2005 Ford Mustang: jerking or lurching

Filed Jul 12, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 30,000 miles · CA

The car was coasting and then just completely turned off reducing steering and braking ability at least 50% until I could come to a complete stop, turn off the ignition, then restart it again. Since then this has happened at least 5 times, 4 in the last week! My totally trustworthy mechanic did a diagnostic test and found no failures besides the fact that the fuel gauge hasn't worked in years, the speedometer doesn't always tell me the speed, the gas tank shuts off before filling up, the head lights and interior lights have stayed on after turning off the car and hasn't turned off after it's rained. The RPM seems to be the problem for why the engine turns off when they are too low. There used to be a jerky problem during acceleration when the car would shoot forward then back off a couple times before returning to a more steady acceleration. I would consider this vehicle a complete lemon and threat to the safety of me and anybody else on the road but since the warranty period is over and it's been taken to a mechanic I don't have any other options besides reporting it to you, I really wish there was some way this problem could be solved and I'm certain many other owners of this same vehicle are dealing with the same problem.

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Body, Engine · 7,000 miles · MI

I was driving about 55mph and heard a beep, looked in the dash and saw the engine went into a "fail safe mode". The car slowed down and jerked and slowed down quite a bit. Went to the dealership and could'nt find anything wrong w/ it. It started happening more often, so finally found a mechanic that was able to diagnose and fix the problem for $800. I saw in the paper that a few toyotas had this problem and wanted to let you know it happened on a new ford mustang as well. Also, whenever it rains, (the same car) leaks water into and puddles up under the passenger's seat. This has been a problem from the beginning of purchase. I don't drive this car in the rain because of this. I have talked to other mustang owners at the oil change facility, and they said they have the same problem. I really don't understand why there has not been a coulpe of recalls on the 2005 mustang gt. I waited a long time to get my dream car and paid a lot of money for it. If I'm not the only one having this problem, I would think the ford company should take responsibilty and fix the problems.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 8, 2010 · Fuel system · 57,500 miles · OH

Vehicle regularly stalls out at stops and/or loses power (accelerator will not give proper power to vehicle) so that in an intersection there is no ability to get vehicle out of traffic safely. Also will lurch forward at stops on its own (with no power given to accelerator) which poses a safety issue for other drivers and/or pedestrians in my path.

Filed Aug 24, 2008 · Transmission · 46,000 miles · AZ

While backing from my garage, I put the shifter into reverse. The car will pause and then a sudden jerk into reverse. The automatic transmission was recently flushed at the ford dealership prior to the start of this problem.

Filed Jul 14, 2005 · Acceleration · 3,600 miles · TX

I purchased a 2005 mustang on june 17, 2005. On july 6, 2005, while in traffic I noticed in stop and go traffic the car was accelerating when it should have been decelerating. I actually smelled rubber burning from the tires that were still moving although the break was pressed. When I began to accelerate, the car acted as if it was in neutral and would not move for approximately 4 to 5 seconds, but the engine reveled up high then the car jerked and accelerated on its own. On july 8, 2005 while stopping at a stop sign the car accelerated when it should have decelerated causing the tires to continue to turn, once again I smelled the rubber burning from the tire. On june 11, 2005, car accelerated when stopping. I took the car in to automax ford, explained what was happening, took repair office attendant for a test drive, problem did not happen during the test drive. Attendant said if it happens again bring it in. On july 12, 2005, accelerated at stop sign, when tried to accelerate car would not move, then kicked into gear after 4 to 5 seconds accelerated high and sped off. July 13, 2005, accelerated when stoped, july 14, 2005, when stopped and started car would not move when accelerated. Called automax ford spoke with same repair attendant, voiced my concern of being afraid to drive the car. I have kids and this car is not safe. Asked attendant for a loaner car becasue I have no other transportation and he said he will call me when a loaner car is available. Pleaded with him not to forget about me and how afraid I was to drive the car. I haven't made the first payment on this car and it is causing problems for me.

Filed Jun 22, 2005 · Acceleration, Transmission · 5,470 miles · CA

Problen 1: when slowing to a stop, maybe 5 MPH or so, then pressing on the gas pedal to accelerate, the engine RPM's increase as if the transmission is in neutral, then jumps into gear causing a sudden jerk forward. The problem has been reported and confirmed by ford dealership. Problem 2: started vehicle, with foot on brake put in reverse and heard a strange noise and blue smoke outside passenger window. The right rear tire was "burning rubber" pulled shift leaver back to nuetral and engine RPM normal. Possibly related to the problem above or I could ahave had my foor on brake and gas pedal at the same time but can not that easily.