CarBrief

NHTSA has 166 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Ford Mustang[1]. It lists no recalls for this model year[2].

166owner complaints[1]
18–21MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

Owners filed the most complaints about the engine, with 47 complaints and a median mileage at failure of 65,000[4]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the car stalling without warning, sometimes while braking. They say that cost them power steering and brake assist, and that in some cases the dealer could not find a cause[4].

Here are the largest groups, as NHTSA counts them:

Component Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries
Engine[4] 47 3 2 0
Air bags[5] 21 15 0 11
Seat belts[6] 21 4 0 6
Speed control[7] 15 1 0 0
Power train[8] 14 3 1 1
Electrical system[9] 12 0 5 0
Brakes[10] 12 4 0 2
Structure[11] 12 1 1 2

A few themes stand out in the complaint texts we read.

These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components. Overall, 24 complaints mention a crash[1], 7 a fire[1] and 15 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1].

Recalls

NHTSA shows 0 recalls on file for the 2002 Mustang[2]. That is not a promise that nothing was ever wrong. Check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup before you buy.

Fuel economy

EPA lists four versions, all rear-wheel drive and all on regular fuel.

Engine and transmission City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[12] 17 / 25 / 20 $3,350
3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[3] 17 / 27 / 21 $3,200
4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[13] 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
4.6L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd[14] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new. The 6-cylinder manual is the thriftiest of the four at 21 combined MPG[3].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists its 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year as not rated[15][16]. Do not read that as good or bad. It means there is no star score to compare.

Engine and size

EPA lists a 3.8L 6-cylinder and a 4.6L 8-cylinder[12][13]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Convertible base[17] 183 in 73 in 54 in 101 in 3,210 lb
Convertible GT[18] 183 in 73 in 54 in 101 in 3,386 lb
Coupe base[19] 183 in 73 in 53 in 101 in 3,375 lb
Coupe GT[20] 183 in 73 in 53 in 101 in 3,624 lb

How 2002 compares with other years

1995: 616 complaints, 5 recalls19951996: 286 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 214 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 305 complaints, 4 recalls1999: 272 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 395 complaints, 4 recalls2001: 249 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 166 complaints, 0 recalls16620022003: 231 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 130 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 868 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 575 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 615 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 347 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 181 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 261 complaints, 5 recalls2011: 466 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 469 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 271 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 359 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 438 complaints, 11 recalls20152016: 379 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 268 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 196 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 150 complaints, 6 recalls20192020: 120 complaints, 8 recalls2021: 55 complaints, 6 recalls2022: 50 complaints, 9 recalls2023: 15 complaints, 6 recalls20232024: 84 complaints, 12 recalls2025: 19 complaints, 6 recalls2026: 8 complaints, 5 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Mustang model year. The 2002 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19956165
19962863
19972142
19983054
19992724
20003954
20012491
20021660
20032311
20041301
20058685
20065755
20076155
20083475
20091815
20102615
20114664
20124696
20132715
20143593
201543811
20163795
20172686
20181963
20191506
20201208
2021556
2022509
2023156
20248412
2025196
202685

NHTSA has 166 complaints for 2002 and 0 recalls[2]. Among the nearby years from 1995 to 2004, only 2004 has fewer complaints, at 130[2]. 2001 has 249 and 2003 has 231[2]. Every other Mustang year in the list has at least 1 recall[2].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2002 Mustang?

On paper, 2002 looks quiet, with 166 complaints and no recalls on file[1][2]. Still, owners describe stalling, air bag and seat belt problems that matter for safety[4][5][6]. Have a mechanic check for stalling, test the seat belt retractors, ask about the air bag system and look up the VIN for any open recalls. Expect fuel costs between $3,200 and $3,700 a year by EPA's estimate, depending on the engine and transmission[3][13].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Mustang?
The engine group has the most complaints at 47[4]. Air bags and seat belts each have 21[5][6].
Are there recalls on the 2002 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA shows 0 recalls on file for this model year[2]. Check your VIN to be sure.
How much gas does a 2002 Ford Mustang use?
EPA combined ratings run from 18 to 21 MPG depending on engine and transmission[12][3][13][14].
Is the 2002 Mustang reliable?
NHTSA has 166 complaints and lists no recalls[1][2]. Owners describe stalling in a sample of complaints we read[4].
What are the size and weight of a 2002 Mustang?
Canadian-market specs list a length of 183 in and curb weights from 3,210 to 3,624 lb[17][20].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 166 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Ford Mustang (24 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 15 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Mustang model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Mustang, 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 47 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 21 complaints name the air bags component group (15 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 21 complaints name the seat belts component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,298). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 15 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 14 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 12 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 12 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 12 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. EPA rating for Mustang, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. EPA rating for Mustang, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for Mustang, 4.6L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  16. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  17. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR CONVERTIBLE BASE: length 183 in, width 73 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 3,210 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  18. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR CONVERTIBLE GT: length 183 in, width 73 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 3,386 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  19. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR COUPE BASE: length 183 in, width 73 in, height 53 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 3,375 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR COUPE GT: length 183 in, width 73 in, height 53 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 3,624 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.