Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1977 Ford Mustang — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FLEXIBLE BLADE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY CRACK AND BREAK OFF. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY HIGH BLADE STRESSES THAT CAN RESULT FROM VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE SEVEN-BLADE ENGINE COOLING FAN IS SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING DURING NORMAL OPERATION. PORTIONS OF THE BLADES MAY SEPARATE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
DEFECTIVE FANS WILL BE REPLACED WITH FANS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN WITHOUT CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1977 Ford Mustang. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.