Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1990 Ford Mustang electrical system problems
The 1990 Ford Mustang has 42 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 35% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
42
Electrical System complaints
35%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“WAS PARKING VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. LEFT VEHICLE TO CHECK UNDER HOOD AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE HAD EXTINGUISHED BYITSELF. ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, UNDER THE HOOD, WAS DAMAGED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. AFTER CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD MECHANIC INDICATED THAT PROBLEM…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1990 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the 1990 Ford Mustang electrical system — 35% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1990 Ford Mustang electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
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.