FORD Mustang Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD Mustang options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Mustang has 1,098 owner complaints and 68 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Mustang
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,098
- Safety recall campaigns
- 68
- Crash-related complaints
- 76
- Fire-related complaints
- 17
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (265 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (13 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
FORD Mustang: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe FORD MUSTANG has 1,098 NHTSA complaints and 68 recalls on record. 76 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,098 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 68 federal recall campaigns
- 76 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
68 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,098 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,098 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. While the contact’s daughter was driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V547000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The failure mileage was 21,000.
While driving my 2025 Ford Mustang GT at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost power. The vehicle was unable to maintain normal power while I was traveling in active highway traffic. This created a serious safety risk because surrounding vehicles were traveling at highway speeds, and the sudden loss of propulsion could have resulted in a rear-end collision or other crash while I attempted to safely get the vehicle out of traffic. I subsequently learned that my vehicle is included in Ford Safety Recall 26C40 / NHTSA Recall 26V547. The recall information states that an engine wiring harness ground may break under normal vehicle use and that this condition may result in a loss of motive power and other electrical functions. The recall states that loss of motive power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. At this time, a permanent recall remedy is not available. Ford has indicated that the remedy is anticipated to become available at a later date. I have contacted Ford regarding the incident and expressed concern about continuing to operate the vehicle after already experiencing a loss of power.
According to the open recalls on this vehicle there are multiple defects outstanding that increase the risk of a crash. The repairs may take 3 months before they are completed. Am I the consumer to drive a known dangerous vehicle while waiting for the repairs? Who is responsible should I be involved in a accident caused by one of these defects? Why isn't Ford required to provide a loaner vehicle while I wait for the repairs?
My car has a recall that has to do with the engine possibly shutting off completely while driving normally and there is no remedy or solution for the recall it states in the recall that it may cause an accident. I would like to know what can be done for me because the idea of having to wait for my car to basically just shut off and crash on me seems a little crazy. I would just like to know what my options are!
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V546000 (Exterior Lighting) and 26V418000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several exterior lights randomly illuminated while the vehicle was turned on or off, causing the battery to drain. The parking lights, headlights, and the turn signals were unintendedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V418000 (Visibility) were not yet available. The dealer confirmed that there was water intrusion into the module at the front of the vehicle that had caused an electrical short. The dealer stated that the wiring harness needed to be replaced before the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V546000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 2,800.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle stalled, jerked forward, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The force of the jerk propelled the contact onto the steering wheel. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle required several attempts to start on some occasions. A dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the recall remedy was unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V159000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Ford describes their pre-collision system: The system warns the driver of potential hazards by providing three levels of assistance. Alert: When active, a flashing visual warning appears and an audible warning tone sounds. Brake Support: The system helps reduce the impact speed by preparing the brakes for rapid braking, and Emergency Braking. I have driven my vehicle around Jacksonville with the setting at High to give me three car lengths warning. After hours of driving on I95 and I10 in Jacksonville, with cars cutting in front of my at less than three car lengths, I only received one warning with a car that pulled in front of me less than 3 feet. I took it to the dealer who said that it works as intended. Ford backs them up. This means the system is useless as a Safety system.
The vehicle experienced a sudden steering malfunction involving the electronic steering gear. While backing out of a parking structure, the steering wheel suddenly jerked and locked instead of naturally correcting, resulting in collision with a pillar. There were no warning lights, steering fault messages, or prior symptoms before the incident. Restarting the vehicle did not resolve the issue. The dealership confirmed the issue and documented “loss of communication with steering gear,” “internal steering gear failure,” and “no signs of damage causing failure.” The steering gear is being replaced under warranty. The failure created a safety risk because steering response suddenly changed without warning. I am concerned the incident could have resulted in a more serious crash had it occurred at higher speed or during active traffic instead of inside a parking structure. Multiple tow attempts through Ford Roadside Assistance reportedly struggled to move the vehicle afterward due to the steering issue. The failed steering gear component is currently being replaced by the dealership.
I purchase the car in December 2025. Lights were working fine then. Recently I noticed an issue on the right taillights. 2 of the 3 lights were working fine, then later in the day 1 of 3 were working. Until finally none on the right side worked. When pressing the car brakes, using the turn signals to enable the taillights to indicate a right turn, unlocking/locking the vehicle, the taillights on the right side do not function. I took a look at the lights up close without removing anything and saw like if there is moisture/water in the taillights. I have read that other vehicles of 2025 same model have had similar issues. I currently have it at my dealer that my Ford app recommended.
The Main screen in the car completely went black all of the sudden with no prior warnings or signs to show cause of the outage. The duration of time was over 5 minutes and it was only the center screen not the screen behind the steering wheel it stayed on.The car mostly runs off of the center touch screen with all the braking, lane keeping, powered windows, airbags, gps etc to not have any control over any functions due to the screen outage is a big concern. It has not happened again but just this one time. I also have noticed if I put the vehicle in lane keeping control it starts to leak fluid on my feet inside the vehicle.
I was driving around 35mph, when I switched the DRIVE MODE to CUSTOM, the car went into neutral, and started to coast for a few hundred yards. I then switched it back to the standard drive mode, and it went back into gear. I proceeded on without further incident.
While driving to mass on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, my wife and I heard a loud pop. Our first question was "What was that?" as we looked at each other. Then I realize the rear window had suddenly shattered starting on the right side, and was slowly falling apart. As this was only about a mile from my home, we immediately drove home. I contacted SafeLite Auto Glass to schedule an appointment to have the glass replaced thru my insurance company. There was no warning this was about to happen, and neither one of us noticed anyone or anything near us as we were driving. As I currently have the car covered due to the forecast of snow, I will upload a picture when I take the cover off to take it to have repaired.
The contact leased a 2025 Ford Mustang from Avis Car Rental. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a cliffside highway around a curve, the rear passenger’s side window unexpectedly lowered and slammed down, causing a loud noise and allowing wind to enter the vehicle. The contact thought something had crashed into the vehicle. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicl,e but found that there was no impact to the vehicle. Avis Car Rental was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V546000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
See attached document for complaint.
VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Pirelli p zero rs sizes 305/30/19 and 315/30/19 . These tires are track tires, no Tread. Unsafe when the road is wet. Ford should not have put these on a car for street use. Totally unacceptable and unsafe for use in other than hot and dry roads
When shutting the door of my New Mustang the back safety glass exploded. If I had people or my dogs in that seat it could have potentially caused injuries to the occupants. Additionally in front seats due to flying glass I received pieces of glass in my arm from glass on the center arm rest.If this event happened while driving it could have caused a distraction that led to accident. There was no warning this was going to happen. Ford was alerted and after 1 month denied the replacement of the glass.
My vehicle, VIN [XXX], is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V455 (Ford Recall 25S75) involving a defective low-pressure fuel pump that may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, or engine stalling. This recall was announced in July 2025 and remains open on the NHTSA VIN lookup as of June 2026. More than eleven months have passed since the recall was announced, and Ford has not provided a repair remedy for my vehicle. I believe this is an unreasonable delay for a safety-related defect. In addition, the recall previously appeared in the FordPass application associated with my vehicle but no longer appears there, even though both the NHTSA and Ford recall website VIN lookup continues to show the recall as open. This discrepancy creates confusion regarding the status of the recall and whether Ford is actively notifying affected owners. I am concerned that my vehicle remains subject to a known safety defect without an available repair and request that NHTSA review Ford’s handling of Recall 25V455, the prolonged delay in providing a remedy, and the inconsistency between Ford’s customer-facing systems and the NHTSA recall database. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver door opened to secondary latch position while driving on the highway at 70mph on 5/16/2026. The warning system came on and driver had to navigate holding the door and stopping safely during high speed traffic to close the door. Will take to dealership when next available opening day. No accident or police were involved. Driver found older warning affecting same year,make,model for recall but unsure if problem was corrected before purchase or if this vin# was included in recall campaign. Campaign 21N10.
Showing 20 of 1,098 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD Mustang
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD Mustang, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Mustang has 1,098 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Mustang has 68 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 76 of the FORD Mustang's 1,098 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Mustang vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD Mustang vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Mustang has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD Mustang.
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FORD Mustang reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Mustang reliable?
Poor. The FORD Mustang has 1,098 NHTSA owner complaints and 68 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD Mustang years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (265 complaints), 2018 (193 complaints), 2023 (153 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD Mustang problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (243 complaints); ENGINE (199 complaints); POWER TRAIN (168 complaints).
Does the FORD Mustang have recalls?
Yes — 68 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD Mustang. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.