2020 Ford Mustang problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Mustang, most often about engine. There are 8 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 120
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 13
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 8
- Median mileage
- 24,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 27 of 120 complaints (23%).
- Electrical System (25) and transmission & drivetrain (25) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 24,000 mi.
- Owners reported 13 crashes, 5 fires and 8 injuries.
- The 2020 Ford Mustang has 8 recalls on file.
- NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
- It ranks 4th of 22 Ford Mustang model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 14% fewer complaints than the 2019 model year (139).
2020 Ford Mustang problems by category
- Engine · 1 crash27 complaints
- 25 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 2 crashes25 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 1 crash22 complaints
- Brakes · 6 crashes17 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 2 crashes16 complaints
- Airbags · 6 crashes8 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion8 complaints
- Body & Structure · 2 crashes6 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers5 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control4 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts · 2 crashes4 complaints
- Wheels & Tires · 1 crash3 complaints
- Lighting2 complaints
- Steering2 complaints
- Suspension · 1 crash1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 25 |
| Electrical system | 25 |
| Power train | 24 |
| Unknown or other | 22 |
| Service brakes | 15 |
| Air bags | 8 |
| Back over prevention | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2020 Ford Mustang recalls (8)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may broadcast an unintended faulted signal to the modules controlling the reverse camera, reverse light, and driver assist features, which may disable all of these functions.
Risk: A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 15, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S37.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
- SERVICE BRAKES · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The brake pedal bracket may fracture during sudden stopping.
Risk: A broken brake pedal could affect braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal bracket assembly, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S52.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Mustang vehicles equipped a forward-looking camera. The camera may be misaligned to the vehicle and features that are dependent on the camera such as Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Driver Alert, and Auto High Beam Control may not function as intended.
Risk: If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not operating effectively, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will perform the Lane Departure Warning System camera alignment procedure, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S26.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.
NHTSA defect investigations
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles for a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, Rear Visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera op…
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2020 Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | ★★★★★ |
Recent 2020 Ford Mustang complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Sep 15, 2026NMTransmission & Drivetrain
Ford has several technical service bulletins on their 10 speed transmission. I have 28,000 miles on my vehicle and need a new transmission. My service manager says that the earlier 10 speeds have issues with some components that are not strong enough, and that current transmissions have been strengthened. He recommended a new transmission rather than a rebuild, because not all of the weaker parts would be replaced with a rebuild. Ford should at least have to pay part of the…
NHTSA complaint #11764473 · source - Filed Sep 10, 2026MIEngine
Vehicle has 396 miles on the odometer. While preparing to back up, with the engine idling , the engine shut off without warning and I had no control of the steering and would not restart when I attempted to do so. This could have put anyone behind me at sever risk or maybe caused an accident should I have been on the highway. The car was towed to my Ford Dealer (Varsity Ford, Ann Arbor, MI) and after inspection they informed the engine had a failure and needed to be replaced…
NHTSA complaint #11763386 · source - Filed Aug 20, 2026AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
2020 Ford Mustang with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has a documented history of coolant loss with no visible external leak, consistent with the known coolant-intrusion defect in Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost engines where coolant leaks internally into the cylinders. The vehicle previously threw a cylinder misfire code (P0301) and now shows a crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation fault (P0017). A scan tool confirmed the exhaust camshaft is approximately 18–19 degrees out of…
NHTSA complaint #11758368 · source - Filed Aug 10, 2026NCElectrical System
I suspect an electrical problem/short is causing my passenger side window to open and close about half an inch uncontrollably. This has been a minor inconvenience but last time it happened, it triggered the passenger door to open when driving. I had to pull over to manually secure the door. Very troubling safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11755854 · source - Filed Aug 3, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain
The 10-speed automatic transmission on my 2020 Mustang failed internally at approximately 18,073 miles. The vehicle began shifting harshly at low speeds with an intermittent clunk. While driving, the transmission would slip slightly and then either surge forward or hesitate with a dull thud before engaging. The behavior was unpredictable and worsened over time. No warning lamp ever appeared and no diagnostic trouble codes were stored, so the driver gets no advance notice of…
NHTSA complaint #11754618 · source - Filed Jul 21, 2026NJEngine
I own a 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with approximately 75,000 miles. My vehicle developed a check engine light with diagnostic codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). I also began experiencing white smoke from the exhaust during cold starts. An independent repair shop suspects coolant is entering cylinder 1 due to a possible head gasket failure. They have recommended removing the cylinder head to inspect for cracks, check for warping, pressure test the…
NHTSA complaint #11751742 · source - Filed Jul 8, 202641,331 miVAFireTowedBrakesElectrical System
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire was about three inches from the back of the engine, close to the fire wall. The contact used a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that upon further inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed brake…
NHTSA complaint #11749075 · source - Filed May 21, 2026SCTransmission & Drivetrain
My car has always been a little rough on shifting since around 40k miles when I got it. I never really noticed after awhile and never had any problems. No lights flashing or codes no issues with anything under the hood. The other day my trans light popped on, but nothing was wrong the car was still driving fine. I took it in to get looked at the first shop said no codes were popping up and then I took it to another and they said the whole transmission now needs to be…
NHTSA complaint #11739282 · source
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Other 2020 Ford models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology