1984 Ford Mustang problems
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 1984 Ford Mustang problems
The 1984 Ford Mustang SVO is known for its handling capabilities, thanks to its specially designed steering rack, lower and stiffer springs, adjustable Koni shocks, thicker sway bars, stiffer suspension bushings, and stiffer control arms. However, the car's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which was fuel-injected but not intercooled, was not initially well-received. The engine produced 145 horsepower, but it failed to impress buyers, and sales were slow.
One common problem with the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO was its tendency to backfire and break up when the throttle was applied. This issue was reported by a Mustang owner who had purchased a 1984 SVO as a mostly complete project. The owner reported that the car would start when the ignition switch was released, and it would idle fine. However, if the throttle was applied, the car would break up and backfire out the exhaust. The owner also reported a terrible exhaust odor, which suggested that the car was running too rich. Additionally, the intercooler would get warm after the engine had idled for 10 or 15 minutes, which the owner was unsure was normal.
Another common problem with the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO was the tendency for the engine to stall when coming to a stop. This issue was reported by a Mustang owner on CarComplaints.com, who stated that the car would stall when coming to a stop, which was a significant safety concern.
The 1984 Ford Mustang SVO was also known for its twisted frame rails and cracked torque boxes, which were common problems with the Fox Body Mustangs. The large engine up front and the tendency of Mustang owners to utilize the engine led to these issues. The twisted frame rails and cracked torque boxes were significant problems because they could compromise the structural integrity of the car.
In summary, the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO was known for its handling capabilities, but its 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was not initially well-received. The car's tendency to backfire and break up when the throttle was applied, the terrible exhaust odor, and the warm intercooler were common problems reported by owners. Additionally, the car's tendency to stall when coming to a stop and the twisted frame rails and cracked torque boxes were significant safety concerns.
How reliable are Foxbody Mustangs?
Reliability Rating: 9/10
After an up-and-down lifespan, the final model year of the Fox Mustang went out with a bang.
What years are the most reliable Mustangs?
Moving over to Consumer Reports, both 2018 and 2019 models received a perfect Reliability Verdict of 5.0 out of 5.0 and Owner Satisfaction of 4.0 out of 5.0. CR stated that these Mustang years are more reliable than standard sports cars in the market.
What engine does a 1984 Mustang have?
1984 Ford Mustang Engine Specs
| Engine Options | Engine Bore | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L Turbo 4cyl | 3.78 x 3.13 inches | 145hp |
| 2.3L 4cyl Turbo SVO | 3.78 x 3.13 inches | 175hp |
| 3.8L V-6 | 3.80 x 3.40 inches | 120hp |
| 5.0L V-8 | 4.00 x 3.00 inches | 175hp |
Are old Mustang worth it?
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.
What engine does a 1984 Mustang have?
1984 Ford Mustang Engine Specs
| Engine Options | Engine Bore | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L Turbo 4cyl | 3.78 x 3.13 inches | 145hp |
| 2.3L 4cyl Turbo SVO | 3.78 x 3.13 inches | 175hp |
| 3.8L V-6 | 3.80 x 3.40 inches | 120hp |
| 5.0L V-8 | 4.00 x 3.00 inches | 175hp |
How reliable are Foxbody Mustangs?
Reliability Rating: 9/10
After an up-and-down lifespan, the final model year of the Fox Mustang went out with a bang.
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 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.
1984 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Equipment problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Ford Mustang vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1984 Ford Mustang
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Ford Mustang. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1984 Ford Mustang vehicles.
STEERING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-30
- VIN: 1FABP28T3EF
- Components: STEERING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1984 FORD MUSTANG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND THEY STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY AND MADE THE REPAIR. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A LOT OF MOVEMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE NAME OF THE MANUFACTURER OF THE RACK AND PINION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-28
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FULDA TIRES-CARAT 195/60R15. DOT PJRBYFKR0803. DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. OWNER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED BRAND NEW, AND THERE WAS ONLY 500 MILES OF TREAD WEAR WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP28W7EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH DUE TO WIRING BEING CORRODED. THIS CAUSED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO INTERACT, PERFORMING POORLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1984-10-01
- VIN: 1FABP27M7EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN THIS CAR STALLS IT WILL FIRST NOT HOLD A STEADY IDLE. THERE ARE OTHER TIMES WHEN THIS CAR WILL BE WATING ATA A LIGHT AND THE IDLE WILLL KICK UP TO OVER 2000 RPM. WHEN THIS HAPPEND THE ENGINE WILL TRY TO ENGAGE AND THE CARE WILL LURCH FORWARD. THE STALLING PROBELM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD THIS WAS ADDRESS BY A DEALER IN DAVIS, CA. AT THE TIME THE DEALR SAID THIS WAS HAPPENING BECAUSE OF A FAULTY "PROCESSOR" IT WAS REPLACED AND THE CAR RAN OKAY FOR A FEW MONTHS. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. I DID NOT CONTACT THE DEALER AGAIN ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED . THIS PROBLEM CONTINUED. I LEARNED TO LIVE WITH IT AND DRIVE THE CAR. OVER THE YEARS VARRIOUS MECHANICS HAD LOOKED AT THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO CORRECT THE IDLE, BUT THE PROBLEM ALWAYS RETURNED. I THOUGHT THIS PROBLEMS WAS UNIQUE TO MY VECHICLE, BUT I AM AWARE OF A JUDGMENT AGAINST FORD IN A CALIFORNIA COURT IN WHICH VEHICLES WITH THE EFT SYSTEM HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO STALL. THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL ISSUSED SO THAT FORD CA REPAIR THESE VEHICLES REGARDLSS OF AGE.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP27M0EF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP27M0EF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-10
- VIN: 1FABP2734EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL.ALSO REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND HEATER HOSE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-10
- VIN: 1FABP2734EF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL.ALSO REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND HEATER HOSE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-28
- VIN: 1FABP2833EF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TWO LEFT AND RIGHT PADS WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN, BROKEN IN NUMEROUS LOCATIONS AND WERE DISNTEGRATING AFTER 4K MILES OF OPERATION.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP27MOEF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-03
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING.OWNER RECEIVED NO INDICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD WARM UP IT, WOULD STALL. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-26
- VIN: 1FABP2739EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED, SMELL OF SMOKE IN INTERIOR, COULD CAUSE FIRE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-10
- VIN: 1FABP28MXEF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT CAME APART IN ACCIDENT.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-10
- Fire: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: (USED)VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ROUND ABOUT THE CENTER OF VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN STARTING UP THE VEHICLE. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-16
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER SHUTTING OFF, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FORT MYERS CITY FIRE DEPT., ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSE OF FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-10-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERIOR COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, FIRE ORIGINATED INSIDE THE DASHBOARD. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-10-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERIOR COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, FIRE ORIGINATED INSIDE THE DASHBOARD. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1984-02-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP27M8EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DSH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-15
- VIN: 1FABP2639EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT HWY SPEEDS, COMPUTER MODULES HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-15
- VIN: 1FABP2639EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT HWY SPEEDS, COMPUTER MODULES HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-13
- VIN: 1FABP2833EF
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: OVERHEAD INTERIOR LIGHT SHORTS OUT.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-13
- VIN: 1FABP2833EF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING BELT FAILED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-13
- VIN: 1FABP2833EF
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER INOPERATIVE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-13
- VIN: 1FABP2833EF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP DISCONNECTED, CAUSING PUMP TO FALL INSIDE OF ENGINE.
1984 Ford Mustang recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1984 Ford Mustang.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE PLASTIC SLEEVE IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT TONGUE ASSEMBLY WHICH RETAINS THE LOCK BAR CAN DETERIORATE FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND BECOME DISPLACED, CAUSING THE TONGUE TO DETACH FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING.
- Consequence: IF THE TONGUE DETACHES FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING, THESAFETY BELT WOULD NOT ATTACH TO ITSELF, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURYTO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FORD WILL REPAIR THE SAFETY BELTS EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE AGE OR CONDITION.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
- Summary: THE SECONDARY THROTTLE SHAFT MAY, WITH ACCUMULATED MILEAGE, BECOME CONTAMINATED AND MAY STICK IN A PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION WHILE DRIVING.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS STICKING COULD RESULT IN A FASTER SPEED THAN INTENDED, POSSIBLY RESUTLING IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: THE PRIMARY TO SECONDARY THROTTLE CLOSURE LINK ON THE CARBURETOR WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1984 Ford Mustang problems:
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