VehicleVerdict

1965 Ford Mustang problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1965 Ford Mustang — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths, per the complaint records themselves.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1965 compare to other Mustang years?

Mustang NHTSA complaints by model year, 1965 highlighted893 complaints1965: 6 complaints1966: 5 complaints1967: 3 complaints1968: 1 complaints1969: 3 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 10 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 8 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 35 complaints1985: 22 complaints1986: 32 complaints1987: 44 complaints1988: 132 complaints1989: 127 complaints1990: 119 complaints1991: 98 complaints1992: 80 complaints1993: 132 complaints1994: 496 complaints1995: 829 complaints1996: 329 complaints1997: 231 complaints1998: 297 complaints1999: 281 complaints2000: 427 complaints2001: 219 complaints2002: 159 complaints2003: 177 complaints2004: 127 complaints2005: 893 complaints2006: 506 complaints2007: 728 complaints2008: 384 complaints2009: 215 complaints2010: 296 complaints2011: 583 complaints2012: 573 complaints2013: 325 complaints2014: 424 complaints2015: 593 complaints2016: 491 complaints2017: 337 complaints2018: 234 complaints2019: 187 complaints2020: 174 complaints2021: 67 complaints2022: 73 complaints2023: 28 complaints2024: 115 complaints2025: 15 complaints2026: 6 complaints
Mustang NHTSA complaints by model year, 1965 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mustang years to avoid →

What are the most common 1965 Ford Mustang problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System233%
Tires & Wheels233%
Electrical System117%
Body & Structure117%

Does the 1965 Ford Mustang have recalls?

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

19E011000SteeringFebruary 9, 2019 · 598 units

Defect

Drake Automotive Group, LLC (Drake) is recalling certain Scott Drake left and right wheel spindles, part numbers C5ZZ-3106-L, C5ZZ-3105-R, C70Z-3106-L, C70Z-3105-R sold for use on 1965-1966 Ford Mustang V8s and 1967-1969 Ford Mustangs (all vehicles with drums). The spindle may fail resulting in the wheel and tire detaching from the vehicle's steering system.

Consequence

Spindle failure can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Drake Automotive Group, LLC will notify owners and will replace all of the recalled units, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2019. Owners may contact Drake automotive at 1-800-999-0289.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE OWNER HEARD A BIG "BANG" NOISE COMING FROM THE CAR. A MICHELIN REGAL SPORT TIRE BLEWOUT WITH OUT ANY REASON. *AK THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. (TIRE MODEL/REGAL SPORT CHALLENGER) *SCC *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 31, 2003

“1965 FORD MUSTANG STALLED DURING RAINY EVENING AND CAME TO A STOP. VEHICLE WAS THEN HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MUSTANG EXPLODED AND INCINERATED THE DRIVER. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 13, 1975 · crash · fire

“1965 FORD MUSTANG STALLED DURING RAINY EVENING AND CAME TO A STOP. VEHICLE WAS THEN HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MUSTANG EXPLODED AND INCINERATED THE DRIVER. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 13, 1975 · crash · fire

“1965 FORD MUSTANG STALLED DURING RAINY EVENING AND CAME TO A STOP. VEHICLE WAS THEN HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MUSTANG EXPLODED AND INCINERATED THE DRIVER. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 13, 1975 · crash · fire

1965 Ford Mustang — common questions

Is the 1965 Ford Mustang reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1965 Ford Mustang have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1965 Ford Mustang. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Mustang years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mustang years to avoid are 2005, 1995, 2007, 2015, 2011, 2012, 2006, 1994, 2016, 2000, 2014, 2008, 2017, 1996, 2013, 1998, 2010, 1999, 2018, 1997, 2001, 2009, 2019, 2003, 2020. The cleanest record among Mustang years belongs to 1981.

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.