IT WAS LIKE POWER SHIFTING WITHOUT USING THE GAS PEDAL.. THE CAR WAS SIDEWAYS.. BRAKES WOULDN'T…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 19, 2013 · crash

2005 Ford Mustang GT — common questions

Is the 2005 Ford Mustang GT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 213 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 11 Mustang GT years. It is one of the Mustang GT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Mustang GT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (64 complaints), airbags (49 complaints), fuel system (21 complaints).

Does the 2005 Ford Mustang GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Ford Mustang GT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.