Ford Mustang ii problems

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The second-generation Ford Mustang, marketed as the Ford Mustang II, is a two- or three-door, four-passenger, front-engine/rear-drive pony car manufactured and marketed by Ford from 1973 until 1978. Introduced in September 1973 for model year 1974, the Mustang II arrived roughly coincident with the oil embargo of 1973 and subsequent fuel shortages. Developed under Lee Iacocca, it was an "entirely new kind of pony car." Ford "decided to call it Mustang II, since it was a new type of pony car designed for an era of high gas prices and fuel shortages."

It was 490 lb (222 kg) lighter and almost 19 in (483 mm) shorter than the 1973 Mustang, the second generation was derived from the subcompact Pinto platform using a unique unibody with an isolated front suspension and engine mount subframe which the Pinto did not use while sharing a limited number of chassis and driveline components. The steering was improved from the previous generation by using a rack-and-pinion design.

Named Motor Trend's 1974 Car of the Year and reaching over 1.1 million sales over four years of production, the Mustang II is noted simultaneously for both its marketing prescience and strong sales – while regarded by certain enthusiasts as having abandoned essential aspects of the Mustang heritage and in a retrospective after 40 years since its introduction described as embodying the Malaise era.

photo of Ford Mustang ii car production

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Ford Mustang ii model years

ford mustang ii 1975 photo
Mustang ii 1975
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  • 5
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  • 2
  • 1
ford mustang ii 1978 photo
Mustang ii 1978
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  • 5
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Common Ford Mustang ii problems

Common problems reported by owners of the Ford Mustang II include rust in body panels and undercarriage, front suspension issues, engine problems, and transmission issues.

  1. Rust in Body Panels and Undercarriage: The Ford Mustang II is known to be susceptible to rust, particularly in the body panels and undercarriage. Rust can compromise the structural integrity of the car, leading to safety concerns and affecting its overall appearance. Regular inspections and rust prevention measures are crucial to maintain the longevity of the vehicle.
  2. Front Suspension Issues: Owners have reported front suspension problems in the Mustang II, including issues with control arms, bushings, and ball joints. Front suspension problems can impact the car's handling, stability, and overall driving experience. Timely inspection and maintenance of the front suspension components are essential to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
  3. Engine Problems: Engine issues such as oil leaks and overheating have been reported by owners of the 1978 Ford Mustang. Engine problems can affect the performance and reliability of the car, leading to potential breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and thorough engine inspections, can help prevent and address engine issues promptly.
  4. Transmission Issues: Transmission problems, including hard shifting, slipping, and jerking, have been highlighted by owners of the Ford Mustang II. Transmission issues can result in poor shifting performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and drivability issues. Proper maintenance of the transmission system, including fluid checks and adjustments, is essential to ensure smooth operation and longevity of the transmission.

By addressing these common problems proactively through regular maintenance, inspections, and timely repairs, owners can enhance the reliability, safety, and overall performance of their Ford Mustang II cars.

Ford Mustang ii

How many Mustang II were made?

1.1 million

Consumer reaction to the Mustang II was enthusiastic with a combined total production of the 1974–1978 models exceeding 1.1 million.

Why is Mustang 2 front end popular?

It's no surprise that many people saw opportunities to graft this front end into their own rides. It provides a big leap in drivability and stopping power compared to vehicles with old-school steering boxes and drum brake spindles.

What year Mustang has the least problems?

The 2008 year is one of the standouts of the fifth generation Mustang and deserves to be called the most reliable Ford Mustang year. For starters, the 2008 Mustang received a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0 from Consumer Reports.

What is the best year of Ford Mustang?

1. 2011-2014 Mustang GT. The 2011-2014 Mustang GT is my top pick for a number of reasons. It marks the debut of the Coyote engine, which knocked out an impressive 412 horsepower in its early years (later model years saw that figure upped to 420hp).

Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Mustang ii years

We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Mustang ii cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Ford Mustang ii model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Mustang ii model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Mustang ii years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Ford Mustang ii car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Ford Mustang ii , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Mustang ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Mustang ii model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Mustang ii . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Mustang ii vehicles.

List of Ford Mustang ii complaints

Ford Mustang ii 1975
  • Date Of Incident: 1975-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2005-06-07
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: FROM THE FIRST DAY I DROVE THIS CAR, IN 1975, I EXPERIENCED SEVERE RESPIRATORY AILMENTS, A CONSTANT ODOUR OF ROTTEN EGGS, INFLAMED EYES AND LUNGS - LEADING TO REPEATED MEDICAL EXAMINATION/TREATMENT. MY NASAL MUCOUS DISCHARGES WERE BLACK AND I ALSO EXPERIENCED CONTINUAL EXHAUSTION - OFTEN RESULTING IN MY BLACKING-OUT WHILE DRIVING. REPEATEDLY RETURNING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP (JACK PERRY FORD ON NY RT. 17M IN GOSHEN NY) I WAS ADMONISHED BY BOTH THE SALES AND SERVICE STAFF WITH "IT MUST BE ALL IN YOUR HEAD".MY WORK AND COLLEGE STUDIES SUFFERED - EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MY BEING DISMISSED FOR POOR PERFORMANCE. THOUGH I WAS REINSTATED I STRUGGLED AND TODAY, WHILE ENROLLED (AGAIN) - I FIND I'VE BEEN DAMAGED PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY DUE TO WHAT WAS EVENTUALLY DISCOVERED TO BE A DELIBERATE DESIGN DEFECT IN THE CAR'S EXHAUST SYSTEM. UPON MY RETURN FROM ACTIVE DUTY IN THE USAF, HAVING LEFT THE CAR ON BLOCKS, THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD ROTTED-OUT. I TOOK IT TO A MEINEKE DEALERSHIP IN NEWBURGH NY WHERE THE OWNER INSTALLED A 'STOCK' SYSTEM. HE WARNED ME I MIGHT BEGIN SUFFERING THE VERY SYMPTOMS LISTED ABOVE AND SHOWED ME WHY. THE DUAL TAILPIPES TERMINATED APPROX 8 INCHES FORWARD OF THE REAR BUMPER. COMBINED WITH THE AERODYNAMICS OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE; THIS RESULTED IN EXHUAST GASES BEING TRAPPED UNDERNEATH AND LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM AND WINDOWS - POSSIBLY AFFIXIATING ALL WITHIN. ACCORDING TO THE MEINEKE SHOP OWNER; FORD AND IOCCOCA PULLED THIS MODEL FROM PRODUCTION AFTER JUST 4 MONTHS FOLLOWING ITS INTRODUCTION. FORD REPRESENTATIVES AT VARIOUS NYC AUTO SHOWS DENY FORD EVER EVEN PRODUCED THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. IT APPEARS TO ME FORD IS UTILIZING THE SAME PRACTICE OF 'PLAUSABLE DENIABILITY' AS HAD THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY CEOS HAD DURING CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS.
Ford Mustang ii 1978
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-03-28
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-16
  • VIN: 8F02Z197877
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER'S FUEL CAP IS NOT FUNCTIONING AND WAS ADVISED THAT A LOCKING FUEL CAP IS NEEDED TO PASS EMISSIONS, LOCKING GAS CAPS ARE AVAILABLE NEW AND USED BUT WITHOUT REFERENCE TO CALIFORNIA APPROVAL OR ANY WARRANTY. *JB
Ford Mustang ii 1978
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-05-07
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE POWER BOOSTER FAILED.
Ford Mustang ii 1978
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-05-07
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CARBURETOR/CHOKE FAILED.
Ford Mustang ii 1978
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-05-07
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: STARTER FAILED.

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