1 recall and 145 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Mustang.
1
recalls
145
owner complaints
19
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Ford Mustang recalls
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
NHTSA campaign 06V108000 · reported April 7, 2006 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 19,140 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
On certain mustang cobra passenger vehicles, the rear surface of the accelerator pedal may come into contact with floor carpeting during heavy throttle application. The unique surface profile of the accelerator pedal may catch in the cutout on the floor carpeting behind the accelerator pedal.
The risk
This could interfere with the pedal's ability to return to an idle position. Unexpected, continued throttle application and/or increased stopping distances may occur which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a shield over the cutout in the carpet behind the accelerator pedal. The recall began on april 26, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Engine and engine cooling39
Seat belts16
Vehicle speed control16
Power train15
Air bags11
Electrical system10
Unknown or other10
Suspension9
Equipment7
Engine6
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jul 16, 2026 · Service brakes
Breaks went out
Jul 16, 2026 · Service brakes
Breaks went out
Jan 27, 2026 · Air bags
From all the research I have done on my vehicle, it has the Takata airbag inflators that uses phase‑stabilized ammonium nitrate without a desiccant which should have been in the Nationwide Ford vehicle recall. I am the original owner of my 2003 Mustang Mach 1 and it has never had the airbags replaced and I have never…
Sep 26, 2025 · Structure
Because of Mustangs heavy doors the latch mechanism malfunctioned and the door came open on the highway. I realize the car is old but I have read up on other complaints on mustangs. The door was fine and within the couple of hours of seeing the problem I was driving 70 on the highway. And I heard the door ding go off…
Mar 11, 2025 · Electrical system · fire reported
Burning of terminal on brake light switch wiring. Brake lights left on.
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Ford Mustang, the most recent reported on April 7, 2006 (Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Mustang?
Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (39 complaints), followed by seat belts (16).
How many 2003 Ford Mustang complaints mention a crash or fire?
19 of 145 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 16, 2026.