2005 Ford Mustang: check engine light

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Engine · 123,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at approximately 25-35 MPH for approximately two miles, the engine started overheating. The oil pan gasket was leaking. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V779000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). There were several hoses that were split. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the radiator and engine were cracked, and the pistons were loose. There was air in the oil. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Engine · OH

I have experienced two engine failures in my 2005 Ford Mustang due to timing chain issues, specifically the failure of the timing chain cassette, guides, and tensioners in the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine. The first failure happened suddenly with no warning, resulting in severe bottom-end damage, including rod knock. The timing chain cassette ends tend to snap off, sending debris through the engine and damaging lifters, camshafts, and other critical components. The second failure was preceded by an audible “death rattle,” a known symptom of timing chain guide and tensioner failure. Despite this, my vehicle never displayed a check engine light or oil pressure warning before either failure. Unlike later Mustangs with an oil pressure gauge, mine only has a warning light, which never activated.This issue poses a major safety risk, especially at highway speeds. My first engine failure occurred with no prior symptoms, which could have led to an accident had I been merging or overtaking. A failing timing chain can cause misfires, loss of power, or sudden engine shutdown, endangering the driver and others on the road. Independent mechanics have confirmed this issue, and Ford service centers recognize it as a common problem with the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine. Ford has quoted $3,000–$4,000 for timing chain service, making repairs nearly as expensive as engine replacement. These engines rely on multiple chains and hydraulic tensioners that wear out over time, causing slack in the timing chain, jumped timing, and catastrophic damage, typically after 100,000 miles. Despite this, there are no clear warning systems to alert drivers before failure occurs. While timing chains are considered serviceable components, the high failure rate of the timing chain guides and tensioners in these engines, combined with excessive repair costs, indicates a design flaw. I have spent around $4,500 addressing this issue, yet the risk of recurrence remains.

Filed Dec 23, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 157,000 miles · CT

There is an apparent design flaw in 2005 mustangs as I have read hundreds of similar complaints as to what I am experiencing. Due to this design flaw after a recent day of heavy rain 1 headlight and 1 signal light will not turn off once the car has been shut off. I researched and apparently the smart junction box (sjb) got wet and the electrical unit is now malfunctioning. There was also a strong burning smell when I got home that night as well. Spoke with an online mechanic technician and he confirmed that the sjb needs to be replaced. There has been a long history of the car leaking on the passenger side whenever it rains due to the design flaw. Also my gas gauge never reads properly, inside lights are also dim/off and the check engine light has been going on and off for nearly a year and my mechanic could not diagnose why the reviews online said when they spoke to ford that admitted that it was a known problem but because there has been no recall that they will not repair this for free. Estimates I read put the cost around $1000 to get this fixed and do not want to pay that kind of money especially when ford admits to knowing there is a problem. I am hopeful that we can get ford to do the right thing and issue a recall for this. It is a serious problem since the electrical system can cause a fire from reports I have read. This happened to meet on 12/21/18. I was driving home from work and parked the car and shut it off. As I locked the car I noticed that the drivers side headlight and passenger side signal light stayed on and I had to disconnect the battery to make them shut off. Also there was a strong burning odor when I lifted the hood.

Filed Nov 5, 2015 · Airbags, Engine · 51,000 miles · CA

Engine light came on and car was sticking in gear so I took it to the dealer. The dealer found out through a diagnostic test that the throttle assembly but wanted me to pay almost $1000.00 to get it fixed. I told them no and picked my car up. I went on line and found out there was a recall on the throttle assembly.

Filed Aug 3, 2015 · Electrical, Seats · CA

My tachometer fail a few years ago. When I took it to the dealer, he said all mustang gauges fail and to be happy it wasn't the speedometer. Slowly over time all the electrical has been having problems. Sometimes the car won't start, all the gauges stop working, the check engine light goes on and off for no reason. Also the driver seat electrical failed, was replaced and failed again. I couldn't afford to have it fixed.

Filed Jun 16, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 6,500 miles · NJ

I was driving down the road at the speed limit when all of a sudden the engine light came on and the car immediately stalled. I had to pull over to the shoulder and put my hazards on so I didn't get hit from behind or cause a dangerous accident to the other motorists. I turned off the car, left the hazards on and waited a few minutes before starting it up again. It started thankfully and I was able to pull into a parking lot safely to avoid an accident. Very frightening experience. Eventually someone was able to come and help me get my car home. We believe that the incident had something to do with the defective throttle body, and throttle body sensor. Ford should have recalled this problem and pay for their faulty parts. This car is a 2005 ford mustang convertible with a v6 engine.

Filed Jun 9, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 92,500 miles · IL

Returning home from work, the engine stopped operating. I pulled onto the median and managed to bring my vehicle to a stop. The check engine light as well as other icons were lit up on the information panel which indicated there was still electrical power. After a couple of attempts the vehicle started and I proceeded on my way. Traffic was heavy by this time. Within the next mile or so the vehicle stalled an additional 4-5 times particularly when stopped at intersections. I managed to restart the vehicle and proceeded directly to the auto dealership since it was on my way.

Filed Mar 10, 2014 · Fuel system · 139,000 miles · MI

Our 2005 ford mustang v6 started showing no fuel on the gauge approximated in june of 2013. At first it was random but now it never shows gas in the tank even when the tank is full. We keep track of the miles and keep it filled because we have no gauge. As of march 2014 the car has a check engine light on and has started to stop when at intersections. It acts like it has no gas. It is frightening when your car is sitting in busy traffic and won't move. So far it has started up after a few tries. We are very concerned after reading other mustang owners have the same problem and ford has done nothing to recall or try to help owners fix this issue.

Filed Feb 12, 2014 · Fuel system · 95,000 miles · IL

I own a ford mustang 2005 v6. The first thing to happen around december of 2013 was my gas gauge dropped to empty and the low fuel light came on with a message of failure to read the amount of gas of vehicl when in fact I had a full tank. This started doing it every so often and now does it on a daily occurrence, the check engine is on and I have dificulties to pass pollution test in illinois because of that. This is happening to many mustang oweners and really sounds like a defect on these ford mustang. It is not a cheap fix and ford needs to step up to the plate and a recall needs to be done. This is a safety hazard that needs to be repaired.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 18, 2012 · Electrical, Fuel system · 41,300 miles · AZ

Driving on highway engine light came on then fuel gauge went to 0 and speedometer down to 10 miles per hour and gauge flickered back up to 35..almost causing an accident not knowing what was happening. Past 6 months when fueling my car gas pump keeps kicking off, not sure if it could cause a fire, takes 15 minutes to fuel up. I will never buy a ford again.

Filed Sep 12, 2011 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · CA

In 2008 ford replaced the gas tank on the ford mustang because of a defect in the gas tank for refueling. Engine light comes on indicating either low fuel pressure or emitting emissions. Verified problem at perry ford poway ca with [xxx] explained that the new gas tank needed to have new fuel pump cell to match the new gas tank. Ford customer service verified only new gas tank installed in 2008. Ford wants me to pay for correcting their error of not matching the right fuel pump cell to the new gas tank. If the gas tank is leaking fumes this should be considered a risk to me and other that had a gas tank replaced. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 19, 2010 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · CA

Took my 05 v6 to the dealer because there was a collection of lights on the dash lit up, check engine, brake, oil pressure, traction control, traction control off, low fuel, fuel gauge not working and the turn signal lights on dash didn't work either. This happened after water leaked into my car after a hard rain. Dealership said smart junction box got wet due to bad sealant,which caused the leak. However, smart junction box is not covered under warranty and my car only has 65k miles. This is now the third time this has happened due to their mistake.