2003 Ford Mustang: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Ford Mustang: 1 recall, 145 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #06V108000 · 2006 · 19,140 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
5 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (39): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (27).
- Speed control / throttle (16): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (5), stalls / loses power (2).
- Seat belts (16): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (15): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8), stalls / loses power (4), noise or vibration (3).
The 2003 Ford Mustang has 145 owner complaints, ranking #24 of 37 Mustang model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 240). Complaints peaked in 2003 (34 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 13,957 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (118 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (116 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Ford Mustang.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Ford Mustang, plus 5 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Ford Mustang problems?
Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (39), speed control / throttle (16), seat belts (16).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Mustang get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Ford Mustang repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.