2003 Ford Mustang: sudden loss of power

8 of the 145 complaints about the 2003 Ford Mustang describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 5,350
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 16 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

2025
1
2024
3
2022
3
2021
3
2020
3
2019
8
2018
13
2017
3
2016
15
2015
15
2014
8
2013
8
2012
25
2011
20
2010
2
2009
1
2008
1
2007
4
2006
4
2005
7
2004
2
2003
8
2002
5
2001
3
2000
4
1999
4
1998
6
1997
1
1996
4
1995
8
1994
2
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Jun 12, 2017 · Engine · 167,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford mustang. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the spark plug was missing from the engine compartment. While tightening bolts in the engine compartment, the vehicle ejected another spark plug. The vehicle was taken to hollingsworth richards ford where the contact was notified that this was a known issue with this vehicle. Since there was no recall, the engine head cylinder would need to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that, due to the mileage of the vehicle, the contact would be responsible for the repair cost even though this was a known issue with this model vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Engine · 165,000 miles · NC

While driving my vehicle on the interstate I heard what I thought was a popping sound and then experienced a loss of power. I exited off the interstate and began driving again. My vehicle felt as if my torque converter was slipping and that power was reduced from the motor. I took my vehicle to my local service mechanic who advised me that the 3rd cylinder spark plug had somehow backed itself out of the cylinder head which was causing a loss of power to that cylinder. It also was still receiving power via the coil pack which in turn melted the rubber boot and fried the coil pack for that cylinder. The rubber from the boot ran down into the spark plug and filled the hole. I had to replace both the pug boot and coil pack for the 3rd cylinder along with the labor of removing melted rubber from the spark plug hole and cylinder head.

Filed Dec 12, 2003 · Steering, Transmission · 9,855 miles · IA

Engine stalls with clutch disengaged, coasting at any speed such as when slowing to a stop, slowing for turn, etc. Loss of power, causes instability to turn, brake, or accelerate as expected.

Filed Nov 29, 2003 · Engine · 5,350 miles · CA

2003 ford mustang cobra coupe: during decelleration while shifting or in neutral, car stalls, losing power steering and brakes.

Filed Nov 24, 2003 · Transmission · FL

Stalling upon slowing down with the clutch fully engaged. Lost all power steering and power breaking. 2003 mustang cobra. Has occurred numerous times. Problem occurs semi-frequently. Has been to the dealer once for this problem, problem not resolved.

Filed Oct 1, 2003 · Fuel system · 20 miles · MO

I have a 2003 svt mustang cobrs that has a stall problem. It cuts off randomly and when this happens I lose power to the braking and steering systems. It has happen several times in traffic and I have been lucky to not have hit someone. This started happening the day I picked the car up and to date I have not received a fix only put offs.

Filed Sep 20, 2003 · Engine · 50 miles · FL

I own a 2003 ford mustang cobra. This vehicle is prone to stalling on deceleration causing loss of power to the brake and steering systems. This condition occurs usually in the morning. This occurs at a rate of around once every week or two since I purchased the vehicle last june 2002.

Filed May 27, 2003 · Engine · 500 miles · NV

2003 mustang cobra. Vehicle stalls on deceleration causing loss of power brakes and steering. Car starts right up after stall but this has happened a dozen or more times first thing in the morning or after the car has sat for an extended time.