Model year record

1989 Ford Mustang

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 127 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

Component
Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
7,900,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-04-25
Owners notified
1996-06-07

Defect description

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system: ignition: switch15
Electrical system: ignition13120,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor13
Vehicle speed control8
Electrical system: wiring7
Seats6
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline4
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator3
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood3
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash3
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch3
Seat belts: front: anchorage3
Structure: body: door3
Structure: frame and members3
Electrical system2
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers2
Exterior lighting282,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly2
Seat belts2131,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner2
Structure: body2
Tires: sidewall2
Unknown or other2
Electrical system: starter assembly1123,000 mi
Engine1120,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Equipment: electrical1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system1
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Power train: automatic transmission1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Seat belts: front1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1
Steering1
Suspension: rear1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Unknown1
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1

The 1988 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1990 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.