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2006 Ford Mustang: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 575 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Ford Mustang, and the biggest group is air bags[1][2]. Five recalls are on file[3], and four of them involve air bag inflators[4][5][6][7].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 575 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 29 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 22 injuries and 2 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags[2] | 292 | 11 | 72,500 |
| Speed control[9] | 55 | 12 | 30,750 |
| Structure[10] | 50 | 3 | 51,000 |
| Electrical system[11] | 42 | 3 | 55,583 |
| Power train[12] | 40 | 1 | 30,500 |
| Fuel system, gasoline[13] | 38 | 0 | 6,500 |
| Engine[14] | 37 | 2 | 56,000 |
| Brakes[15] | 29 | 5 | 40,377 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. It shows what owners describe, not how common a problem is.
- Air bags. In the texts we read, some owners describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash, some describe a warning or disabled light, and some ask whether the car was covered by an air bag recall[2].
- Speed control. In the texts we read, owners describe hesitation, surging, stalling or unexpected acceleration, and some say the dealer could not reproduce the problem or find a cause[9]. This group has 12 crashes, 2 fires and 2 deaths on file[9].
- Structure. In the texts we read, some owners describe water getting into the cabin, damp carpet or mold[10].
- Electrical system. In the texts we read, some owners link electrical trouble to water reaching parts under the dash or the passenger floor[11].
The power train, fuel system, engine and brake groups have fewer complaints. We did not read complaint texts for them, so we do not describe their themes[12][13][14][15].
Recalls
NHTSA lists five recalls for this model year, newest first. Owners can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332[7].
- Passenger inflator, replacement parts (21V081). Issued February 16, 2021, for 1,067 vehicles[4]. The recall began March 17, 2021[4]. A replacement air bag inflator installed as a service part may explode with age, heat and humidity. Metal fragments could seriously hurt or kill someone. Ford says dealers will check the air bag modules on both sides and replace the module or the inflator if needed, free of charge[4].
- Remedy pending
Passenger inflator (17V024). Issued January 10, 2017, for 654,695 vehicles[5]. The notice covers certain Mustangs from several model years, and which years apply depends on where the car was first sold or registered. For 2005 to 2008 Mustangs it covers a list of states that includes Alaska, Colorado, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin[5]. Inflators may rupture with age and humidity and throw metal fragments. Owners are advised not to drive until the repair is done. Ford said interim letters were mailed because parts were not yet available, and owners would get a second notice when parts arrive. Our facts do not say when parts became available[5]. - Remedy pending
Passenger inflator (16V384). Issued May 31, 2016, for 1,892,343 vehicles[6]. It covers certain 2005 to 2011 Mustangs in some states and 2005 to 2008 Mustangs in others. The problem and the risk are the same as above. Owners are advised not to drive until the repair is done. Interim letters said parts were not yet available, and a second notice would follow. Our facts do not say when parts became available[6]. - Driver inflator (15V319). Issued May 28, 2015, for 1,018,622 vehicles[7]. Moisture can get into a dual-stage driver air bag, and over time the inflator could rupture and send metal fragments at the driver or others. Owners are advised not to drive until it is repaired. Dealers replace the driver inflator free of charge, and the recall began June 10, 2016[7]. Interim repairs under the earlier recall 14V802 do not replace this final repair[7].
- Passenger seat neck injury (08V082). Issued February 25, 2008, for 434,593 vehicles[16]. In a crash, an unbelted small woman sitting far forward in the passenger seat could face a higher chance of neck injury. Dealers reprogram the restraint control module free of charge, and the recall began March 3, 2008[16]. The notice names model year 2008 Mustangs, so it may not apply to your car even though NHTSA lists it for this model year[16].
Fuel economy
EPA lists four versions, all rear-wheel drive and all on regular gas.
| Engine and transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl, automatic 5-spd[17] | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl, manual 5-spd[8] | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl, automatic 5-spd[18] | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl, manual 5-spd[19] | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new[17][8][18][19]. Figures are in miles per gallon.
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 2-door rear-wheel-drive 2006 Mustang as not rated[20]. That means there is no star score to compare. It does not mean the car scored badly.
Engine and size
EPA lists a 4.0L 6-cylinder and a 4.6L 8-cylinder engine[17][18].
Size figures are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2006 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 616 | 5 |
| 1996 | 286 | 3 |
| 1997 | 214 | 2 |
| 1998 | 305 | 4 |
| 1999 | 272 | 4 |
| 2000 | 395 | 4 |
| 2001 | 249 | 1 |
| 2002 | 166 | 0 |
| 2003 | 231 | 1 |
| 2004 | 130 | 1 |
| 2005 | 868 | 5 |
| 2006 | 575 | 5 |
| 2007 | 615 | 5 |
| 2008 | 347 | 5 |
| 2009 | 181 | 5 |
| 2010 | 261 | 5 |
| 2011 | 466 | 4 |
| 2012 | 469 | 6 |
| 2013 | 271 | 5 |
| 2014 | 359 | 3 |
| 2015 | 438 | 11 |
| 2016 | 379 | 5 |
| 2017 | 268 | 6 |
| 2018 | 196 | 3 |
| 2019 | 150 | 6 |
| 2020 | 120 | 8 |
| 2021 | 55 | 6 |
| 2022 | 50 | 9 |
| 2023 | 15 | 6 |
| 2024 | 84 | 12 |
| 2025 | 19 | 6 |
| 2026 | 8 | 5 |
NHTSA has 575 complaints and 5 recalls on file for 2006[3]. Three Mustang model years have more complaints: 2005 with 868, 1995 with 616 and 2007 with 615[3]. That makes 2006 the fourth highest of the years listed from 1995 to 2026.
Nearby years with fewer complaints are 2004 with 130 and 2008 with 347[3]. Five recalls is common across Mustang model years, including 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2016[3]. 2015 has 11 and 2024 has 12[3].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide for comparing years of the same model.
Should you buy a used 2006 Mustang?
The 2006 Mustang has more complaints than most Mustang model years, led by air bags[1][2][3]. Four of the five recalls involve air bag inflators, so ask for proof that every recall repair was done[4][5][6][7]. Two of those notices said in interim letters that parts were not yet available, and our facts do not show when that changed[5][6]. In the complaint texts we read, owners describe surging acceleration and water leaks, and some say dealers could not find a cause[9][10]. A pre-purchase inspection that checks for damp carpet and open recalls is a sensible step.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Mustang?
- By complaint count, air bags lead with 292 of 575 complaints on NHTSA, then speed control with 55[1][2][9]. In the texts we read, owners also describe water leaks into the cabin[10].
- Does the 2006 Mustang have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists five: 21V081, 17V024, 16V384, 15V319 and 08V082[4][5][6][7][16]. Four involve air bag inflators. Two of those said in interim letters that repair parts were not yet available[5][6].
- What gas mileage does the 2006 Mustang get?
- EPA combined ratings are 19 or 20 MPG for the 4.0L 6-cylinder and 18 MPG for the 4.6L 8-cylinder[17][8][18][19].
- Is the 2006 Mustang the worst year for complaints?
- No. 2005 has 868 complaints[3], more than the 575 for 2006[1]. 1995 and 2007 also have more[3].
- What is the safety rating of the 2006 Mustang?
- NHTSA lists the 2-door rear-wheel-drive version as not rated[20].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 575 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Ford Mustang (29 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 22 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 292 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Mustang model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V081, filed February 16, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V024, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V384, filed May 31, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V319, filed May 28, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Mustang, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 55 complaints name the speed control component group (12 crashes, 2 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- 50 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 42 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,583). NHTSA vehicle records
- 40 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 38 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 37 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,377). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 08V082, filed February 25, 2008: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Mustang, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mustang, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mustang, 4.6L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR COUPE RWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,342 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR CONVERTIBLE RWD: length 187 in, width 74 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,342 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG GT 2DR COUPE RWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,488 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG GT 2DR CONVERTIBLE RWD: length 187 in, width 74 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,488 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov