FORD GT Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used FORD GT options? We analyzed 9 model years (2004–2022) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact FORD GT you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD GT has 10 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls across model years 2004–2022. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- GT
- Model years analyzed
- 2004–2022 (9 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2005 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Below AverageBased on 10 NHTSA complaints across 9 model years (2004–2022), complaints are concentrated in the 2004–2006 model years, with air bag issues being the most frequently reported component. The data set is very small, limiting the strength of any conclusions.
- Air bags account for 5 of the 10 total complaints.
- The 2006 model year has the most complaints (5), followed by 2005 (4).
- Only 1 crash-related complaint was reported.
- Air bag system issues are the most common complaint.
- Engine and engine cooling problems are the second most reported component.
- Suspension, powertrain, and unknown/other components each have 1 complaint.
Model years 2005 and 2006 show elevated complaints, primarily driven by air bag issues. Buyers of these years should pay close attention to air bag system history.
Model years 2017–2019 had zero complaints, which may indicate better reliability, but the sample is too small to draw firm conclusions.
- Inspect the air bag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and engine cooling components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and powertrain before purchase.
📅 Problems by Model Year (Best vs. Worst Years)
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
11 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2004–2022. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 10 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
10 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD GT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V384000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2005 FORD GT. LAWYER FOR THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE ANY RECORD FILED REGARDING A RECALL FOR IMPERFECTIONS OF THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *KB THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. *JB
WHEEL BREAKAGE, SPINNING, ENGINE BLOCK FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *JB
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR OTHER ISSUE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CV BOLTS FELL OUT. *AK
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD GT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V319000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER THREE YEARS AGO. THE DEALER (AUTONATION FORD SCOTTSDALE, 8555 E FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A RECALL NHTSA 17V-024 FORD RECALL 17S01 ON MARCH 2017 FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AFTER WAITING 1 YEAR FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE.FORD ADVISED ME TODAY THAT THE PARTS MAY BE AVAILABLE IN SPRING OF 2018. I'LL BE WAITING OVER A YEAR .I WANT THE AIRBAG REMOVED UNTIL PARTS ARE AVAILABLE BUT FORD WON'T DO IT WITHOUT A LETTER FROM NHTSA. PLEASE SEND A LETTER APPROVING REMOVAL OF THE AIRBAG
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED CONCERNING THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS. A MONTH LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER (SAN TAN FORD 1429 E MOTORPLEX LOOP, GILBERT, AZ 85297, (480) 821-3200) DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS AND REMEDY WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD ALREADY WAITED OVER TWO YEARS FOR THE FIRST TWO AIR BAG RECALLS AND HAD TO RETURN TO THE DEALER WITH NO CERTAIN TIME FRAME FOR THIS RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD GT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V319000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD GT. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND IN A CIRCLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,400. UPDATED 9/10/12 *CN
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE JERK. SUDDENLY THE DRIVER SMELL FUEL AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
Showing 10 of 10 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact FORD GT
These pages show model-year patterns across 9years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD GT has 10 complaints on record across 9 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD GT has 11 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the FORD GT's 10 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD GT vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD GT vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD GT has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the FORD GT stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
📍 Check a FORD GT by State
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD GT.