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1991 Ford Mustang Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1991 Ford Mustang has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission failure and shifting difficulty.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1991 Ford Mustang.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission failure and shifting difficulty

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 1997-03 → 2006-03

“THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT THREE TIMES IN THIS CAR. THE FIRST TIME IT HAD 20000 MILES ON IT AND UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALER SENT IT TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO REBUILT IT. ONE YEAR LATER IT WENT OUT AGAIN. THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER FORD WOULD NOT COVER. I GOT STUCK REP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10153329
“VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO 4TH GEAR BECAUSE A PLASTIC FITTING BROKE WHICH FEEDS OIL TO THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER SAYS VEHICLE NEEDS REBUILT TRANSMISSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #849595
“DRIVER NOTICED THAT GEARS WERE DIFFICULT TO CHANGE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED AND TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY REPLACED.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #878591

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat anchorage, seat back and seat belt failure

SEATS

5 NHTSA complaints · 1995-08 → 2014-07

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 55MPH & DRIVER'S SEATBACK FELL STRAIGHT BACK IN A RESTING POSTION. CONSUMER TOOK IT TO A WELDING SHOP. WELDER SAID THEY HAVE SEEN ALOT OF THAT MAKE WITH THIS PROBELM.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #872622
“OWNER STATES THAT THE ANCHORAGE FOR THE SEAT HOLD DOWN BOLTS TO THE FLOOR BROKE, CAUSING DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TO FAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #808837
“DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT AUTOMATICALLY CAUSING CONCERN BELT WOULD FAIL TO WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10610436

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fire or smoke at ignition switch or steering column

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING

16 NHTSA complaints · 1995-02 → 2020-03

“DRIVING HOME APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH , THERE WAS A SMELL OF SMOKE AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE STEERING PANEL, PULLED OVER , GOT OUT OF CAR AND IN MATTER OF SECONDS IT WAS IN FLAMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #804051
“HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#96V07100); NOTIFIED DEALER & RECEIVED AN APPOINTMENT FOR FOLLOWING WEEK; VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN GARAGE BEFORE GOING TO DEALER; FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. SENDING COPY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #810356
“LEFT VEHICLE TO WARM UP HEARD HORN BLOW VEHICLE HAD BURST INTO FLAMES. DIAGNOSIS: LOOSE CONNECTION IN IGNITION SWITCH. TT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #960761

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition switch failure and intermittent stalling

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 1997-02 → 2006-01

“VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY DIE INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER MUST WAIT ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO RESTART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #872883
“INTERMITTENT IGNITION MODULE FAILURE/ UNSAFE FOR NORMAL OPERATION AS VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY LOOSE POWER ON SURFACE STREETS, FREEWAY AND IN INTERSECTIONS!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #731269
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN 96V071000 CONCERNING THE IGNITION. HOWEVER THE RECALL REPAIRS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10146898

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical short or wiring fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 1995-01 → 1999-06

“AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #984727
“ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #782488

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment and unintended deployment

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 1995-02 → 2015-06

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED, THE AIR BAG IN STEERING WHEEL ACTIVATED. THIS IS THE FIRST OCCURANCE. NO INJURIES,. REPLACEMENT HAS NOT OCCURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10230858
“CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10027287
“AFTER A 30MPH IMPACT ON THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE, DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #977853

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood opening while driving

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 NHTSA complaints · 1995-07 → 2000-02

“WHILE DRIVING HOOD RELEASED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION, CAUSING NO VISIBILITY WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLLISION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #856919
“HOOD FLEW UP WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY. TT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #969608

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel line and fuel pump leaks

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 1994-12 → 2000-07

“BECAUSE THE FUEL LINE IS ROUTED NEXT TO THE MUFFLER, THE MUFFLER BURNED A HOLE IN FUEL LINE, CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK OUT. THE FUEL LINE IS RUBBER. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #810315
“PLASTIC CLIP IN FUEL LINE BROKE, CAUSING FUEL LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #478445
“ESCORT FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY RESULTED IN HIGH PRESSURE MASSIVE GASOLINE LEAKS, FUEL PUMPS ARE UNDER THE BACK SEATS. WHEN THE FUEL PUMP LEAK THE PRESSURE IS LIKE A GARDEN HOSE SPEWING GASOLINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #9001409

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

377 crashes 1990–2024

How the 377 occupant deaths break down

243

driver deaths

126

passenger deaths

8

not recorded by seat

377

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1990 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

25

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 1991 Ford Mustang reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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