1978 Ford Mustang problems

General information about Ford-Mustang
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ford Mustang is a series of American automobiles manufactured by Ford. In continuous production since 1964, the Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its seventh generation, it is the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate. The namesake of the "pony car" automobile segment, the Mustang was developed as a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing model lines, initially distinguished by "long hood, short deck" proportions.

Originally predicted to sell 100,000 vehicles yearly, the 1965 Mustang became the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Model A. Introduced on April 17, 1964 (16 days after the Plymouth Barracuda), over 400,000 units were sold in its first year; the one-millionth Mustang was sold within two years of its launch. In August 2018, Ford produced the 10-millionth Mustang; matching the first 1965 Mustang, the vehicle was a 2019 Wimbledon White convertible with a V8 engine.

The success of the Mustang launch led to multiple competitors from other American manufacturers, including the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (1967), AMC Javelin (1968), and Dodge Challenger (1970). It also competed with the Plymouth Barracuda, which was launched around the same time. The Mustang also had an effect on designs of coupes worldwide, leading to the marketing of the Toyota Celica and Ford Capri in the United States (the latter, by Lincoln-Mercury). The Mercury Cougar was launched in 1967 as a unique-bodied higher-trim alternative to the Mustang; during the 1970s, it included more features and was marketed as a personal luxury car.

From 1965 until 2004, the Mustang shared chassis commonality with other Ford model lines, staying rear-wheel-drive throughout its production. From 1965 to 1973, the Mustang was derived from the 1960 Ford Falcon compact. From 1974 until 1978, the Mustang (denoted Mustang II) was a longer-wheelbase version of the Ford Pinto. From 1979 until 2004, the Mustang shared its Fox platform chassis with 14 other Ford vehicles (becoming the final one to use the Fox architecture). Since 2005, Ford has produced two generations of the Mustang, each using a distinct platform unique to the model line.

Through its production, multiple nameplates have been associated with the Ford Mustang series, including GT, Mach 1, Boss 302/429, Cobra (separate from Shelby Cobra), and Bullitt, along with "5.0" fender badging (denoting 4.9 L OHV or 5.0 L DOHC V8 engines).

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Common 1978 Ford Mustang problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1978 Ford Mustang, several common problems have been reported:

Non-Functioning Gauge Lights: Another reported problem is the malfunctioning of gauge lights in the 1978 Ford Mustang II. This issue affects the visibility of the instrument panel, potentially causing inconvenience and safety concerns for drivers.

Odometer Failure: Owners have reported issues with the odometer not turning over from a certain mileage (e.g., 79,000 miles). This malfunction can lead to inaccuracies in tracking the vehicle's mileage, affecting maintenance schedules and resale value.

Fuel and Temperature Gauge Malfunction: The fuel gauge and temperature gauge in the 1978 Ford Mustang II have been reported to not function properly. This can lead to inaccurate readings of fuel levels and engine temperature, potentially causing operational issues if not addressed promptly.

Non-Functioning Car Stereo: Some owners have experienced problems with the car stereo system in the 1978 Ford Mustang II. This issue can impact the overall driving experience, especially for those who rely on the stereo for entertainment or navigation purposes.

These reported problems highlight various issues that owners of the 1978 Ford Mustang II have encountered. Addressing these issues promptly through proper diagnosis and repairs is essential to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety on the road.

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 years of Mustang are good?

2005-2010 gt with the 4.6L. These engines have been shown to be extremely reliable and can easily hit over 200k and some people even hitting 400k. ...
2015-2017 gt. This gets the second spot due to having upgraded engine components. ...
2011-2014 gt. This was the first year of the modern 5.0.

How much did a Mustang cost in 1978?

Mustang 2 Generation (1973-1978)

The three-door Fastback was available starting at $3,557 in 1974, or $18,184 in today's dollars. By the end of the Mustang 2 generation, these cars were selling for $4,523, or $17,484.

Are Mustangs high maintenance?

Ford Mustang Maintenance Costs. A Ford Mustang will cost about $7,093 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular coupe models by $330. There is also a 20.79% chance that a Mustang will require a major repair during that time.

What are disadvantages of Ford Mustang?

Things We Don't Like

Steering Feel. The Mustang offers three settings for steering effort, but it's hard to notice much difference between them. ...
Carbon-Fiber Knockoff. ...
Snug Seats.

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.

What were the worst years for Ford Mustang?

Top 10 Worst Mustangs Ever Made

2010 Mustang.
2015 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Mustang. ...
1980-1981 V8 Mustang. ...
2015-2017 Mustang V6. ...
Mustang SVO. ...
1979 3.3 Liter V6 Mustang. ...
1999 Mustang Cobra. ...
1996 Mustang GT. The first car on the list of the worst Mustangs ever is going to be the 1996 mustang GT. ...

Is an old Mustang a good car?

Overall, classic Mustangs are a strong investment. Classic car values increase over time, making them worthwhile purchases. Mustangs also have unique traits that improve their investment value, like: Easy maintenance: Mustangs are known for their durability and simple maintenance.

1978 Ford Mustang car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Mustang problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

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

The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Ford Mustang vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1978 Ford Mustang complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Ford Mustang.

2000-04-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1985-07-29
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER MALFUNCTION DUE TO DEFECTIVE CARBURATOR BEING INSTALLED. YH

Add Complaint

2000-04-12

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1985-07-29
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: ACCELERATOR MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO ACCELERATOR PUMP LEAK. YH

Add Complaint

1997-09-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-09-04
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES SEPARATED FROM THE FAN HUB PRIOR TO RECALL, REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO MANUFACTURER'S INABILITY OR UNWILLINGNESS TO PROVIDE PARTS TO DEALER NECESSARY FOR THEM TO MAKE REPAIRS (83V-025). *AK

Add Complaint

1997-05-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKE POWER BOOSTER FAILED.

Add Complaint

1997-05-13

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CARBURETOR FAILED.

Add Complaint

1997-05-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: FRONT BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.

Add Complaint

1997-05-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKE PADS FAILED.

Add Complaint

1997-05-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.

Add Complaint

1997-05-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE SMOG PUMP FAILED.

Add Complaint

1997-05-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: STARTER FAILED.

Add Complaint

1978 Ford Mustang recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1978 Ford Mustang.

2007-08-27

Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

1983-03-01

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: THE FLEXIBLE BLADE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY CRACK AND BREAK OFF. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY HIGH BLADE STRESSES THAT CAN RESULT FROM VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN AT NO COST TO OWNER.

1981-12-02

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: THE SEVEN-BLADE ENGINE COOLING FAN IS SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING DURING NORMAL OPERATION. PORTIONS OF THE BLADES MAY SEPARATE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEFECTIVE FANS WILL BE REPLACED WITH FANS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN WITHOUT CHARGE.

1978-03-08

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Summary: THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY FAIL TO LOCK DUE TO BINDING OF THE LOCKING PAWL AGAINST THE RETRACTOR HOUSING. THIS BINDING IS CAUSED BY RETRACTOR HOUSING DEFORMATION WHICH OCCURRED DURING ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGERS WOULD BE RESTRAINED ONLY BY THE FULLY EXTENDED BELT. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION".
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ONE OR BOTH REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE.

1977-11-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Summary: THE DUST TUBE PORTION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ASSEMBLY ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BIND DUE TO IMPROPER CRIMPING OF THE CABLE ASSEMBLY DURING MANUFACTURE. AS A RESULT, THE RETURN RATE OF THE THROTTLE MAY BE SLOWED OR THE THROTTLE MAY BE PREVENTED FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. IN THIS CONDITION, A VEHICLE SPEED OF 30 T0 40 MPH COULD BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECCESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ASSEMBLY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1978 Ford Mustang problems:

1978 Mustang II Ghia problems!!! | Ford Mustang Forum

https://www.allfordmustangs.com/threads/1978-mustang-ii-ghia-problems.222843/

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 ...

What are the problems with Ford Mustang? - Quora

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-problems-with-Ford-Mustang

Jun 24, 2018 ... Price: Ford Mustangs can be expensive, particularly the high-performance models. · Fuel Efficiency: Mustangs are known for their powerful engines ...

I'm thinking about buying a 1978 Mustang II | Ford Mustang Forum

https://www.allfordmustangs.com/threads/im-thinking-about-buying-a-1978-mustang-ii.512193/

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 ...