VehicleVerdict

2006 Ford Mustang GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 178 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Mustang GT year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 11 Mustang GT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 64 reports (36% of the total).

178

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Mustang GT years?

Mustang GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 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, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mustang GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Ford Mustang GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags6436%
Body & Structure2112%
Speed Control2011%
Fuel System169%
Electrical System116%
Engine106%
Brakes106%
Transmission84%
Other84%
Suspension53%
Seats11%
Steering11%
Seat Belts11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2006 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD MUSTANG GT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ACROSS AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE BROKEN RIBS, A DEEP THIGH BRUISE, A FLESH WOUND ON HIS KNEE, AND A SPRAINED NECK AND SHOULDER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 29, 2007 · crash

“CORROSION ON HOOD IN SEVERAL PLACES THAT CONTINUES TO RAPIDLY DETERIORATE. AFTER RESEARCH, LOCATED TSB PUT OUT BY FORD INDICATING THE CORROSION IS AS A RESULT OF IRON CONTAMINATION IN ALUMINUM PRIOR TO PAINTING WHICH CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. FORD HAS REFUSED TO FIX THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 25, 2012

“HESITATION AT ACCELERATION AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. HESITATION WAS NOT CORRECTED AT DEALERSHIP, I CORRECTED THROUGH COMPUTER REPROGRAM WITH DIABLO PROGRAMMER TO DECREASE AMOUNT OF THROTTLE DELAY, HESITATION GONE. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CORRECTED BY MODIFYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO INCREASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 28, 2006 · crash · fire

“FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY....SHOWING ERRATIC SETTING...EMPTY. TOOK CAR TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE GAS THAT CONTAMINATED A PART....NOTE: THE GAS I USE IS WHAT FORD RECOMMENDS..BP. NO PARTS REPLACED. 2ND TIME I WAS TOLD THE SAME THING WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT!! NOTE:INCIDENT DATE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2006

“VEHICLE WAS ENTERING FREEWAY WHEN ALL DASH LIGHTS STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND WENT BLACK. WITHIN SEVERAL SECONDS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BEGAN SPLUTTERING. VEHICLE PULLED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT. VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART ONCE ENGINE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 14, 2010

2006 Ford Mustang GT — common questions

Is the 2006 Ford Mustang GT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 178 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 11 Mustang GT years. It is one of the Mustang GT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Mustang GT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (64 complaints), body & structure (21 complaints), speed control (20 complaints).

Does the 2006 Ford Mustang GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 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.