1978 Ford Mustang ii problems
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.
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Common 1978 Ford Mustang ii problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1978 Ford Mustang II, common problems with this car include:
- Vibrations Between 38-42 mph: Owners reported experiencing vibrations specifically when accelerating through the speed range of 38-42 mph. This issue was noted to be absent when decelerating through the same zone, indicating a specific problem related to acceleration.
- Non-Functioning Gauge Lights: Another prevalent problem was the malfunctioning of gauge lights in the car. This issue could affect the visibility of important indicators while driving, potentially leading to safety concerns.
- Odometer Failure: Owners reported issues with the odometer not turning over from a specific mileage (e.g., 79,000 miles). This could lead to inaccuracies in tracking the car's mileage, affecting maintenance schedules and resale value.
- Fuel and Temperature Gauge Malfunction: The fuel gauge and temperature gauge were also reported to be non-functional. This could pose risks as drivers may not be aware of the actual fuel levels or engine temperature, impacting the car's performance and safety.
- Non-Functioning Car Stereo: Problems with the car stereo were also highlighted by owners. A malfunctioning stereo system can affect the overall driving experience, especially for those who rely on music or radio while driving.
These issues, ranging from mechanical to electrical components, can impact the overall functionality, safety, and comfort of the 1978 Ford Mustang II. Owners facing these problems may need to seek professional assistance to diagnose and address each issue effectively.
Are old Mustangs hard to maintain?
Older models of Mustang are easy to maintain. They were built to be tough and are less likely to experience serious mechanical issues from the get-go. Models with minor strain over their lifetimes will be the easiest and cheapest to fix up.
Are vintage Mustangs reliable?
Easy maintenance: Mustangs are known for their durability and simple maintenance. You can use different maintenance techniques to keep your classic Mustang in its best condition. Their durability allows the models to last for many years, even with older ages.
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.
Was the Mustang 2 a Pinto?
The original pony car was based on the compact Falcon and for its second-generation, the Mustang evolved from an even smaller platform, the Pinto that was rolled out in 1971.
Are old Mustangs hard to maintain?
Older models of Mustang are easy to maintain. They were built to be tough and are less likely to experience serious mechanical issues from the get-go. Models with minor strain over their lifetimes will be the easiest and cheapest to fix up.
Are vintage Mustangs reliable?
Easy maintenance: Mustangs are known for their durability and simple maintenance. You can use different maintenance techniques to keep your classic Mustang in its best condition. Their durability allows the models to last for many years, even with older ages.
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.
Is an old Mustang a good investment?
High prices and a good parts supply mean that Mustangs in poor condition are worth restoring. However you won't make it a lucrative business because I doubt if prices will rise much more. They are undoubtedly good looking and driving cars, and they have become film icons. No wonder they are loved.
1978 Ford Mustang ii car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Mustang ii problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Ford Mustang ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Ford Mustang ii complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Ford Mustang ii.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-28
- 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE POWER BOOSTER FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CARBURETOR/CHOKE FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER FAILED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Ford Mustang ii problems:
1978 Mustang II Ghia problems!!! | Ford Mustang Forum
Mar 4, 2010 ... 1978 Mustang II Ghia problems!!! · 1. There is a small amount of vibrating between 38 - 42 mph. · 2. The gauge lights are not functioning. · 3. The ...
Build Thread - 1978 Mustang I I | Mustang Forums at StangNet
May 14, 2014 ... This must be a common rust problem with the design of the Mustang II fender brace. ... Hi i have a 1978 ford mustag ll ... engine & frame mounts for ...
I'm thinking about buying a 1978 Mustang II | Ford Mustang Forum
Jul 15, 2013 ... I was wondering some of the main problems and major rust spots that are common with the 1978 Mustang II. I always have been a Mustang fan ...
Here's The Mustang II Buyers Guide You Never Thought You'd Need
Aug 22, 2017 ... People love to hate the 1974 to 1978 Ford Mustang II, but it was one of the best-selling Mustang generations of all-time.
1978 mustang ii electrical problems | Ford Mustang Forum
Dec 21, 2011 ... The grounds for the headlights are near the top on either side of the radiator frame. The headlight switch is actually a VERY common source of ...
Other years of Ford Mustang ii
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