2003 Ford Mustang Ford Mustang 2003

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

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 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (7%)

$1000 - $2499 (3%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (47%)

< $100 (33%)

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

Chart based on 30 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

Ford Mustang in Minnesota, United States
- Aug 2010
Aug 2010

16262 mi

US $384
A/C wasn't cooling as it should - evacuated freon, replaced 6 rubber o-rings, recharged system, added dye to system 
Ford Mustang in Alabama, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2022
Mar 2017

58000 mi

US $718
The car was giving a security error and wouldn't read the chip in the key. It ended up being some sort of controller that had gone bad. 
Jan 2018

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. 
Apr 2018

63000 mi

US $300
Pilot bearing was going out and the car was making some noise. It was okay to drive, but I didn't want to break anything so I had them replace it. I suspect that the shop damaged it when they installed the rebuilt motor, but I don't have any way to prove it. They did give me a discount on the labor. 

Return to top

2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe

260-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed manual RWD

Ford Mustang in New Brunswick, Canada
- Oct 2010
Oct 2010

52080 mi

C $3800
Replaced Transmission 
Ford Mustang in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2017 - Dec 2017
May 2017

50000 mi

US $225
Faulty tensioner/pulley caused shredding of serpentine belt. Replaced pulley and several belts. 
Ford Mustang in Oregon, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2013
Jan 2013

US $242
both front brake calipers had to be replaced. 

Return to top

2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe

190-horsepower 3.8L V6 5-speed manual RWD

Ford Mustang in Alberta, Canada
- Dec 2010
Dec 2010

68819 mi

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

Return to top

2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe

190-horsepower 3.8L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford Mustang in Texas, United States
Mar 2015 - Aug 2018
Apr 2016

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. 
Sep 2016

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". 
Jun 2018

47500 mi

US $200
Metal window guide on driver's window - adhesive failed. It was glued back on with professional epoxy. Headliner warped at back of car. The body shop subbed it out to a trim shop for repair. 
Ford Mustang in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Apr 2016
Sep 2012

83000 mi

US $550
dead alternator, battery just needed re-charge, car AAA towed to AAA shop 
Feb 2013

90000 mi

US $100
switch issue, repair to original part restored function 

Return to top

2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible

260-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed manual RWD

Ford Mustang in Ontario, Canada
May 2018 - Jul 2022
Jun 2018

19840 mi

C $95
Just maintenance 
Jul 2022

27900 mi

C $236
Replaced air filter 

Return to top

2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible

260-horsepower 4.6L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford Mustang in Tennessee, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2018
Dec 2011

58000 mi
intake manifold replaced replaced one coil 
Mar 2012

60000 mi

US $1500
New convertible top put on. Lift cylinders for the convertible top had to be replaced. 
Jun 2012

61000 mi

US $680
Painted trunk lid, spoiler, front and rear fenders,trim around rear window and around front wind shield. Coils replaced replaced a frame moulding 
Oct 2012

63000 mi

US $180
replaced electric window mechanism on driver's side door. 
Dec 2012

63000 mi

US $56
had hum in speakers caused by amp. Had amp cleaned and resoldered. 
Jun 2014

67000 mi

US $85
Replaced fan belt. 
Apr 2017

72000 mi

US $100
Replaced battery 

Return to top

2003 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible

190-horsepower 3.8L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford Mustang in Virginia, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2014
May 2011

75000 mi

US $125
The driver door lock actuator failed and therefore driver door power locks did not work. The part had to be replaced. 
Mar 2013

87000 mi

US $25
The ignition coil module cracked and was causing misfires. I replaced the module to fix this issue. 
Feb 2014

93000 mi

US $110
F & R struts and shocks replaced. Driver side switch panel retaining clip broke. Replaced panel. Replaced a squealing and leaking power steering pump. Replaced two rear-right wheel studs that sheared when removing that wheel. Replaced driver-side window & door lock switch panel. A clip had broken off and the panel was loose. 
May 2014

94000 mi

US $80
Drains for convertible needed to be cleared. 
Ford Mustang in British Columbia, Canada
Oct 2013 - Jun 2021
Jul 2016

49180 mi
Steering wheel vibration between 90-100 km/h. More noticeable on certain roads than others. Bearing was tight but after removing hub & bearing assembly found bearing inner race had play. Vibration has been a long-term problem! Original OEM ! 
Ford Mustang in British Columbia, Canada
Feb 2013 - Jun 2018
Jul 2015

26040 mi

C $325
Replaced front calipers due to dragging brakes after 6 months standing. 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Coupes and Convertibles.
See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

2003 Ford Mustang Repair Histories

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.