Severe Issues

2013 FORD MUSTANG Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Mustang. This model year has 270 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

270
Complaints
16
Crashes
2
Fires
9
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
6
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2013 Ford Mustang Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
145
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:9
Fires:1
Injuries:7
#2
47
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:2
Injuries:1
#3
23
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1

Considering a 2013 Ford Mustang?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Ford Mustang. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions14591β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain472β€”β€”
Engine Problems23β€”1β€”
Unintended Acceleration19β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults18β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues141β€”β€”
Steering Defects102β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System10β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems8β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures62β€”β€”
Brake System52β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues41β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Mustang. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 270 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 24, 2026

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.

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashAug 26, 2025

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…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 6, 2025

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…

Suspension FailuresApr 1, 2025

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 24, 2025

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT RANDOMLY SHIFTS INTO FIRST GEAR ALMOST CAUSING AND ACCIDENT/.

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 23, 2024

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…

Unintended AccelerationNov 14, 2024

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.

Uncategorized IssuesSep 26, 2024

The failed Transmission Lead Frame is causing the car to shift to first gear unexpectedly which can lead to a crash

Engine ProblemsApr 8, 2024

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.

Steering DefectsApr 6, 2024

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. …

Steering DefectsNov 2, 2023

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 11, 2023

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,…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashSep 21, 2023

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…

Uncategorized IssuesAug 16, 2023

My car shakes and after awhile of braking , it cuts off and when I get gas it doesn’t want to start.

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 10, 2023

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…

Fuel SystemJul 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the β€œCheck Fuel Inlet” message was displayed, and the emissions warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Th…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 6, 2023

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…

Electrical FaultsApr 18, 2023

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…

Electrical FaultsApr 3, 2023

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).

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 2, 2023

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.

Page 1 of 14

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Ford Mustang.

Recalls for 2013 Ford Mustang

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Mustang. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

19V001000Jul 1, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V046000Nov 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

15V319000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

12V190000Mar 5, 2012
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

21V081000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

21E013000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

2013 Ford Mustang β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 Ford Mustang reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2013 Ford Mustang has 270 NHTSA owner complaints, 16 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (145 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Mustang?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Ford Mustang?β–Ύ

The 2013 Ford Mustang has 16 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 270 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Ford Mustang have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Ford Mustang. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2013 Ford Mustang?β–Ύ

The 2013 Ford Mustang has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

Check Your Specific 2013 Ford Mustang

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.