Ford Mustang problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 1,662 owner complaints and 60 recalls on file for the Ford Mustang (2005–2026). The 2016 Mustang has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.
- Complaints
- 1,662
- Recalls
- 60
- Model years
- 22
- Worst year
- 2016
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Ford Mustang years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2016 Ford Mustang — 272 complaints, 8 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Electrical System
- 2015 Ford Mustang — 261 complaints, 10 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
- 2017 Ford Mustang — 225 complaints, 7 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
- 2020 Ford Mustang — 120 complaints, 13 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2018 Ford Mustang — 164 complaints, 6 crashes; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2009 (6 complaints).
Every Ford Mustang model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | Engine |
| 2025 Mustang | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Lighting |
| 2024 Mustang | 82 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 12 | Electrical System |
| 2023 Mustang | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Steering |
| 2022 Mustang | 50 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 9 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2021 Mustang | 55 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2020 Mustang | 120 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 8 | Engine |
| 2019 Mustang | 139 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | Engine |
| 2018 Mustang | 164 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 3 | Engine |
| 2017 Mustang | 225 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2016 Mustang | 272 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 5 | Electrical System |
| 2015 Mustang | 261 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 11 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2014 Mustang | 42 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2013 Mustang | 42 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2012 Mustang | 34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2011 Mustang | 25 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2010 Mustang | 12 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | Airbags |
| 2009 Mustang | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Airbags |
| 2008 Mustang | 16 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2007 Mustang | 25 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 4 | Airbags |
| 2006 Mustang | 29 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 | Airbags |
| 2005 Mustang | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System |
Most common Ford Mustang problem areas (all years)
- Electrical System312 complaints
- Engine294 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech235 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain233 complaints
- Body & Structure188 complaints
- Brakes110 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion97 complaints
- Airbags91 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts73 complaints
- Steering62 complaints
Complaint trend
Ford Mustang recalls
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of driver power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a loss of headlight function or windshield washing system function can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A blank instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A corroded cable can break, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant, and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: A loss of vehicle handling and steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An undetected low brake fluid condition can lead to a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A melted clutch pressure line can result in a loss of drive power, increases the risk of a crash. A brake fluid leak increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Other Ford models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology