2003 Ford Mustang

Introduction:

The 2003 Ford Mustang is a popular muscle car available with a variety of engine and transmission options. It is known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. However, like many vehicles, it has also had its share of issues reported by owners.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Premature failure of the intake manifold gasket, resulting in loss of coolant and overheating.
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: Leaking valve cover gaskets, causing oil leaks.
• Power Window Switch Failure: Failure of the power window switch, rendering the windows inoperable.
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure: Failure of the HVAC blower motor, resulting in no airflow through the vents.

4.6L V8

• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure: Failure of the oil pressure sensor, resulting in inaccurate oil pressure readings.
• Intake Cam Phaser Failure: Failure of the intake cam phaser, leading to rough idling and reduced engine performance.
• Rear Main Seal Leak: Leaks from the rear main seal, causing oil leaks.
• Exhaust Manifold Gasket Failure: Failure of the exhaust manifold gasket, resulting in exhaust leaks and engine noise.

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Master Cylinder Failure: Failure of the clutch master cylinder, resulting in clutch pedal issues.
• Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure: Failure of the clutch slave cylinder, leading to difficulty shifting gears.

5-Speed Automatic

• Solenoid Pack Failure: Failure of the solenoid pack, causing transmission slipping and shifting issues.
• Torque Converter Clutch Failure: Failure of the torque converter clutch, resulting in shuddering and slipping.

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear: Premature wear of the front lower control arm bushings, causing excessive noise and vibration.
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure: Failure of the rear shock absorbers, leading to reduced ride quality and handling.

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Failure of the alternator, leading to battery drain and electrical issues.
• Battery Drain: Excessive battery drain due to faulty electrical components.
• Ignition Module Failure: Failure of the ignition module, resulting in no spark or intermittent spark.

Exterior

• Trunk Lid Rusting: Rusting of the trunk lid, especially around the license plate area.
• Hood Latch Failure: Failure of the hood latch, causing the hood to open unexpectedly.

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: Cracking or warping of the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
• Airbag Deployment Issues: Malfunctioning or delayed airbag deployment in certain scenarios.

Recalls:

• 03E01 (Power Window Switch Failure)
• 04V329 (Trunk Lid Rusting)
• 13E02 (Dashboard Cracking)

Summary:

The 2003 Ford Mustang has had a range of issues reported by owners. While some are relatively minor, such as interior trim issues, others can be more severe and expensive to repair, such as engine or transmission problems. It is important to be aware of these potential issues when considering purchasing or owning this vehicle.