1965 Ford Mustang recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. The spindle may fail resulting in the wheel and tire detaching from the vehicle's steering system.
What could happen: Spindle failure can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Drake Automotive Group, LLC will notify owners and will replace all of the recalled units, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2019. Owners may contact Drake automotive at 1-800-999-0289.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1965 MUSTANG.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19E011000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-999-0289.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
Summary: Drake Automotive Group, LLC (Drake) is recalling certain Scott Drake left and right wheel spindles, part numbers C5ZZ-3106-L, C5ZZ-3105-R, C70Z-3106-L, C70Z-3105-R sold for use on 1965-1966 Ford Mustang V8s and 1967-1969 Ford Mustangs (all vehicles with drums). The spindle may fail resulting in the wheel and tire detaching from the vehicle's steering system.
Consequence: Spindle failure can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Drake Automotive Group, LLC will notify owners and will replace all of the recalled units, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2019. Owners may contact Drake automotive at 1-800-999-0289.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1965 Ford Mustang owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Wheels / tires (2), Electrical system (1), Body / structure (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
12/26/2016 · Electrical system · crash · fire
1965 FORD MUSTANG STALLED DURING RAINY EVENING AND CAME TO A STOP. VEHICLE WAS THEN HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MUSTANG EXPLODED AND INCINERATED THE DRIVER.
07/10/2003 · Wheels / tires
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE OWNER HEARD A BIG "BANG" NOISE COMING FROM THE CAR. A MICHELIN REGAL SPORT TIRE BLEWOUT WITH OUT ANY REASON. *AK THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. (TIRE MODEL/REGAL SPORT CHALLENGER) *SCC *JB
10/05/2000 · Wheels / tires
TIRE ONLY HAD 5-6000 MILES USE, ENTIRE TRED AREA DETACHED AS DONUT WRAPPED AROUND AXLE AND DAMAGED FENDER .*AK (TIRESIZE: P185/75SR1)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185/75SR1 )
07/16/1998 · Fuel system
OWNER CONCERNED THAT FUEL TANK WILL RUPTURE IN A REAR END COLLISION AND RESULT IN A FIRE.