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2005 Ford Mustang

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2005 Ford Mustang has 865 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (516 complaints) and engine (162 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Mustang, consider the 2025 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 98% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Ford Mustang dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 6

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

06E089000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET EIBACH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS ONLY, PART NO. 35101.8001, AND EIBACH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS AS SUSPENSION KITS, PART NOS. 35101.840, 35101.680, 35101.780, 35100.680, 35100.780, 4.101...

Risk

IF THE BROKEN BRACKET CONTACTS THE TIRE, SIDEWALL DAMAGE CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

EIBACH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO PROVIDE NEW STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EIBACH AT 951-256-8300.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

08V082000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 ...

Risk

DURING AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IF A SMALL FEMALE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT WEARING THE SAFETY BELT, AND HAS THE SEAT IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION, THERE MAY BE AN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A ...

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332 OR THROUGH EMAIL TO WWW.OWNERCONNECTION.COM.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

15V319000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 Septe...

Risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury ...

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator, free of charge. The r...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

16V384000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 vehi...

Risk

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

21E013000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side...

Risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury...

Remedy

Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford cust...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

17V024000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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...

Risk

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Inter...

Reported Oct 1, 2017

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000169639210243
20019327608218
20027713386122
200310611367837
2004781116187
20051184551616224
2006105253189128
2007142193694930
200848112421129
200927413766
20104281821611
2011701413268182
201283716051162
20133651533243
201450122362424
2015175441037834
201616215769222
20171606383817
2018544266535
2019364275519
20203215242716
20211655227
20222326161
20241763593
202570401

By Category

Electrical
516
Engine
162
Body
118
Brakes
45
Transmission
24

By Severity

1
387
2
427
3
4
4
47

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to fuel the vehicle, the fuel tank was unable to be fully fueled. The contact stated that either the nozzle would shut off prematurely or gasoline would be prevented from flowing into the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but by late 2024, the fuel tank could no longer be filled, and the vehicle was placed in storage. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer prior to being placed in storage, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of Technical Service Bulletin Number: 05-15012; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

11mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at approximately 25-35 MPH for approximately two miles, the engine started overheating. The oil pan gasket was leaking. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V779000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). There were several hoses that were split. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the radiator and engine were cracked, and the pistons were loose. There was air in the oil. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

16mo ago
Engine 2

I have experienced two engine failures in my 2005 Ford Mustang due to timing chain issues, specifically the failure of the timing chain cassette, guides, and tensioners in the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine. The first failure happened suddenly with no warning, resulting in severe bottom-end damage, including rod knock. The timing chain cassette ends tend to snap off, sending debris through the engine and damaging lifters, camshafts, and other critical components. The second failure was preceded by an audible “death rattle,” a known symptom of timing chain guide and tensioner failure. Despite this, my vehicle never displayed a check engine light or oil pressure warning before either failure. Unlike later Mustangs with an oil pressure gauge, mine only has a warning light, which never activated.This issue poses a major safety risk, especially at highway speeds. My first engine failure occurred with no prior symptoms, which could have led to an accident had I been merging or overtaking. A failing timing chain can cause misfires, loss of power, or sudden engine shutdown, endangering the driver and others on the road. Independent mechanics have confirmed this issue, and Ford service centers recognize it as a common problem with the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine. Ford has quoted $3,000–$4,000 for timing chain service, making repairs nearly as expensive as engine replacement. These engines rely on multiple chains and hydraulic tensioners that wear out over time, causing slack in the timing chain, jumped timing, and catastrophic damage, typically after 100,000 miles. Despite this, there are no clear warning systems to alert drivers before failure occurs. While timing chains are considered serviceable components, the high failure rate of the timing chain guides and tensioners in these engines, combined with excessive repair costs, indicates a design flaw. I have spent around $4,500 addressing this issue, yet the risk of recurrence remains.

17mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that during inclement weather, water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the passenger’s side glove box. The contact stated that due to the failure, mold had developed throughout the vehicle on the carpet, doors, and interior seats. The contact's husband also discovered that water had entered the computer module after inspecting the vehicle and the module was removed. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable after several repairs and several battery replacements. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

17mo ago
Engine 2

Ford did issue a recall for several issues for my car, including but not limited to, problems when filling gas tank with evaporative purge system as well as cavitation of the fuel pump in high heat conditions, the doors not closing all the way or handles remaining open( not flush with rest of door) when door is shut, driver's side door trim/bezel around power window switch making buzzing sounds when stereo is in use, as well as ticking sounds coming from motor during operation and various creaks and sounds from front suspension when cornering and going over uneven terrain, and the transmission, the 5r55s, has the known hard shift into gear caused by bad servo. I have reached out to the dealers in my area regarding these issues and even though my car is the correct model and year for the service recall bulletins and has the exact issues described there in, I am told that the vin on my car is not covered even though it is clearly suffering from equipment that exhibits all the same problems listed in the recall. I feel the responsibility to perform and pay for these repairs should fall on the manufacturer, not i, the customer.

17mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on a rainy night, the headlights started flickering. The contact stated that upon exiting the freeway, while driving 30 MPH, the headlights completely turned off and the hazard lights were inoperable. The contact drove to the nearest gas station and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

20mo ago
Body 1

I purchased this car from Trent Family Auto on May 2, 2024. On September 11, 2024 the engine failed. While working on replacing the engine I found an open recall. This is safety related and was never mentioned to me by the dealership. So aside from selling me a bad "as is" they sold me an unsafe vehicle. A vehicle my family has ridden in several times since the purchase. In regard to the recall when I reached out to them about the engine replacement cost they stated recalls can only be taken care of by manufacturing dealerships. Shouldn't they have some ownership to inform customer buying an unsafe vehicle there is an open recall? Thank your for checking into this matter.

21mo ago
Electrical 2

Took the 2005 Mustang GT in several years ago to have one airbag replaced. Dealer (Autonation Torrance, California) stated parts were not available for the other side. One of the airbags has never been replaced. I now read there is a "Do Not Drive" recall for vehicles of this year and model in "Zone A".

23mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang GT. The contact stated the front passenger’s side seat belt was difficult to latch and detach. The contact stated that several times the seat belt failed to detach. The seat belt warning light was illuminated stating that the seat belt was not engaged when it was engaged. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the pin was not attached to the clip causing the seat belt malfunction. The mechanic fractured the seat belt so the contact could drive the vehicle. The seat belt was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

29mo ago
Engine 4

Filling gas tank is a nightmare, the first batch of the newly remodeled vehicle. When filling it it'll pump for 3 seconds and then click off and shoot gas out because it thinks it's full so you have to click it on the lowest possible setting. It's a 16 gallon tank and if it's completely empty the first eight gallons will pump fine anything over that because of the way the tank is shaped is where the airlock is and that's when you can barely touch the gas lever before it clicks off and shoots gas up It takes me 20 minutes to fill up so anything before the half a tank mark will fill normally but once it's over half a tank is when the problem arises. From all of the forums that I've looked at for this new remodeled 2005 year this was a common problem and the mustangs built for the first 6 months and judging by the belt date mine was in March so far well within the first 6 months. When I pulled out the extra gas that dripped onto the ground caught on fire so I had to jump out and luckily I had a fire extinguisher in my trunk but that was terrifying because I'm at a gas station and the whole thing could have went up in flames.

31mo ago
Electrical 1

Body control module. It gets wet when it rains because of an engineering mess up. It shorts out my lights. Sometimes it can't get out of car because it messes with the locks and windows. Can't use my electric mirrors anymore. Instead of being a much needed recall they decided to not even make replacement bcm. It is a problem everything it gets wet that should have been recalled and fixed. At least a thousand other incidents of this happening to others.

32mo ago
Electrical 2

I've own a 2005 Mustang GT since the year 2012. Throughout the years I've encountered problems where the cooling fan would abruptly shut off and cause the engine to overheat. The first time this happened I had to pull over to the side of the road countless of times just to let my car get cool enough to get back home. I brought the Mustang GT in to a mechanic who suggested to replace the radiator fan. After replacing it, the fan would work for a few weeks only for it to randomly shut off, but turn back on. Just recently I found oil in my spark plugs and found the following OBD II error codes: P0480 Fan 1 Control Circuit & P0481 Fan 2 Control Circuit. I am convinced the valve seals and maybe the piston rings were worn out due to excessive heat caused by the Mustang's electrical issues with the radiator fan. After searching online, I found countless amounts of threads and videos of other Mustang owners experiencing the same issue. Most of them are caused by a faulty relay connection inside the Mustang's fuse box that is causing the radiator fan to fail. The faulty relay would get burnt and cause a short thus not providing power to the radiator fan which left many owners stranded on the road and caused over thousands of dollars in damages to their engine. The part that gets burnt is not easily available and would require owners to pay an additional thousands of dollars to reconnect the relays. Some owners had no choice but to create a makeshift wired connection from their radiator fan to the dashboard so that their vehicle's engine can remain under normal operating temperatures while driving. I've attached a video of someone explaining this issue at the 8:00 Minute mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAs6uf3VV68

36mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer and several unknown gauges on the instrument cluster became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,981.

37mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off for extended periods of time, the vehicle would not restart, and the battery needed to be recharged. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

42mo ago
Body 2

I just bought this the floor board is totally soaked I have read this soaking wet I have read this is a serious issue for long time to eye the wiring shorts out as been why is this not on a renal list to bed serious issue

43mo ago
Brakes 2

I have done all my airbag recalls and the light came on a few months ago and is steady flashing. Called Cresent Ford in High Pint and they looked up my VIN and my car replacement history. They told me it had been replaced but it was still under warranty and to make an appointment to have it looked at. Made an appointment, which I may add I had to take the day off and drive 40 mins one way, I was told by [XXX] that I had to pay for a diagnostic test because it may not be the airbag and they refused to look at the car until I paid for a diagnostic test. I continue to receive airbag notices and if I was told on the phone this was under warranty. If there are problems in the past with airbags and in the future, we have problems why should this not be covered and looked at by Ford at cost to them to run a diagnostic test. This is absurd. Had this happened to me 3 months ago I NEVER would not have purchased a 2010 Mustang if this is how you do your customers for your defective parts. Also went to pull the parking brake up, which was passed inspection SEVERAL times, and the brake does not work. This is a BIG safety hazard. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

44mo ago
Electrical 4

Allen , our son had accident Friday May 20th in our 2005 Ford Mustang gt. He swerved to miss something in the road and lost control of the vehicle. It actually rolled over but also damaged the front end enough to bend the frame rails. The ai bags did not set off. There was a recall on them and we had them replaced by Ford in 2020 . My wife and I felt like they should have deployed . Thanks

50mo ago
Engine 2

while driving home just as I was switching lanes, the car sputtered badly and a wrench light appeared on dash. Since then, the car did not exceed 20 miles per hour. as I conducted research, a lot of mustangs have this issue and it is theorized to be the throttle body.

51mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that one day after a rainstorm she noticed several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable due to the water leaking into the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, there was water leaking into the interior of the dashboard. There was also water coming out of the driver’s side front air vent and the interior lighting in the vehicle from the interior module and center console. The lights were flickering on and off. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer however, the dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

57mo ago
Electrical 2

Brought the vehicle in for airbag replacement. Made an appointment ahead of time. Left the car over night. Contacted the service dept the next day and they told me the repair was done. I went in and was handed the keys and paperwork and told it was done. I kept getting recall notices from Ford, so I contacted them to let them know the airbags had been replaced. They insisted I never brought the car in, but I have the paperwork. Upon going over the details with Ford during the first phone call. Only one airbag had been replaced, and they gave the car back to me under the impression it was safe to drive. Last week was the third time I've contacted. Each time they say they will investigate the matter and never call back. I've lost confidence in this dealership and Ford for being unwilling to admit they dropped the ball and fix the problem. Their letters say they will come to you, but that's not happening either. I would like to watch this being done, sorry I just don't trust them anymore. (I have the paperwork)

61mo ago

865 total

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