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8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$290
Average Mileage:
43,150 miles
Total Complaints:
28 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (23 reports)
  2. main harness connector replaced (2 reports)
  3. replace master power relay (1 reports)
  4. replace smart box (1 reports)
  5. small solar charger seems to work (1 reports)
2006 Ford Mustang electrical problems

electrical problem

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2006 Ford Mustang Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Oct 012018

Mustang GT 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This car has had a check charging System Error message since 70,000 miles. I have replaced the alternator once, and I am now on my second battery this year. From time to time the voltage indicator drops to zero and the car shuts off. I had a leak on my passenger side from underneath the glove box. I also had the Smart Junction Box replaced, that did not fix the problem either. When the voltage meter first started dropping the zero intermittently the car didn't shut off.

After about 120,000 the car would shut off when this occurred, first I changed the batteries. Then I ran an extra ground from the battery to the alternator. After doing all that, the car only became worse. Before doing any of this i had replaced the alternator. The only other unconfirmed fix that i have heard of is have the passenger side kick plate harness replaced, but I am not doing that. I had a Ford dealer put in the SJB, they told me the it didn't fix the problem but for $150.00 dollars more they could look for the problem.

I don't thinkIi will ever buy another American automobile.

- 734 G., Ypsilanti, MI, US

problem #27

Feb 042016

Mustang Leather 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,100 miles

I have no gripe with Ford they been good to me, but I think Ford knows what the problem is.

- pfregoso, Pinole, CA, US

problem #26

Apr 182015

Mustang LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,820 miles

Car is constantly dead. Replaced battery after dead battery third time. Bought car for my daughter who has her permit. Only drive car about once a week on regular basis. Car would not start again. Really dead this time. Jump started car with new battery. Started it up then turned off. Dead again. Had it towed to mechanic. He thought it was the alternator. Replaced alternator. Now after a week in driveway it's dead again. Already replaced battery and alternator. Now what! It did ran before the last two car not starting. After reading all these things I think we should get rid of this car. Unreliable and how can she practice driving if the car won't start. I don't trust this car for my daughter. She is so upset. She loves this car and can't believe what' I have been reading to her about all of the complaints that what I have to suggest to her getting rid of this car. She is so upset. She really fell in love with this car. I'm upset for her too. Sorry Ford, but I won't be buying the Edge I was looking at. Did notice that the antitheft light was still blinking on the dashboard when trying to start it and everything else is died.

- Nancy N., Two. Of Washington, US

problem #25

Feb 032007

Mustang GT Premium 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car would continually not start. Of course I could not park the car in a garage and the car in the winter was subject to sub freezing temps. Battery would be drained and car would not start. Called dealer, dealer sent a truck to retrieve car and me, charged battery and sent me on My way. This happened repeatedly. Eventually I got fed up and got rid of the car in or near July for a different Ford. Later I was told the problem was the Master Power Relay draining the battery. This was after I no longer owned the 2006 Mustang Premium GT and yes the car even had the 1000w stereo. I didn't drive much and I still don't, but at least my current car works, even in cold desert weather. The Franchise owner later on sold their Ford Franchise to a new dealer.

- Victor B., Yermo, CA, US

problem #24

Oct 152015

Mustang GT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

I am a totally disable veteran and the time that my wife have to take me to the doctor we end up setting in the driveway because this piece of junk won't start. I have tried contacting Ford for a solution, only to be made fun of. Who decides when a recall is made? I know that Ford Motor Company is aware of the problem.

- callentn, Memphis, TN, US

problem #23

Feb 062015

Mustang

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I bought this car in February and drove it every day for about two weeks. When I let it sit for one weekend, I drove it one day for about 12 miles, the next day the battery was dead. Like everyone else I thought the problem was the battery, then I came to find many people have this problem and the battery is hardly ever the real issue. I took it to the BMW dealership I bought it from because it came with with a used car 30-day warranty, only it was BMW not Ford so they had no idea what was wrong. They suggested a bigger battery but after it sat for another weekend it died. So then we had a Ford mechanic come and take a look.

After running a few diagnostic tests while letting it sit for two days, the mechanic found that all the lights on the right side of the car were causing an electrical draw while the car was off. The issue sounded bizarre on its own, especially because the lights never came on when the car was off, but then later he discovered that this is caused by the erosion of the Smart Junction Box. The eroded box had gotten to the point that it started to malfunction when the car was off. The smart box becomes eroded due to water damage most likely, that is why it is important to not spray water directly below the windshield when washing it. Although this problem seems to be inevitable, undoubtedly a car will get rained on and water will make its way under the hood, so far the replacement of this part that cost $300.has done the trick.

My car sat for three days and it started right up, then it sat for two more days and started again. I never knew I could be so appreciative of a car starting up after sitting for a weekend, especially after having a car that virtually never had any issues (an 1997 Acura 3.0 CL), but I wanted American and I took a chance getting a Ford so frustrating electrical issues seem to be part of that game. But it is a really nice car and so long as it starts and doesn't have anymore issues as maddening and significant as this, I won't have to complain. Plus the San Diego dealership covered the $600 cost to fix it (the other $300 for labor) but beware of this problem because it can be costly though at least there's a solution.

P.S. My radio would also spontaneously come on but I don't think it had any affect on the battery draining although I'm not sure, it could quite possibly be another draw due to the faulty smart box.

Update from May 6, 2015: NOT A SOLUTION APPARENTLY*

I just went to my car and after sitting for ONLY A DAY, it died. This worked for almost a month, but there probably is no solution to this problem because the car is just an unreliable piece of crap!!! Just never buy one or sell it, that's the solution I guess...

- Valerie R., Hemet, CA, US

problem #22

Dec 012014

Mustang GT 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,557 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Sent this letter to CEO back in 2012.

Date: March 13, 2012 Mr. Alan Mulally CEO Ford Motor Company P.O. Box 685 Dearborn, MI. 48126-0685

Dear Mr. Mulally: I am writing to you today as a previously loyal customer, but due to frustration on the handling of my current issue with my 2006 Ford Mustang, has changed my opinion about your company. I purchased my Mustang as a new car back in August of 2006 and love it. It was not until 2010 did I begin to have an issue. My job requires me to fly out of town often, and I leave my car at the airport 3 to 5 days a week. Two years ago, when I returned from one of my trips, my car would not start and it was necessary to receive a jump-start from an auto service company. I brought the car back to my dealer and they found nothing wrong with the car. This happened again a few weeks later and at that point they recommended I replace the battery. The same issue appeared again two weeks ago. I brought the car back to my same dealer, and again they tell me they see nothing wrong, but this time they also supplied with a service bulletin (TSB-07-5-13), which describes my issue, and offers no solution to the customer. My service agent at my dealership recommended that I purchase a car battery jumper and keep it in my trunk. Is the right answer to be given to your customer? The service bulletin shows that you acknowledged the issue, and resolved the issue in future versions of my vechile. I have purchased seven cars from Ford since 1986 and planned to purchase another Ford vehicle in the very near future. (1986 Mercury Topaz, 1989 Ford Probe, 1995 Ford Windstar, 1999 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, 2001 Ford Windstar, 2006 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, 2009 Ford Escape). We still currently own the last four vehicles. I am writing to you because of the answer your customer service representative responded to my issue. I am also enclosing a copy of her response with all other information about this issue, including my vin #. I hope you can offer a better solution.

- Fred C., Morrisville, PA, US

problem #21

May 012014

Mustang Convertible 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,020 miles

I recently purchased a small solar charger from Harbor Freight and Tools. I sorted the car for 15 days with this connected and the charger has light exposure. The car was not driven but once or twice before storing and I just had to jump it a week before. I know the battery was good as I brought a new one. It was just pulled down. Place the charger on, connected to the battery directly and left it while I was on vacation.

Returned Sunday May 11, 2024. Disconnected the leads and the car started right up. Seems to work. The charger comes with a inside plug in adapter so you can charge it while leaving at an airport. Low watts and low charge rate on amps, but it seemed to work. I also turn the radio off before stopping the engine. Northern Tool and Equipment has a slightly larger one for about $20.00. I'm going to purchase that one as a way to quick charge, but not over charge. It puts out somewhere around 0.5amps, where as the one I have only puts out 0.125 amps/hr. If anyone else tries this, let me know your results. So far, so good for me..

- rmcrorie1, Concord, NC, US

problem #20

Jun 042014

Mustang GT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,800 miles

Was really excited to have bought the car, from the beginning, I have had the battery drain issue. I literally have put less than 1000 miles on this car and am disappointed that the potential non confirmed fixes posted all over the internet will cost me time and a lot more money. I'm not putting any effort into this junk. I have has enough, I listed it on craigslist for sale today... If I can't dump it on someone that wants to come out to a daily dead car, I'll take a hit and trade it for cash, at an extreme loss, to a dealer. I love the styling, but the car is totally UNdependable. I am extremely disappointed in this machine. I have been a Ford driver for 16 years and will look into other makes going forward...

- 2006junkstanggt, Pittsburgh, PA, US

problem #19

Sep 092013

Mustang V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,000 miles

2006 V6 convertible....all the lights come on in the dash, the dials all go to zero.... if don't drive it for a day, need to get it jumped. Ford dealership says battery is fine, must be the $480 alternator. Still fails, oh, I guess the battery needs to be replaced. Still fails, went to another mechanic, water getting into the passenger side door and shorting out wiring....$450 later, still an issue. I couldn't put the convertible top up, so I turned the car off and tried turning it on again and the car went completely dead. Tried jumping it - nothing. Waited 5 minutes and the car turned on again with no issue. For days, I would try to turn the car on in the morning, jump it if necessary and so long as it was running, no problem. Then, all of a sudden, the running car just shut off. They tell me that the wiring harness under the passenger kick plate needs to be replaced and Ford is pricing the harness at a cost of $2000. Won't sell just the connectors....looking for a junked car to take it out of, but apparently THIS particular harness ONLY comes in a 2006 Ford Mustang with anti lock brakes...seriously - I have been without a car now for 3 weeks trying to get this sorted out. Wanted to keep this car for my daugher, but worried she'll be stranded somewhere. It was a good car for many years, still a fan, but this electrical problem is crazy and Ford should be more aware of how to solve it.

- Susan S., Plainfield, IL, US

problem #18

Sep 162013

Mustang GT

  • Manual transmission
  • 43,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had this problem on and off with the radio/cd player drains the battery...I have had the radio off now for 6 mos..and suddenly it turns itself on, and drains the battery. I bought the car new in 2006 and have lots of issues with it..water in the cabin area is a huge issue..is this car a bad design?

- C T., Dania, FL, US

problem #17

Jun 152011

Mustang Light V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

We bought the car used v8 gt 2006 in 2009. 2 yrs later battery draining. Left me on road, pain in the butt. Took to ford and they disconnected the battery, ran tests and found it was the shaker 1000 stero so they disconnected it. Problem solved. Bologna, now one year later lights go off while driving. Then. Set alarm and in morning alarm not beeping off. So start it, no lights in car or anywhere alarm goes off. Hit emergency switch and start car good. After work, wash car with no alarm set that day have all dash light come on, and then I pull over all Gage's at 0. now I put in park engine running and now it won't get out of park. Stuck again, ford say alarm problems. Ya right, not it having it towed to ford again numerous times to find problem.

- Penny B., Norco, CA, US

problem #16

Feb 122013

Mustang

  • Manual transmission
  • 16,000 miles

I bought this car for special rides, like some buy motorcycles.....saved up for this extra special treat....and the battery is always dead...while under warranty Ford replaced the radio 2x, Ford came out for road side service....and now they are claiming this is out of warranty, when they never actually fixed the problem!! I only have 16,000 miles on this car and am afraid to take it anywhere, as I always need a jump!

- Stacey C., Andreas, PA / USA, US

problem #15

Dec 142011

Mustang 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,979 miles

I went out to start my car and the battery was so dead I couldn't get the door open, because the electric window wouldn't come down enough to get the door open. I had to literally force the door open to get the hood up so I could put a charger on my car. From that point on my window would come down to let me get into my mustang but wouldn't go back up. I had to manually close the driver’s window. I took it to the ford garage. They said it was a programming issue and charged me $106.41 to fix the window caused by a dead battery. It was not covered by warranty because there was a deductible and this would cost less than the deductible. I am so disappointed in Ford. I don't mind problems, but don't lie to me. They know there is a problem, but they make it out to be the owners fault. They don't want to admit it may be a defect in the car.

- Levinia J., Gordonville, TX, US

problem #14

Aug 152012

Mustang GT 4.6L

  • Manual transmission
  • 58,900 miles

I had a problem for months with battery continually drains and car will not start after it sits for a few days. I checked with ford and no resolution but I fund many complaints on the internet of the same situation. After checking everything with regards to a draw I found water in the harness connection behind passenger kick panel. It was all green from mildew. Just pop off harness with the clip dry it out with electric-motor cleaner and put dielectrial grease on it. Remove 2 cowl covers by wiper blades and clean the 2 drains at the bottom of the cowl. clean out so that water can drain, otherwise the cowl fills up and water goes down the kick panel. Ford should make bigger holes in cowl to fix problem.

Have fun!

- ponysrun, Harrisburg, PA, US

problem #13

Sep 022012

Mustang 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,979 miles

I went out to start the car to go to the grocery store. GUESS WHAT, THE BATTERY IS DEAD AGAIN!!! This is really annoying. I just drove it two days before so I know it's not because I'm not driving it often enough. I don't care what kind of manure the ford tech is trying to sell me, I'm not buying. This isn't my first rodeo. I've worked around cars all my life. I'm no mechanic or tech but I know enough to know there is a problem with the electrical system. Something is draining my battery. I know the difference between a drained battery and a bad battery. I have a battery tester. The problem needs to be solved. It is time Ford Motor Company fixed it, if they want to save the reputation of the Mustang. I will never buy another mustang. You know the saying “Once burned, twice shy”.

- Levinia J., Gordonville, TX, US

problem #12

Jan 222010

Mustang V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Drivers side harness is faulty, does not maintain good connection, replaced pin connector with a similar connector put pf a 2003 mustang, it is a more robust design and a tighter fit. Has corrected all electrical issues, including radio turning on and off, wipers turning on an off, static in speakers and fuel pump not operating properly. It is a time consuming repair and will cost significantly more of you have a shop perform the repair. I hope this helps

- Preston L., Deale, MD, US

problem #11

Dec 152010

Mustang

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I have a 06 mustang in which the battery drains. The first few times it was happening I just bought new batteries thinking that would fix the problem, however it didn't. I took the battery to a local part store and had them check it, they said the battery was fine. I notice each time I replace the battery and play cd's in the radio that is when my problem starts. Anyone else have this problem too? For now I don't use the radio, pulled the fuse, and haven't had to replace battery. I've contacted Ford and let them know about my problem but they haven't responded. Any help will do. Thanks.

- ldh, Cedar Lane, TX, US

problem #10

Nov 122011

Mustang GT 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,986 miles

My 2006 Mustang GT convertible is now on its second Ford battery under warranty for about 3 months now. 36k and while driving home last night the radio shut off and a "battery low" message displayed on the radio followed by all the yellow caution lights, ABS/traction control off/check engine and am sure I detected a burning wire odor. Alternator at only 36k? The voltage meter was dead as well. I really enjoy the car and am surprised about this.

- Ted L., Katy, TX, US

problem #9

Jul 132011

Mustang GT 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,832 miles

The battery drains while driving. The battery light comes on and then the system tells me to check the charging system. I'm not sure what causing this but I will take it to the dealership tomorrow.

- rev1269, Fairfax, VA, US

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