Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2008 Ford Mustang, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags240
- Power train30
- Vehicle speed control19
- Electrical system15
- Structure15
- Service brakes9
- Unknown or other8
- Engine6
- Steering6
- Seat belts6
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 14 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 50 2008 Mustang vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 28 people died inside them, and 9 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2008 Ford Mustang failed the safety check 1.29% of the time — 48% less often than the average 2008 passenger car (2.48%). Median odometer at inspection: 66,438 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
108 first registered in 2008 are on Dutch roads; 94% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €45,932.
Most common APK defects
- Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft52
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde31
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm23
- Band onvoldoende profiel18
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)15
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm13
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage11
- Remlicht werkt niet (goed)11
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
94 cars built in 2008 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 62 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 232 of these cars first registered in 2008 took their annual MOT test. 85% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2008 the figure was 57%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 9.9% | 19.8% |
| Tyres | 3.4% | 7.6% |
| Brakes | 3.0% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 3.0% | 17.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.6% | 6.2% |
| Visibility | 2.2% | 6.7% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
41 of these cars first registered in 2008 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 131,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
250 2008 cars are on the New Zealand register; 96% arrived as used imports, 4% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 11.7–14.8 L/100 km (about 16–20 mpg US), CO₂ 269–340 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang · Compact · Regular gasoline | 13.7 | 9.1 | 11.7 |
| Mustang · Compact · Regular gasoline | 14.5 | 9.9 | 12.4 |
| Mustang · Compact · Regular gasoline | 15.4 | 10.3 | 13.1 |
| Mustang · Compact · Regular gasoline | 15.2 | 10.9 | 13.3 |
| Mustang · Compact · Premium gasoline | 17.2 | 11.9 | 14.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2008 Ford Mustang.
| 2021077 19 Feb 2021 | Airbag Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had the driver-front and/or passenger-front airbag inflator replaced after a collision or theft. An obsolete a… |
| 2019005 8 Jan 2019 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the p… |
| 2017024 12 Jan 2017 | Airbag On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propella… |
| 2016347 6 Jul 2016 | Airbag Ford Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving passenger airbag inflators in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever regi… |
| 2015232 28 May 2015 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inf… |
| 2015052 5 Feb 2015 | Airbag Ford of Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Fo… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2014 Mustang vehicles manufactured April 6, 2004, to June 21, 2014, and 2005-2006 GT vehicles manufactured February 20, 2004, to September 22, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
FORD IS RECALLING 434,593 MY 2008 MUSTANG VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ONE OF THE NECK INJURY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION," FOR AN UNBELTED 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHILE IT IS IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2008 Ford Mustang: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10240415 | Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Updated Ranger Technical Information to include images of a pass and fail airbag inflator inspection for 2007-2011 model years. |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10209374 | Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as repaired under Takata Airbag Safety Recalls 15S21, 17S42, 18S02, 19S01, and 21S12 may not have received the claimed repairs. The propellant in certain Takata airbag inflators can experience an alteration over time with exposure to certain climate conditions. A combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humid |
| 10177863 | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. |
| 10156863 | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition |
| 10155551 | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition |
| 10143079 | Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01. |
| 10137113 | Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select |
| 10109070 | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer |
| 10095184 | REPLACING THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SYNC/NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH EITHER AN AFTERMARKET SYNC/NAVIGATION KIT OR MODIFYING ORIGINAL SYNC/NAVIGATION PARTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FEATURES IS NOT RECOMMENDED NOR SUPPORTED ON ANY FORD, MERCURY OR LINCOLN VEHICLE. ONLY APPROVED GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES OR ORIGINALLY INSTALLED SYSTEMS ARE SUPPORTED AND CERTIFIED TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY WITH OTHER VEHICLE SYSTEMS. IF YOU SUSPECT A SYSTEM HAS BEEN MODIFIED, THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES CAN BE USED TO VERIFY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT: MONRONEY LABEL (WINDOW STICKER), PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIAN SOCIETY (PTS) OASIS TAB SELECT |
| 10057747 | FORD: SOME 2005-2006 FORD GT AND 2005-2008 MUSTANG VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENTS. *TA |
| 10057596 | FORD: 2005-2006 FORD GT, 2005-2008 MUSTANG, AND 2004-2005 RANGER VEHICLES OPERATED IN FLORIDA, HAWAII, PUERTO RICO, OR THE U.S VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE IN NEED OF AN AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT. 06/11/15 *TA. |
| 10055062 | FORD: DUE TO VEHICLES, WITH CARBON FIBER CLUTCHES, A CHATTER OR MOAN/GROAN NOISE IS HEARD WHILE MAKING SHARP TURNS, AT LOW SPEED AND IS CHARACTERISTIC OF HEAVY DUTY/RACING TYPE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL. MODEL 2007-2014 MUSTANG GT500, GT, BULLITT. *PE |
| 10045340 | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE |
| 10039128 | FORD: 2007-2009 MUSTANG. A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION MAY BE CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE IN VEHICLES WITH SIDE AIR BAGS. *RM |
| 10039053 | FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION. *RM |
| 10032615 | FORD: SOME VEHICLES (SHELBY GT 500) MAY EXHIBIT THE FOLLOWING CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION SYMPTOMS: HARD TO DISENGAGE OR ENGAGE 1ST AND REVERSE, HARD TO SHIFT ANY GEAR, VEHICLE CREEPS WITH TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AND CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED WITHOUT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION. *PE |
| 10029168 | FORD; SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE WATER LEAK IN FRONT FLOOR AREA. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY LOOSE GROMMETS AND/OR SEALER SKIPS AROUND COWL AREA, LOOSE A PILLAR WINDOW WEATHERSTRIP RETAINER. *PE |
| 10028507 | FORD: VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE WATER LEAK IN THE FRONT FLOOR AREA. MAY BE CAUSED BY LOOSE GROMMETS AND/OR SEALER SKIPS AROUND THE COWL AREA, LOOSE A-PILLAR WINDOW WEATHERSTRIP RETAINER. *PE |
| 10028168 | FORD: AIRBAG LIGHT-PRETENSIONER PIGTAIL KIT AVAILABLE. VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AIRBAG LIGHT WITH B2292 HARD FAULT CODE POINTING TOWARD SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER. REPLACE BODY WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. *PE |
| 10027146 | FORD: IN SOME VEHICLES THERE MAY EXHIBIT A DIFFICULT DIAGNOSE OF A WATER LEAK IN THE FRONT FLOOR AREA. *PE |
| 10026386 | FORD: 4.6L WITH TR3650 MANUAL TRANSMISSION; CLASH OR RASPY FEEL; SHIFTING INTO 2ND AND/OR 3RD GEAR. CONDITION MAY BE MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLDER THAN 40 DEGREES F (5 DEGREES C). *PE |
| 10026383 | FORD: UN-COMMANDED PERIMETER LIGHTING. VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT UN-COMMANDED PERIMETER LIGHTING FEATURE (HEAD, PARK AND SIDE MARKER LAMPS) DUE TO WATER INDUCED SHORT TO GROUND IN THE DOOR DISARM SWITCH. *PE |
| 10023990 | MUSTANG VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS CAN NOT BE RETROFITTED NOR DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) ENABLED. *NJ |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation