2020 Ford Mustang engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Filed May 7, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Check engine light came on, car lost power on highway. Car continues to have the same issue after repairs have been made. Ford App says engine misfire, after every repair. Ford mechanics fix spark plugs, coils, electrical. None of which has fixed the issue of stalling on the highway which poses risk of me the driver and others driving on the highway. The only light that comes on is engine light.

   NHTSA complaint #11736216 · source
5. Filed Apr 28, 2026INEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   IMRC actuator rod broke causing the air/fuel mix to be sporadic. Creating a misfire on random cylinders. Major loss of power and very jerky motions, causing the vehicle to loose control. Luckily it was on an open spacious road. Unfortunately this has been an ongoing problem and there is nobody selling updated parts the electronics will recognize and very difficult to find oe replacement parts, real costly. And may fix the issue for a short period of time. I have a brand new…

   NHTSA complaint #11734247 · source
6. Filed Mar 17, 2026OKEngine

   FAILURE TO NOTIFY/ADDRESS A KNOWN ISSUE DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD Vehicle has been serviced in accordance with Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule by Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond, Oklahoma, since purchase. At service appointment in September 2025, with 59,968 miles – just prior to the 60k mile powertrain warranty expiration – specifically requested a thorough inspection of any conditions that could potentially be addressed under warranty coverage. During that visit, Joe…

   NHTSA complaint #11725014 · source
7. Filed Mar 6, 2026GAEngineOther / Unknown

   The vehicle has ongoing engine and turbocharger problems, including loss of power, knocking, and worsening performance. It also has brake‑booster/vacuum issues that cause reduced braking assist and a hard brake pedal. Electrical and software malfunctions occur intermittently, including warning messages and irregular system behavior. These issues create safety risks and have been observed repeatedly. Some problems were confirmed by service technicians, but the exact cause…

   NHTSA complaint #11722612 · source
8. Filed Oct 3, 2025ILEngine

   I had the coolant gasket problem that resulted in having to get the engine replaced. It was a 202 mustang ecoboost premium.

   NHTSA complaint #11691177 · source
9. Filed Aug 28, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   1. 2020 Mustang Ecoboost is equipped from factory with redesigned block to minimize/eliminate coolant intrusion and or head gasket failure. I still had the dreaded "ecoboom" issue with coolant intrusion on two cylinders as a result of a broken head gasket and poor engine block design. Regular maintenance was perfomed and use primarily Top Tier 93 octane fuel. 5K mile interval 5W-50 oil changes according to manual using Ford spec oil full synthetic. Cold Start Misfires and…

   NHTSA complaint #11683792 · source
10. Filed Jul 10, 2025LAEngine

    Coolant intrusion into cylinder/cylinders Problem confirmed by a dealer Check engine light, cylinder 1 missfire is when I noticed an issue

    NHTSA complaint #11672584 · source
11. Filed Jun 10, 2025TXEngineOther / Unknown

    2020 and above Mustang Ecoboost 2.3L engines are supposed to have the revised engine block design to mitigate coolant intrusion into cylinders and head gasket leak issues. My 2020 model year Mustang Ecoboost with the updated block, is suffering from coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. Confirmed by independent ASE certified repair shop as well as Ford dealership. No Codes. Symptoms includes cold start misfires and cold start white smoke from exhaust. MPG was inconsistent as…

    NHTSA complaint #11665955 · source
12. Filed May 1, 202573,300 miTXTowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed smoke inside the vehicle and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed pistons and a blown engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…

    NHTSA complaint #11658289 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology