How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Mustang have?

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2004 Ford Mustang model year. Whether one car had the recall work done depends on that car, so check its VIN with NHTSA.

1995: no answer from NHTSA, Not judged

Our take: worth a look. Owners filed fewer complaints than in a typical year of this model.

Year verdict

Worthy

0.5× a typical year

Fewer owner complaints than a typical year. Still get it inspected.

Confidence: Medium

NHTSA did not answer for 3 years, so the typical year may shift.

NHTSA did not answer for 3 years, so this may change.

Past 100,000 miles

Not judged

No complaints in its first 12 years give a mileage past 100,000 miles. Many owners never write the miles, so that is not a clean bill of health.

How the dial was counted

Year verdict: Typical year: 182 complaints, the median of 8 nearby years. Each counted over its first 8 years from January 2003; this one had 102.

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Odometer check

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WhipWorthy sticker

2004 Ford Mustang

Complaints130From owners
Loading owner complaints
Recalls6On file
Loading recalls
NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.
Loading crash ratings
MPG17 to 21Combined, EPA
Loading fuel economy

Complaints are unverified owner reports, not adjusted for how many were sold.

Compare this car Every Mustang year

Car report

Park this car in My Garage and see its recalls at a glance.Car Hunt Pass or Pro

Value signals

We do not price cars.

These help you judge whether this one is worth its price.

Costly problem zones ahead at your miles come with a Car Hunt Pass or Pro. See plans
Fuel: $3,050 to $3,800 a year.The EPA’s estimate for 15,000 miles a year, 55% in town, at its fuel prices. Each version
Loading the EPA's yearly fuel cost
Have the VIN? Check it is this car, and see its open recalls at NHTSA.
VIN
On the dash at the base of the windshield, or on the driver’s door sticker.

What about the price? Check the asking price on two listing sites. Buying from a dealer? Run its offer through the offer X ray.

Education, not financial or mechanical advice. Have any used car checked by a mechanic you trust before you buy.

The full record

Tap to open

What owners complain about

130 complaints; the part named most is the cruise and speed control

Unverified reports, not adjusted for sales. One complaint can name several parts, so shares add up past 100%. Filed Oct 29, 2003 to Jul 3, 2026. 18% name a part that is usually costly to fix.

Owners reported 24 crashes and 11 injuries in these complaints.

Cruise and speed control35 · 27%
Other or unknown18 · 14%
Engine13 · 10%Usually costly to fix

What one owner wrote about the cruise and speed control

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford mustang. While driving 25 mph, the accelerator pedal became caught in the floormat and caused the vehicle to accelerate. The contact had to shift into neutral to stop the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 169,865.

Filed Nov 26, 2018NHTSA complaint 111540121 of 18 owner quotes

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14 more parts, and 18 owner quotes

Every part owners name for the 2004 Ford Mustang, with their own words about what went wrong. Usually costly to fix among them: Transmission and drivetrain, Body and frame.

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SourceOwner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Mustang. NHTSA, checked Oct 31, 2026.

Seller kit

Questions for the seller, test drive checks and price points

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Walk up to the seller ready

Questions to ask the seller of a 2004 Ford Mustang, built from this year's owner complaints and recalls. What to feel, hear and look at on the test drive, with boxes to tick at the car. Honest points to raise on price, from the records and never from guesses. Copy the questions to your phone in one tap.

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Write your offer

A ready to send offer for the seller, by text or email

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Send the seller a fair offer

Type the asking price and your own offer for the 2004 Ford Mustang, tick what you found, and get a polite message ready to text or email. Its reasons come from this year's owner complaints, recalls and crash ratings, and never from made up repair prices.

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When problems show up

Too few complaints give a mileage

Too few complaints mention a mileage to show a pattern. 19 complaints of 130 gave one, and a part needs at least 15.

SourceMileage from owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Mustang. NHTSA, checked Oct 31, 2026.

Will it outlast the loan?

The month of your loan each problem zone lands in

Not enough owner complaints for the 2004 Ford Mustang mention a mileage to lay against a loan. Have a mechanic look it over all the same.

Recalls

6 recalls on file

Not every car needs every fix. Run the VIN at NHTSA to see which are still open. Repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand; ask before any work.

Lights
May 11, 2009 · Recall 09E025000
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.
What can happen
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Lights
Apr 7, 2009 · Recall 09E012000
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.
What can happen
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Lights
Aug 11, 2008 · Recall 08E050000
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."
What can happen
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact k2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Fuel system
Jun 13, 2006 · Recall 06E056000
Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
What can happen
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix
Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
Lights
May 24, 2006 · Recall 06E049000
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
What can happen
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Cruise and speed control
Apr 7, 2006 · Recall 06V108000
On certain mustang cobra passenger vehicles, the rear surface of the accelerator pedal may come into contact with floor carpeting during heavy throttle application. The unique surface profile of the accelerator pedal may catch in the cutout on the floor carpeting behind the accelerator pedal.
What can happen
This could interfere with the pedal's ability to return to an idle position. Unexpected, continued throttle application and/or increased stopping distances may occur which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a shield over the cutout in the carpet behind the accelerator pedal. The recall began on april 26, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

SourceRecalls listed by NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Mustang. NHTSA, checked Oct 31, 2026.

Crash ratings

NHTSA did not answer

NHTSA's stars out of five, for each version it tested. Front crash stars only compare cars of about the same size and weight. The tests changed for 2011 models, so these stars do not line up with newer ones.

NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings for this car. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.

Fuel economy

17 to 21 mpg combined, across 9 versions

The EPA's estimates for each engine and transmission, and its own yearly fuel cost. Yours depends on how you drive and the shape the car is in. Figures for 2007 and older use the EPA's 2008 method, so they may be lower than the original sticker.

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
Mustang · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
17 mpg
Highway
25 mpg
Combined
20 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$3,200
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L
Mustang · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
17 mpg
Highway
24 mpg
Combined
20 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$3,200
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 2 VALVE
Mustang · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
16 mpg
Highway
21 mpg
Combined
18 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$3,550
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 4 VALVE
Mustang · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
15 mpg
Highway
21 mpg
Combined
17 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$3,800
This one on fueleconomy.gov

Show 5 more versions

Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
Mustang · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
18 mpg
Highway
27 mpg
Combined
21 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$3,050
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L
Mustang · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
18 mpg
Highway
27 mpg
Combined

SourceEPA fuel economy data, fueleconomy.gov. EPA, checked Oct 31, 2026.

True cost to own

The loan, fuel, insurance and upkeep, a month and over 5 years

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What it really costs to own

What the 2004 Ford Mustang costs a month and over 5 years: the loan and its interest, fuel worked out from the EPA's figures for the version you pick, and your own insurance, registration and upkeep. A cost a mile, a link that reopens your numbers, and the breakdown copied to your phone in one tap.

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Every year of the Mustang

24 Worthy, 4 Maybe, 0 Pass, of 31 years on file, 2 with no answer

Owner complaints for each model year, this one outlined. Tap a year to open it. The newest 2 are not judged yet. Bars are totals, so older years stand taller; the verdict compares every year at the same age.

Best and worst years of the Mustang

NHTSA did not answer for 8 years, so the chart may be missing some.

SourceNHTSA owner complaints and recalls for the Mustang. NHTSA, checked Oct 31, 2026.

Before you buy this one

5 checks, with a close look at the cruise and speed control

Built from this year's numbers. Whatever the data says, the car in front of you is the one that counts.

Run the VIN at NHTSA to confirm every recall was fixed.
This year has 6 recalls on file. Recall repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand. Ask the dealer to confirm before any work is done. Look up a VIN at NHTSA.
Ask the seller for the service records.
Look closely for any work on the cruise and speed control. It is the part owners complain about most for this year.
Have a mechanic you trust inspect it before you pay.
Ask them to look at the cruise and speed control first.
Look at a vehicle history report.
It can show reported crashes, flood or salvage titles, and mileage that does not add up.
On the test drive, pay attention to the cruise and speed control.
Try the cruise control, and feel for surging or a throttle that hangs.

Going to see it? Take the checklist52 checks with the bad signs to look for, saved on your phone.

Check this exact car

The verdict is about the model year. These checks are about the one in front of you. Most are free or a few dollars.

VIN for these checks

Copy it, then paste it into each check. Nothing is sent until you open one.

Official checks on this VIN

Open recallsFree
NHTSA
Safety recalls on this VIN that are not fixed yet, from the last 15 years.
A recall already fixed does not show.
Check recalls at NHTSAnhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)
Theft and total lossFree
NICB VINCheck
Whether an insurer reported it stolen and not found, or wrote it off as a total loss.
Only insurer records. Five checks a day.
Open NICB VINChecknicb.org (opens in a new tab)
Title brandsA few dollars
NMVTIS, the federal title system
Salvage, flood, junk and rebuilt brands from any state, and the last miles on the title.
No repairs, service or recalls. Sold by approved sellers listed on the site.
See the approved sellersvehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov (opens in a new tab)
Title statusVaries by state
The state motor vehicle office
Whether the title is branded in that state and, where the state offers it, whether a lender still has a lien.
It will not name the owner. Each state asks its own way, and some only by mail. Ask to see the seller’s title too.
Find your state’s officeusa.gov (opens in a new tab)

What a paid report adds

A history report such as Carfax or AutoCheck pulls in more of the car’s past than these checks can:

Crashes and damage reported by police, insurers or shops, even when it was fixed.
Service visits that shops reported, with the miles each time.
How many owners, for how long, and the states it was registered in.
Whether it was a rental, fleet or lease car, when that was reported.

It only knows what was reported to it. A clean report is not proof of a clean car. Ask the seller first: many dealers hand one over for free.

Red flags in a history

Salvage title
Usually an insurer called it a total loss. In most states it cannot be driven on the road until it is rebuilt and inspected.
Rebuilt title
A salvage car that was fixed and passed a state check. It can be fine, but it is worth less, can be harder to insure, and needs a careful inspection.
Flood damage
Water can ruin wiring and sensors months later. Be wary of a flood brand that vanished after a move to another state.
Lemon or maker buyback
The maker bought it back over a defect it could not fix. Ask what the defect was and how it was fixed.
Odometer rollback
A mileage reading lower than an earlier one, or a title marked not actual miles.
Many owners, fast
Three owners in two years can mean a problem each one passed along.
Gaps in the records
Years with no service or registration. Ask why: it may have sat, been off the road, or been rebuilt.

Title words and rules differ by state. Not legal advice.

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection
Have a mechanic you choose, not the seller, put it on a lift and look it over before you pay.
Insurance quote
Get a quote on this exact car before you sign. Ask your own insurer and one or two others.

Model year	Owner complaints	Verdict
1995	No answer	Not judged
1996	331	Worthy
1997	242	Worthy
1998	336	Worthy
1999	313	Worthy
2000	No answer	Not judged
2001	283	Worthy
2002	213	Worthy
2003	271	Worthy
2004	130	Worthy
2005	868	Maybe
2006	575	Worthy
2007	615	Worthy
2008	347	Worthy
2009	181	Worthy
2010	261	Worthy
2011	466	Maybe
2012	469	Maybe
2013	271	Worthy
2014	359	Worthy
2015	439	Worthy
2016	380	Worthy
2017	268	Worthy
2018	196	Worthy
2019	152	Worthy
2020	122	Worthy
2021	55	Worthy
2022	50	Worthy
2024	84	Maybe
2025	19	Worthy
2026	8	Not judged

The verdict on the 2004 Ford Mustang

Value signals

What owners complain about

Seller kit

Write your offer

When problems show up

Will it outlast the loan?

Recalls

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Fuel system

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Cruise and speed control

What can happen

The fix

Crash ratings

Fuel economy

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 2 VALVE

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 4 VALVE

Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L

Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

True cost to own

Every year of the Mustang

Before you buy this one

Check this exact car

Official checks on this VIN

What a paid report adds

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection

Insurance quote

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 2 VALVE

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 4 VALVE

Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L

Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 2 VALVE

Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L, 4 VALVE

Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Fuel system

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Cruise and speed control

What can happen

The fix