FORD MUSTANG · model year

2006 FORD MUSTANG

506 NHTSA complaints, 32 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006FORDMUSTANG carries 506 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 32 crashes, 3 fires, 21 injuries, and 4 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 MUSTANG is air bags with 226 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (33) and electrical system (26). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2006 MUSTANG, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

506
Complaints
32
Crashes
3
Fires
21
Injuries
4
Deaths

Total Complaints

506 filings

Crashes Reported

32 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS226
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL33
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
POWER TRAIN19
STRUCTURE:BODY19
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE12
STRUCTURE11
ENGINE11
SERVICE BRAKES10
SUSPENSION9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY7
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6

Recalls (9)

16V38400031/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever register

15V31900028/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2014 Mustang vehicles manufactured April 6, 2004, to June 21, 2014, and 2005-2006 GT vehicles manufactured February 20, 2004, to September 22, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be

06E08900027/10/2006

SUSPENSION:FRONT

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET EIBACH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS ONLY, PART NO. 35101.8001, AND EIBACH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS AS SUSPENSION KITS, PART NOS. 35101.840, 35101.680, 35101.780, 35100.680, 35100.780, 4.10135.680, AND 4.10035.780, SOLD FOR USE ON 2005 THROUGH 2007 FORD MUSTANG VEHICLES. THE FRONT ANTI ROLL

08V08200025/02/2008

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

FORD IS RECALLING 434,593 MY 2008 MUSTANG VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ONE OF THE NECK INJURY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION," FOR AN UNBELTED 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHILE IT IS IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITIO

21V08100016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as

21E01300016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also i

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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

17V02400010/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Marian

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

Recent Complaints

20251228FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This has happened since purchasing my personal 2006 Mustang GT new in 2006. I also see early S-197 Mustangs (2005—2007) in my shop that cannot be reliably refilled because fuel shoots out of the filler neck, splashes the operator, the side of the Mustang, and puddles on the ground. The defective On-board Refueling and Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system causes high internal fuel tank pressures that will also cause the filling station pump to cut off and prevent putting fuel in the tank. This creates a fire hazard as the spillage contacts the left hot tail pipe and muffler as well as a puddle of fuel that can be ignited by a spark, cigarette, etc. This problem is in direct violation of the Environmental Protection Agency emission standards that clearly state the operator is “expected to fill the fuel tank without spit back or spillage during the refueling event.” EPA emission regulations also require that service vents, also known as safety and vacuum relief valves, be installed in

20250724AIR BAGS

Driver side air bag randomly deployed after hitting bump at 40 miles an hour

20250523AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that she purchased a vehicle that was not working. The contact had the engine replaced by an independent mechanic. While starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V319000 (Air Bags) and 19V001000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired at the local dealer, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 230,272.

Mileage: 230,272

20250117AIR BAGS

See attached document for complaint.

20241024AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that several local dealers declined to perform the recall repair on the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20240614ENGINE

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while in reverse, he observed a grinding sound emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain guides needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Mileage: 116,000

20240511AIR BAGS

Did not sustain some sort of accident in order for me to notice thank God, I simply noticed thanks to multiple virtual methods which told me-considering how stupidly fast this car is and how important air bags are whe combined with that I thought id do this. Ford doesn't really care unless it can somehow bleed more money from something so...kinda just letting y'all know. Not much else I can do..other than drive really carefully (5-speed and I suck with Manual :()

20240405AIR BAGS

Dealership refuses to do recall

20240311SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and shuddered significantly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while driving over a slightly bumpy road surface. The contact stated that her father inspected the vehicle and informed her that the front passenger's side suspension was damaged. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240227STEERING

I have a 2006 Ford Mustang GT; 100,000 miles, excellent condition. While driving and when turning, at any speed, the steering wheel locks making it impossible to steer. I took it to two different mechanics who would not work on the problem as they believed it to be a defect, and they did not want the responsibility of the repair required. I then went to the Ford dealership, and the service manager said he had never heard of such a problem. It is very dangerous, and impossible to determine when it will happen again. Therefore it sits in the driveway. I want to keep the car, and don't want to sell it to an unsuspecting person. Please help if you can. Thank you. The owners manual advised and encouraged me to contact the NHTSA.

20240131AIR BAGS

No a pasado nada están encendidas las luces de advertencia del airbag solo eso

20230731POWER TRAIN

While driving the car goes into limp mode randomly causing the RPM’s to fall. There is no power to get off the road safely and has almost caused an accident numerous times. I have had Diagnostics ran and the mechanic has no clue what’s causing this. Ford forums are full of these mustangs doing this. It is a huge safely risk!!!!

20230731FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving the car goes into limp mode randomly causing the RPM’s to fall. There is no power to get off the road safely and has almost caused an accident numerous times. I have had Diagnostics ran and the mechanic has no clue what’s causing this. Ford forums are full of these mustangs doing this. It is a huge safely risk!!!!

20230731VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While driving the car goes into limp mode randomly causing the RPM’s to fall. There is no power to get off the road safely and has almost caused an accident numerous times. I have had Diagnostics ran and the mechanic has no clue what’s causing this. Ford forums are full of these mustangs doing this. It is a huge safely risk!!!!

20230619VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

On June 18, 2023, my throttle unexpectedly stuck open after intentional acceleration, causing the car to continue to accelerate uncontrollably after releasing the accelerator pedal. The engine continued to increase RPMs and speed. After using all of my leg strength to apply the brakes to fight the uncontrolled acceleration, the throttle unexpectedly eased up and returned to normal. This was the most frightening instance. On two other occasions, I noticed similar uncontrolled acceleration that seemed to correct itself immediately after shifting, where the tachometer approached 5k RPMs. I have not had the vehicle inspected, and there were no warning lamps, or other symptoms prior to this failure.

20230518ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I bought a 2006 Mustang convertible for my wife on her 40th birthday. We store the car every winter and bring the battery into the home. Car has 40k miles. 6 years ago we began experiencing amperage draw while the vehicle is off. I have went through 4 batteries, 1 alternator, several flat bed truck tows, and weeks into service at my local Ford dealer - only to have the dealership continue to tell me how difficult it is to find 'parasitic' amp draw because it is intermittent. My wife has had it being stuck and now afraid to drive the car, and contemplating to get rid of it. I work for a major tier 1 automotive supplier in engineering and know how my company pays special attention to NHTSA complaints and investigations relating to our products. I am hopeful that Ford engineering will get a hold of me and get this right before I take the Mustang to the scrap yard!

20230207AIR BAGS

For nearly a year now I’ve been in touch with Ford and its dealerships to get this recall rectified to no avail. I spoke to corporate Ford customer care on 2/6/23 and was told that the vehicle in question with the recall will not be repaired due to its age! So I responded on a recorded line to make it clear Ford is refusing to repair the recall and is opening its self up for a major law suit. Mind you my teenage son is the primary operator of the vehicle and Ford simply doesn’t care. Please file a violation to the said recall on our behalf ty.

20221101SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated the front driver’s side seat belt failed to latch properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver’s side seat belt latch to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,200.

Mileage: 61,200

20220328POWER TRAIN

Sudden failure of rear differential bearings

20220328POWER TRAIN

Rear differential bears wore out

Compare 2006FORDMUSTANG to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 FORD MUSTANG have?
The 2006 FORD MUSTANG has 506 NHTSA complaints, 32 crashes, 3 fires, 21 injuries, and 4 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 FORD MUSTANG?
Yes, the 2006 FORD MUSTANG has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 FORD MUSTANG?
The most-complained component for the 2006 FORD MUSTANG is AIR BAGS with 226 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2006 FORD MUSTANG safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.