NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 280 owner complaints for the 2001 Ford Mustang. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (45) and air bags (35). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.
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.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. 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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Mustang model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 304 |
| 1997 | 230 |
| 1998 | 320 |
| 1999 | 297 |
| 2000 | 446 |
| 2001 | 280 |
| 2002 | 209 |
| 2003 | 271 |
| 2004 | 130 |
| 2005 | 868 |
| 2006 | 575 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 261 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 359 |
| 2015 | 439 |
| 2016 | 380 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 196 |
| 2019 | 152 |
| 2020 | 122 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 85 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 8 |
“4.6 LITER V8. SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE BUT LUCKILY DID NOT. SPARK PLUGS WERE LAST CHANGED OVER 30,000 MILES PREVIOUSLY. *TR”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO AVOID STRIKING OTHER VEHICLES, THE CONTACT MADE A SHARP TURN AND STRUCK A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN LEG , PELVIS, AND HEAD INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000. UPDATED 06/16/08 *BF”
“1. THERE IS A DREADFUL GAS FUME ODOR INSIDE THE CAR EVERY TIME I PUT FUEL IN THE CAR ESPECIALLY WHEN I FILL THE TANK. 2.THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN ENGAGED MY CAR STILL ROLLS A LITTLE. 3. THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND TEND TO TWIST AND TANGLE WHEN I TRY TO DO IT MANUALLY.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Mustang Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Mustang Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Mustang Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Mustang Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 4 valve · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
8 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 280 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (45), air bags (35), seat belts (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Ford Mustang at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).