2003 Ford Mustang Ford Mustang 2003

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2003 Ford Mustang repairs by problem area

Engine (30%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (8%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (22%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 37 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Ford Mustang.

2003 Ford Mustang engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (9%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (45%)

< $100 (45%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 11 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe

305-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed manual RWD

62000 mi

US $8000
Motor threw a rod. Since it is somewhat a "rare" model, I opted to have the motor replaced or rebuilt just like the factory motor. It is not a common motor so they couldn't find a replacement that they would warranty, so they sent the motor to Jasper Engines to be rebuilt. It has come back, but I still not have it back yet. I expect to have it in this week. The oil level had dropped too low and that is why it threw a rod. No leaks, unclear how the oil level got too low. Sometimes when I started it up, it would smoke initially, then it seemed fine. I'm having them install a real oil pressure gauge as well. 

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2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe

260-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed manual RWD

50000 mi

US $225
Faulty tensioner/pulley caused shredding of serpentine belt. Replaced pulley and several belts. 

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2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe

190-horsepower 3.8L V6 5-speed manual RWD

68819 mi

C $425
mechanic replaced alternator while also realizing the fan belt was worn out..  

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2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe

190-horsepower 3.8L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

32200 mi

US $258
On-going engine pulsing/misfire at cruising speeds which turned into engine surging up to 3000rpm randomly. Diagnosis by shop determined Throttle Position Sensor was failing. 
35000 mi

US $50
After replacing the Throttle Position Sensor, there was still a slight misfire and mileage still seemed poor. The plugs and wires were replaced and the misfire seemed much better plus the mileage improved. There is still a slight "lag". 

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2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible

260-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed manual RWD

19840 mi

C $95
Just maintenance 
27900 mi

C $236
Replaced air filter 

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2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible

260-horsepower 4.6L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

58000 mi intake manifold replaced replaced one coil 
67000 mi

US $85
Replaced fan belt. 

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2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible

190-horsepower 3.8L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

87000 mi

US $25
The ignition coil module cracked and was causing misfires. I replaced the module to fix this issue. 

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2003 Ford Mustang Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Ford Mustang problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.