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2003 Ford Mustang Convertible Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible, most often about the engine (23% of complaints, typically around 5,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Mustang Convertible model year since 2000.

Complaints35
Recalls0
Crashes reported0
Fires reported0
Injuries reported1

Most common 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible problems

  1. Engine

    8 complaints · 23%

    Half of these problems showed up before 5,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.

    2003 Ford mustang cobra convertible stall when depressing the clutch on occasion. I have contacted the dealer, but they insist that their is not much than can do about it. They have tried to re-flash my computer, but the problem came back.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 2,000 miles
    The most recent being just a few days ago, my vehicle will sometimes have a problem in which it stalls while moving at a slow speed while a gear is not engaged. The car is a 2003 svt Ford mustang cobra convertible. A call to Ford's svt division had no solutions. Many people that I know with the same car are…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 10,000 miles

  2. Body and structure

    7 complaints · 20%

    Parts named most often: body.

    Recently purchased a 2003 mustang gt convertible and the dealership cannot seem to get the top to stop leaking. I recently filed a report with the dispute settlement board to get Ford to replace the car. However, it recently rained and I attempted to contact the dealership to continue the warranty work on the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 1,000 miles
    Puddle of water is formed in the "well" behind the back seat where the convertible top sits when lowered. I also notice moisture in the other areas such as rear floor mats and trunk. This happens after rain or after car wash. I've noticed hundreds of same issues all over the internet and forums and I have absolutely…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 57,000 miles

  3. Suspension

    5 complaints · 14%

    Parts named most often: rear, front.

    Complete loss of traction - spin out at 30mph while other cars passed me by normally. Felt like the rear end just could not stay on the road. Crawled 100 miles to the airport at 30-35mph with constant loss of traction most of the way on a moist highway. Car kept wanting to turn sideways. Tires looked good and still…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 24,000 miles
    2003 mustang svt cobra convertible. Rear wheel hop with traction control on or off. Dealer said this is the nature of the beast. I feel this could create a hazard or other damage to auto parts.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 11,200 miles

  4. Seat belts

    3 complaints · 9%

    Parts named most often: front, rear/other.

    1998 Ford mustang gt convertible under warranty, the driver's seat belt (lap portion) became severely frayed. Belt (and maybe entire assembly) was replaced by dealer. Don't have an exact date - but within the first year of ownership. Now, at 5 yrs 4 mo of age, this belt is again fraying.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 31,150 miles
    When the rear seat belt retracts, and it has a twist in the belt material (webbing), the retracting mechanism will lock preventing the belt from being pulled back out. This lock is similar to the locking which the retractor does, as it is designed to do, during rapid deceleration. The belt (webbing) "guide" allows the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 11,000 miles

  5. Speed control

    3 complaints · 9%

    Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.

    I am having the same problem as recorded in the current ntsa investigation number pe05038 where accellator pedal stuck wide open due to carpet interference for Ford 2003 Mustang Convertible gt. This happened on 7/22/05 and 7/13/05 and once in 2004 on 8/17/04
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 14,515 miles
    Accelerator caught on the carpet of car, holding the accelerator down. I was able to get it to come back up by banging on the accelerator, however several seconds passed. This happened while merging onto I-69 near charlotte, mi. No modifications have been made to this car. This is the second time this has happened…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 14,500 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2003 Ford Mustang Convertible recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (8 complaints, typically around 5,000 miles); body and structure (7 complaints); suspension (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2003 a bad year for the Ford Mustang Convertible?
It is the most complained-about Mustang Convertible model year since 2000, with 35 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Ford Mustang Convertible years

Ford Mustang Convertible problems by year