Ford Mustang Recall

Notices are only part of the picture

I've had a number of people asking about Ford Mustang recall information. What came out of those discussions, was that many readers were not clear on the differences between a recall notice on their Mustang and a safety or driveability notice.



Before we get into whether or not there's been a Ford Mustang recall on your vehicle, let's see what the differences are between a safety bulletin and a vehicle recall notice.

Technical Service Bulletin - Not a Recall

A TSB, or technical service bulletin, is a notice about some part or system of your vehicle, that either needs adjusting, replacing or to be looked at, so as to avoid any potential safety or performance issues.

For instance, lets say you just bought a nice used 2005 Mustang. You may be seeing your car's gas gauge needle wavering and wondering if you should be seeing your mechanic to fix it, or whether it's something that Ford will repair free of charge.

Checking into Ford Mustang recall notices for your car, may produce no results.

But a search of the technical service bulletins on your new Mustang (new to you that is) shows:

Service Bulletin Number : 18697, dated June 1, 2005.

This Summary says:

ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE READING AND/OR P0463 (FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CIRCUIT HIGH INPUT) IN PCM. *TT

With this information in hand, along with your VIN number (vehicle identification number), contact your local Ford Dealership service department, to find out if your vehicle is covered by the bulletin.

Difference Between TSB's and Recall Notices

The big difference, between Recalls and TSB's are the urgency.

A genuine Ford Mustang recall, means bring your vehicle in NOW !

A technical service bulletin, means you may have an issue, but it's not as urgent.

Toyota's sudden, unintended acceleration issue was a bonafide recall. You don't want to be running a vehicle that could potentially become a projectile.

A quirky tail light, on the other hand, is annoying, but not serious.

Important: The database is very specific. When searching for any Ford Mustang recall information for your vehicle, make sure you specify whether it's a Mustang, or a Mustang GT.

Mustang Aftermarket Parts Recalls

Did you know that there can be Mustang recalls on aftermarket parts?

Well, there are. And in fact, for the new Mustang (currently 2005 to 2011 models), there are now some factory recalls.

(Links to these recall notices are below)

Ford Mustang Recall Notices

So, the big question: Is their a recall on my Mustang?

You may find no recalls on your Mustang now, but things can change.

The U.S. Department of Transportation allows you to check out your pony car at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm

I like to to check every few months or so, just to make sure that all is well.

Example of a U.S. DOT Mustang Recall Notice :

Make: FORD Model: MUSTANGModel Year: 2005Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: FEB 21, 2008NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 08V082000 N/ANHTSA Action Number: N/AComponent: AIR BAGS:FRONTALPotential Number of Units Affected: 434593

Summary: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.

Consequence: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 NECK INJURY.

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.

Important enough, they put it all into caps!

Mustang Technical Service Bulletins

If you have an issue, it's a great idea to see if there's a tsb that covers your problem.

Important: While it's possible, that you could be later reimbursed by the manufacturer for work you had performed, to fix something that you later found was covered by a bulletin, it's probably going to be difficult.

So check first. Here's the link: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/tsbs/

Is there a TSB on My Mustang ?

Rather than tell you what's correct today, I'd rather that you took the information directly from the horse's mouth. Call this my disclaimer. Better safe than sorry.

These notices are updated regularly.

Ford Mustang Recall - Aftermarket Equipment

Most people who know about recalls, don't necessarily know that there are notices for aftermarket parts, affecting your car.

The very same link that you'll use for vehicle research on a Ford Mustang recall, is the same one you'll use for aftermarket parts recalls.

Let's say you bought some aftermarket Eibach springs for your Mustang. You'd like to know if there are any issues.

Well, you can very easily check on possible issues.

Here's one example of a recalled aftermarket part for 2006 Mustangs:

Make: FORD Model: MUSTANGModel Year: 2006Manufacturer: EIBACH SPRINGS, INC. Mfr's Report Date: OCT 16, 2006NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06E089000 N/ANHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION:FRONTPotential Number of Units Affected: 400

Summary: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, 4.10135.680, AND 4.10035.780, SOLD FOR USE ON 2005 THROUGH 2007 FORD MUSTANG VEHICLES. THE FRONT ANTI ROLL BAR ATTACHMENT BRACKET ON THE FRONT STRUT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STRUT HOUSING DUE TO INCONSISTENT WELDING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CLUNKING NOISE AND OR POOR HANDLING IN EXTREME OR EMERGENCY MANEUVERS.

Consequence: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.

Notes:THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET EIBACH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS AND SUSPENSION KITS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON FORD MUSTANG GT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Used Mustangs for Sale

looking for used Mustangs for sale? Along with the usual consumer report publications, this is a great way to get ahead of potential problems.

Pretty cool, huh?


Still looking? Use the search box to find more information.

Links to TSB's and Recall Notices

Vehicle and Aftermarket Equipment Recall notices: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm

Technical Service Bulletin Notices:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/tsbs/


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