The Lemon Index2002 Ford Mustang.
The 2002 Ford Mustang is better than average by owner complaints: 92 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 61, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 18 to 21 mpg combined. The best Ford Mustang year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 166 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Ford Mustang year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 19K to 83K miles on the car (94 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 9K–80K miles
- seat belts complaints mostly came at 40K–89K miles
Recalls 6
- lights 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- lights 2009
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.
- lights 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES.
Show all 6 recalls
- lights 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- fuel system, gasoline 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- lights 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 74 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing
- Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak…
- Some vehicles may run rough at cruise or momentarily after stopping, a check engine light,and…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedSpark plug ejection from cylinder head2005–2006
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front — · side ★★☆☆☆ · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.8L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle shook and vibrated while driving which almost caused an accident. The vehicle also stalled several times while driving. The dealership replaced the engine with a re-manufactured one.
2002 Ford Mustang owner · NHTSA complaint 10022887
More owner reports
While traveling at highway speed of 60 mph sepentine belt came off and caused loss of power steering and power brakes. Dealer notified, and made repairs. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
NHTSA complaint 898370
The consumer was at a intersection in proceeding to pull out. Another vehicle ran the red light and hit her head on. The dual airbags didn't deploy at all. Please furnish additional information. Mr
NHTSA complaint 8022600
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Ford Mustang reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 61; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Mustang year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2002 Ford Mustang problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (26%), airbags (15%) and speed control (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Mustang have?
6 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Mustang get?
18 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Mustang problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 19,800 and 83,500 miles. The middle report was at 45,700 miles, from 94 complaints.
Does the 2002 Ford Mustang have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 Ford Mustang cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Ford Mustang have?
3.8L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
What Ford Mustang year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2021 and 2022.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works