Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Accessory belt: On GT models with manual trans, the serpentine belt might come off in wet weather. A revised tensioner and water pump pulley are available. (2000-01)

Accessory belt: The serpentine accessory drive belt on 4.6L engine comes off in wet weather requiring a redesigned water pump, tensioner pulley or both. (2001-02)

Alternator belt: The drive-belt tensioner pulley or idler-pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1994-96)

Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission is notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear above 35 mph. It requires that the transmission fluid be changed and that only Mercon fluid be used. (1994)

Automatic transmission: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1994-95)

Blower motor: Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1994)

Clutch: Clutch pedal vibration is not uncommon. Does not indicate an engine or transmission problem. (1994-01)

Coolant leak: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-2001)

Coolant leak: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-2001)

Hard starting: If the engine does not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle air-control valve may be sticking. (1995-96)

Heater core: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1985-2002)

Spark plugs: Spark plug hole threads in cylinder heads are easily damaged or stripped out when removing plugs because carbon builds up on them. (2004)

Vehicle noise: A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1994-96)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1994 Mustang GT w/power lumbar adjustment: Electrical short can result in overheating, melting, smoke, and ignition of surrounding materials.

1994-96 Mustang: Tearing of bond between inner and outer hood panels during minor front-end collision can result in gap at leading edge of hood; could result in separation of outer panel.

1994-97 Mustang: Replacement driver-side airbag modules might not properly deploy in a crash.

1995 Mustang: On some cars, passenger-airbag's inflator body is cracked and may not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate, causing hot gases to be released.

1995 Mustang: Some outer tie-rod ends can fracture within 50,000 miles; may result in shake or shimmy and cause wheel to tuck inward or outward.

1995 Mustang w/3.8-liter or 5.0-liter engines: The engine-cooling-fan bearing can seize. Excessive heat may be generated, melting the fan-motor electrical connector, and possibly causing fan-motor components to ignite.

1996-01 Mustang w/manual transmission: Vehicle could move unintentionally while in "Park." Dealers will modify parking-brake control.

1998 Mustang: Some rack-and-pinion steering gears may have damaged shaft bearings.

1998 Mustang w/V8 engine: Some cars have missing or inadequately brazed joints between fuel-rail body and mounting brackets; separation can result in leakage.

1998-99 Mustang: Speed-control cable on certain vehicles can interfere with servo pulley, preventing throttle from returning to idle when disengaging the speed control.

1999-00 Mustang: Seatbelt retractor may have incorrectly formed pin shaft that could, in some circumstances, prevent seatbelt webbing from being extracted.

1999-00 Mustang Cobra R: Ball-joint assembly could cause knuckle casting to fail. If this occurs, the lower control arm could contact the inside of the rear wheel. In some cases, steering of the vehicle could be reduced.

2000 Mustang GT (w/4.6-liter engine): A coolant-flow blockage exists at the intake manifold heater-core nipple, resulting in no coolant flow to the heater and, therefore, no warm airflow from the heater or windshield defroster.

2003-04 Mustang: The rear surface of the accelerator pedal may come into contact with floor carpeting and catch, interfering with the pedal's ability to return to an idle position. Unexpected, continued throttle application and/or increased stopping distances may occur. Dealers will install a shield over the cutout in the carpet behind the accelerator pedal.