Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Ford Mustang
The 2004 Ford Mustang has several aftermarket lighting and fuel system recalls, with notable issues in vehicle speed control and transmission. Buyers should inspect these aspects closely. It remains a popular sports car but potential buyers must prioritize safety checks, particularly aftermarket parts compliance and accelerator pedal interference.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Ford Mustang has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 116 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E050000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMPS/MISSING AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E056000 FUEL LEAK/FIRE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E049000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V108000 ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHIELD NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 33 complaints
- Unknown or Other 15 complaints
- Air Bags 9 complaints
- Power Train 9 complaints
- Suspension 7 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 6 complaints
Of the 116 complaints on file, 20 report a crash; across all 116 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Aftermarket headlight failures
How to check: Inspect for proper amber side reflectors on headlamps.
Accelerator pedal interference
How to check: Check pedal clearance with carpet during acceleration.
Power train complaints
How to check: Test for rough shifts or delays in response.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or rattling sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated check engine light
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifts without delays.
Red flag: Rough or delayed gear engagement
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth and responsive acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking response
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Ensure brakes engage smoothly and effectively.
Red flag: Vibrations or delayed response while braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the headlamp assemblies been replaced?
- Is the accelerator pedal clearance checked?
- Were there any transmission issues?
- Are all recalls addressed?
- Has the fuel system been modified?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Completed recall service records
- Vehicle maintenance history
- Title and registration papers
- Emissions test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2004 Ford Mustang? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.