Wednesday, 01 June 2011 16:03

URGENT SAFETY WARNING: 2011+ Ford Mustang and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System

The 2011 Mustang models introduced Ford's AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control (ESC) system and Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS). These two features work in conjunction with each other, along with the traction control and anti-lock braking systems, to provide one of the latest vehicle safety technologies aimed at preventing crashes. ESC has been shown to be very effective at reducing crash and fatality rates by helping drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Victoria has now introduced the requirement that all new vehicles must be fitted with and electronic stability control (ESC) system when first registered. Other Australian states will introduce this requirement in 2012. The ESC requirement applies to all new vehicles registered in Victoria which are manufactured on or after 1 January 2011 (i.e. compliance plate is after 1 January 2011).

Aside from the legal requirement for new vehicles to be fitted with ESC, it is an important safety feature. Mustang Motorsport's Craig Dean says, "The new Mustangs have tremendous performance, and every aspect of the vehicle is designed to complement each other. Systems such as anti-lock braking, traction control and ESC are all integral parts of the entire safety system built into the car."

"During the conversion process, it has taken a lot of work to ensure all the performance and safety systems work correctly – exactly as they were designed to by the manufacturer. The introduction of the electric power steering and stability control system adds yet another layer of complexity to the process. We aim for perfection in everything we do, and that goes doubly so for anything to do with safety. We ensure that all our vehicles perform as they should."

"If any of the warning lights are on, or if there are any doubts at all regarding any of these systems, DO NOT ACCEPT DELIVERY of the vehicle. These lights not only warn of a potential problem with some of the work which has been done, but may also indicate that important safety systems are inactive or not operating correctly. The correct function of the entire ESC system relies on every individual component working in conjunction with every other one. The failure or incorrect function of just one component can render the entire system inoperative."

If the driver is unaware of this failure they can be left in a potentially very dangerous situation, believing their vehicle has an operative ESC system. The failure of these systems may also contravene the law. Anyone with a 2011+ Mustang who has any doubts whatsoever regarding the safety systems is urged to contact Mustang Motorsport urgently for a free no-obligation inspection. Mustang Motorsport will check any Mustang for free, no matter where it has been converted or how it has been imported, to ensure that nobody is on the road in a potentially dangerous situation.

Mustang Motorsport can be contacted on (03) 9753 5799. Craig can be emailed direct at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit 10 Hayward Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156.