1993 ford mustang ignition system fire vehicle was in garage after being driven the day before. Attempted to start the vehicle and there was no response from the starter then smoke came from under the steering wheel from ignition wires burning under the steering wheel. I was able to extinguish the fire with a cloth and I noticed that the coating on the wires under the wheel were burnt off and the wire was charred which has rendered the vehicle inoperable. After searching the web I noticed that there was a recall on my vehicle for the very problem that I experienced (the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v071000) I contacted the dealer and they stated that my vehicle (early 1993 model) was not included in the recall and since it was over 10 years old they would not fix it anyway under the recall. I have filed a complaint with ford's customer service line and need to wait for their response. So far the ford dealerships lack of concern of the seriousness of this issue astounds me. My garage could have burned down people could have been injured etc.
1993 Ford Mustang: fire, smoke or burning smell
24 of the 101 complaints about the 1993 Ford Mustang describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 24
- of this car's complaints
- 24%
- recalls
- 1
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Dt: the vehicle blew up and caught on fire damaging 3 other vehicle around it. The fire marshal came out and said it was mechianical and electrical defect in the vehicle. The insurance company was coming to investagate. *ak
Consumer drove vehicle 30 to 40 miles to a doctor. Parked for 10 minutes, and car was reported on fire. Fire fighter said altenator started the fire. The car was totaled. The altenator had been replaced 2 years ago.
I've called ford and my ford dealers about this. They say they are not aware of a problem with the 79-93 mustang. Consequently, they don't offer a fix either, but I've discovered a kernel of truth that is quite different while looking at mustang accident fires on the internet. I didn't find more than a dozen real examples and only found a few pictures of the burnt mustangs and actual articles of specific dead victims but the fires were horrible and some died while others lived with severe gasoline burns all over their bodies. The 79-93 mustangs like my 93 mustang have gone up in flames when rear ended at speeds under 50 MPH and have leaked fuel when hit under 30 MPH. Ironically, it appears that the 79-93 mustang is more likely to go up in flames than the 92-2001 crown victoria because it is much lighter and flimsier than the full framed crown vic with its huge full size trunk. The mustang gas tank is only a few inches from the bumper, and it's sandwiched between the rear axle and the actual sheet metal of the mustang body. It's actually less than an inch from the sheet metal in the back and only a few inches from the axle in the front. I've had two fast-spilling fuel leaks twice in six months without ever being rear ended. I've observed that the gas can migrate under the tank where the leak is and even climb up the sides of the tank and any metal it comes in contact with. From this observation, I understand it might be possible for the gasoline to ignite if it comes in contact with a spark under the car or the heat from the exhaust pipe. I understand the 93 mustang is very likely to spill gas when hit over 30 MPH, and it can also spill gas when hit at lower speeds, based on tests available from the federal safety agency. I wish ford with come out with a stronger smaller safety gas tank to replace the standard 15 gallon tank would be able to withstand such collisions and would not leak fuel from the filler pipe.
Consumer's son and a passenger was involved in a fatal collision. The vehicle was hit from the rear. Upon impact the gas tank exploded, catching the passenger on fire and the driver was completely engulfed. The driver was pronounced as a doa. The gas tank completely melted. The fatality was caused by the gas tank exploding, not by the crash itself.
While driving alternator, beginning with the original, has burst into flames 4 times. Each time, consumer has had to pull over to the nearest business establishment to borrow fire extinguisher. Consumer had vehicle checked for electrical shorts and replaced the alternator but problem still exist. This happens while ilding or traveling at low rpms while having the headlights, radio, and A/C on. The electric fan would kick on and all components would send the battery gauge under 10 volts catching fire almost immediately.
While traveling with heater running consumer noticed a rubber burning smell soon after consumer pulled vehicle over and noticed venal sticking to dashboard. Dealer contacted. Please provide further information.
Batery light comes on, then vehicle overheats and catches on fire. Plug goes into alternator. Took to dealer, and they said alternater was bad.
I started the car in my driveway and it immediately caught fire under the dash. The whole dash harness melted along with some dash components. Ford motor company says there is no recall. They do not have the part nor do they make it anymore. I now have a 7 year old car that is worthless because of a $500.00 part.
Veh caught fire due to faulty ignition switch- ford refused to honor recall and wont repair damage
State farm representative terri burns reports while driving the alternator caught on fire. Fire was in the front of car. Fire department came to put fire out. Approximately $52 of damage. No injuries. *ak
The consumer has experienced a problem with ignition switch system. While vehicle was just sitting, smoke started coming from the vents, and noticed that vehicle was on fire. The manufacturer has been contacted. Corrolates to recall number 96v071000.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- Risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1993 Ford Mustang fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1993 Ford Mustang?
24 of 101 owner complaints about the 1993 Ford Mustang (24%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1993 Ford Mustang?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1993 Ford Mustang
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