2013 Ford Mustang: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Ford Mustang? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 270 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2013 Ford Mustang Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2013 Ford Mustang trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2013 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
8.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
8.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Ford Mustang has 270 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Mustang
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 270
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Ford Mustang Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Ford Mustang?
The 2013 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Ford Mustang
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system and check for any open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system and check for any open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Ford Mustang, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaint data for the 2013 Ford Mustang shows a high volume of airbag-related reports, which dominate the overall complaint count. Other notable areas include transmission/drivetrain and engine issues, though the confidence level is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Airbag Malfunctions account for the majority of complaints (145 out of 270 total).
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the second most reported component with 47 complaints.
- Engine Problems and Unintended Acceleration each have over 15 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions are the most frequently reported issue.
- Transmission/Drivetrain problems are a recurring theme.
- Engine Problems and Unintended Acceleration are also notable concerns.
All 2013 Ford Mustang Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Mustang. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 145 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 47 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Mustang. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Car has delayed shifting and is still down shifting when the car has already stopped. 2011-2012 mustangs have some extended coverage for this problem. 16N02. My 2013 was manufactured at flat rock in 2012 but not covered.
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another driver failed to yield while entering the roadway, abruptly cutting in front of the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided wi…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V319000 (Air Bags) and 19V001000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer declined to perform the recall repairs. The contact was informed that, because of…
n 2019, I bought a used car from a well-known dealer in Puerto Rico. I recently took it to a mechanic for some repairs, and the mechanic informed me that the vehicle's internal odometer didn't match the odometer on the car's dashboard. There was a difference of 48,971 miles. I wa…
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT RANDOMLY SHIFTS INTO FIRST GEAR ALMOST CAUSING AND ACCIDENT/.
Unexpected downshift to first while driving between 40 mph to 65 mph can lead to complete loss of cruise control, accompanied by a wrench symbol and an error code. Additionally, the speedometer fails to display a reading and may abruptly drop to first gear without any prior warni…
2013 Mustang V6, 6R80 Automatic Transmission. Lead frame is failing, I am getting code P0720. My vin falls outside of the recall, so I have to spend $850 to get lead frame fixed. Airbag light turns on, dashes through my odometer, and car stays stuck in 5th gear until I cycle key.
The failed Transmission Lead Frame is causing the car to shift to first gear unexpectedly which can lead to a crash
The coolant reservoir on my vehicle has been replaced now 4 times with the first time being under 5000 on vehicle. The vehicle now has 96000. The same issue happens each time with a crack in the reservoir.
While driving on the interstate the steering control module stopped working resulting in total loss of no power steering assist. Vehicle only has 1,4711 miles. Second time this incident has occurred. Major hazardous malfunction of control module possible resulting in a accident. …
When starting the vehicle when cold, power steering assist fault appears on the gauge cluster. There is no power steering at this point. Once the vehicle is warmed up, and the engine is turned off and restarted, the problem goes away. The problem has been reproduced by an inde…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The transmission warning light, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer,…
Was going 25mph on a straight dry road, 2 traction control lights popped up and an alert saying Advancetrac is off, which is a feature you have to be in park with your foot on the brake and hold the traction control button for 8 seconds to turn off, when the light turned on the c…
My car shakes and after awhile of braking , it cuts off and when I get gas it doesn’t want to start.
The 2013 Mustang (with 67,071 miles) transmission (6R80) downshifted to 1st gear at highway speeds exactly like the F-150 recall and would also shift out of gear. It could have been catastrophic, but was able to keep control of the vehicle. Was able to get the car home and only d…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the “Check Fuel Inlet” message was displayed, and the emissions warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Th…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the RPM was elevated. The vehicle then shifted into LIMP Mode and drove erratically. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Addi…
I bought this car through carvana. They mentioned it had no issues, after 6 months of driving I noticed the car is literally flooded inside and the electrical does not work well at all. I spent alot of money trying to fix the electrical including the wipers and AC yet both keep g…
2013 Ford mustang stalls and completely shuts down losing all power. Recall was not issued for my vin [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Goes into neutral at times ,acceleration from a stop going thru a intersection and then into neutral almost have to stop in traffic to get it to go has done it 4-5 times not consistent other then that shifts normally but very inconsistent and dangerous car has 79k miles on it.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Ford Mustang.
2013 Ford Mustang Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Mustang. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Ford Mustang Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Ford Mustang reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 270 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Mustang?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (145 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (47 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Ford Mustang?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Ford Mustang?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Ford Mustang, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 270 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Ford Mustang have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Ford Mustang. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Ford Mustang?▾
The 2013 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Mustang reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Ford Mustang based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.