Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer vs FORD Mustang
How the FORD Explorer and FORD Mustang compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Explorer vs FORD Mustang: The Explorer has 0 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Mustang has 2,913 complaints and 61 recalls. Mustang owners report engine misfires, transmission slamming, and electrical failures. The Explorer offers trouble-free ownership. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer or FORD Mustang more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer
The Ford Explorer has zero complaints and zero recalls over the past 10 years, making it an exceptionally trouble-free vehicle in the used market. Owners report no issues, so the ownership experience is likely uneventful from a reliability standpoint. This suggests the Explorer is a dependable choice for buyers seeking a worry-free SUV.
FORD Mustang
The Ford Mustang has a high complaint rate of 291.3 per year, with 61 recalls and 5 deaths reported. Owners frequently report engine misfires, transmission slamming, electrical failures like the touchscreen going black, and air bag concerns. These issues indicate the Mustang may require more frequent repairs and attention, especially for the Ecoboost and GT models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer | FORD Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,913 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 61 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 159 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 291.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 105 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 5 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Explorer
No component data available.
FORD Mustang
- 01AIR BAGS912
- 02POWER TRAIN435
- 03ENGINE327
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM294
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER273
Air bag complaints are the most common, with 912 reports. Owners may experience issues with frontal passenger side inflator modules, which could fail to deploy properly in a crash, increasing injury risk.
Transmission problems are frequent, with owners reporting slamming, slipping, and jumping out of gear on the 10R80 transmission. Engine misfires in the Ecoboost also cause check engine lights and rough idle.
Engine issues include cylinder misfires (especially cylinder 3) and carbon buildup, leading to rough starts and reduced performance. These problems often require dealer visits and may recur.
Electrical failures include the touchscreen not turning on in cold weather and rearview camera displaying a black screen. These affect safety features and usability, with recall repairs sometimes delayed.
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Explorer
No recalls on record.
FORD Mustang — 61 recalls
The defect: Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain aftermarket supercharger kits, part number R1318-6006P1-AA, sold for installation on 2018 Ford Mustangs. The hose barb fittings on the supercharger kits may be manufactured incorrectly, possibly causing damage to the fuel lines and resul…
The risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Roush will notify the known owners and replace the defective fuel rail subassemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874. Roush's number for this recall is REMay201…
The defect: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the op…
The risk: Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distor…
The 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distor…
The 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact…
Buyer analysis
FORD Explorer or FORD Mustang: which should you buy?
The Ford Explorer has zero complaints per year, while the Mustang averages 291.3 complaints annually. In practice, the Explorer offers a far more reliable ownership experience with no reported issues, whereas the Mustang carries a high risk of powertrain, electrical, and air bag problems.
Key differences
- Explorer has zero complaints and recalls; Mustang has 2,913 complaints and 61 recalls.
- Mustang owners report engine misfires and transmission slamming; Explorer has no reported failures.
- Mustang has 5 deaths and 105 injuries; Explorer has none.
- Mustang's electrical system issues (black screen, camera failure) are common; Explorer has none.
- No specific red flags due to zero complaints; general used car inspection recommended.
- Check for engine misfire codes and rough idle, especially on Ecoboost models.
- Test the transmission for harsh shifts or slipping, particularly the 10R80.
Before you buy
- For Explorer: Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm no hidden issues.
- For Mustang: Request service records for engine misfire and transmission repairs.
- For Mustang: Check open recalls (especially air bag and backup camera) and ensure parts are available.
- For both: Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
- For Mustang: Test drive at varying speeds to feel for transmission slamming or hesitation.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FORD Explorer | FORD Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 140 |
| 2018 | 0 | 182 |
| 2017 | 0 | 257 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Explorer or FORD Mustang in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer vs FORD Mustang
- FORD Explorer total complaints
- 0
- FORD Mustang total complaints
- 2,913
- FORD Explorer total recalls
- 0
- FORD Mustang total recalls
- 61
- FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
- 291.3
- More reliable overall
- FORD Explorer
- FORD Mustang top complaint area
- AIR BAGS