Ford Mustang owners filed 1,750 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 50 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 Ford Mustang drew the most complaints (435); across all years, owners complain most about electrical system (18% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 435 complaints, led by electrical system (66) and 11 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Electrical system drew 316 complaints and 8 recalls.
- Stop-driving recalls: One recall told owners to stop driving until repaired (23V800000).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (3.6 times as many complaints), 2016 (3.1 times as many complaints), 2017 (2.2 times as many complaints), 2018 (1.6 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: transmission / powertrain complaints came at a median 10k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 29 complaints mention a fire and 95 a crash, with 63 injuries and 2 deaths reported.
Ford Mustang complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 11 recalls | 435 | Electrical system (66), Engine (51), Brakes (46) median 35k mi · 26 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2016 5 recalls | 376 | Engine (75), Electrical system (72), Backup camera / rear sensors (52) median 36k mi · 13 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2017 6 recalls | 265 | Backup camera / rear sensors (64), Body structure (39), Electrical system (34) median 40k mi · 14 crashes · 8 fires |
| 2018 4 recalls | 191 | Engine (56), Transmission / powertrain (45), Electrical system (30) median 29k mi · 8 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2019 6 recalls | 148 | Engine (50), Electrical system (32), Transmission / powertrain (28) median 20k mi · 3 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2020 8 recalls | 120 | Transmission / powertrain (25), Electrical system (25), Engine (25) median 24k mi · 13 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2021 6 recalls | 55 | Fuel System, Gasoline (10), Transmission / powertrain (9), Engine (8) median 6k mi · 4 crashes |
| 2022 9 recalls | 49 | Fuel System, Gasoline (8), Electrical system (7), Steering (7) median 10k mi · 3 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2023 6 recalls | 15 | Steering (5), Electrical system (5), Brakes (4) median 14k mi · 5 crashes |
| 2024 12 recalls | 79 | Electrical system (36), Engine (9), Exterior lights (8) median 5k mi · 5 crashes |
| 2025 6 recalls | 17 | Exterior lights (5), Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) (3), Electrical system (3) median 14k mi · 1 crash |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 79, more than the 50 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ford Mustang problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 316 | 18% | 8 | 30k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Engine | 310 | 18% | 3 | 27k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 213 | 12% | 6 | 10k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Backup camera / rear sensors | 195 | 11% | 6 | 50k mi | — |
| Body structure | 153 | 9% | 0 | 43k mi | — |
| Brakes | 106 | 6% | 5 | 10k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Latches and locks | 96 | 5% | 3 | 60k mi | — |
| Fuel system | 81 | 5% | 5 | 36k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ford Mustang owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Electrical system
I had a back up camera recall done, and several months later, the exact same problems happened. Exactly the same symptoms and results. When shifting into reverse, the camera, in more than 50% of the time, the camera fails, just like before the first recall. The dealer says one fix per recall, and if I want it fixed now, it will be $400. It is a defect and should be fixed properly, not the sloppy fix done previously
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11623557
Touchscreen went completely black. Unable to operate radio, temperature control is only available in the buttons below the screen. Tried resetting it, tried unhooking the battery, nothing. Hooked it up to see if it had any codes, none. Tested fuses- everything worked except screen. Spent $158 at Ford dealer only to be told I need a new apim module which in total is going to cost $740.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11418470
Related recalls: 17V814000 (2018): 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. 26V547000 (2024–2025): A loss of driver power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a loss of headlight function or windshield washing system function can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. 26V372000 (2019): A blank instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, increases the risk of a crash.
316 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Engine
There is a coolant intrusion on my vehicle, which resulted in either cracking the engine block or head gasket. In turn, this has caused a costly repair on a car with only 56,000 miles on it. Ford is aware of the issues with these engines and the seals on them. It’s a 2018 ecoboost! It also happened to my mom’s ecoboost around the same mileage.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11691085
My cars head gasket blew at only 45,000 miles. Replaced my a local well known mechanic for around $3500.00. Now my car at 96,000 miles has blown the head gasket again. I believe the car needs a whole new block. I have seen several lawsuits regarding this and just would love my car running again. This is not cheap to fix for me.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11708242
Related recalls: 18E035000 (2018): A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire. 16V779000 (2015–2017): A sudden loss of engine oil may cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, an oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. 26V122000 (2025): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
310 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
The aluminum cast crossmember that supports the transmission is cracked and split in several places .shifting and or jumping in or out of gear .the dealer wanted $800.00 dollars to replace a $132. Part that is hard to find in the marketplace ,because of others buying these faulty parts up ! No warning signs except hard to shift , cracked part was found by benson Ford in easley s.c.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11430515
Ford has several technical service bulletins on their 10 speed transmission. I have 28,000 miles on my vehicle and need a new transmission. My service manager says that the earlier 10 speeds have issues with some components that are not strong enough, and that current transmissions have been strengthened.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11764473
Related recalls: 22V382000 (2019–2020): A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash. 20V263000 (2019–2020): If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. 25V164000 (2025): Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
213 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ford Mustang recalls
Check these first: 23V800000 (2024, service brakes, hydraulic: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V547000 | 2026-08-25 | 2024–2025 | Electrical system | A loss of driver power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a loss of headlight function or windshield washing system function can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V418000 | 2026-06-30 | 2024–2025 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V372000 | 2026-06-09 | 2019 | Electrical system | A blank instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V122000 | 2026-03-03 | 2025 | Engine and cooling | An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V695000 | 2025-10-13 | 2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V689000 | 2025-10-10 | 2021–2023 | Electrical system | Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V614000 | 2025-09-12 | 2015–2017 | Seat belts | A corroded cable can break, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant, and increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 25V572000 | 2025-09-04 | 2015–2019 | Backup camera / rear sensors | 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. |
| 25V546000 | 2025-08-22 | 2024–2025 | Exterior lights | License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V516000 | 2025-08-08 | 2024 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V519000 | 2025-08-08 | 2025 | Exterior lights | Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V455000 | 2025-07-07 | 2021–2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V442000 | 2025-06-27 | 2019–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V315000 | 2025-05-09 | 2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V164000 | 2025-03-14 | 2025 | Transmission / powertrain | Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V096000 | 2025-02-14 | 2022–2023 | Steering | A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V802000 | 2024-10-25 | 2024 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V634000 | 2024-08-23 | 2024 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 24V593000 | 2024-08-09 | 2024 | Suspension | A loss of vehicle handling and steering control increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V493000 | 2024-06-28 | 2022–2023 | Steering | A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V496000 | 2024-06-28 | 2024 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | An undetected low brake fluid condition can lead to a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V394000 | 2024-06-03 | 2024 | Transmission / powertrain | A melted clutch pressure line can result in a loss of drive power, increases the risk of a crash. A brake fluid leak increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| 24V220000 | 2024-03-22 | 2024 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of fuel may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V800000 | 2023-11-28 | 2024 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A loose brake pedal can result in a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V727000 | 2023-10-27 | 2020–2023 | Electrical system | Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V070000 | 2023-02-10 | 2022–2023 | Transmission / powertrain | The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 22V382000 | 2022-05-27 | 2019–2020 | Transmission / powertrain | A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V334000 | 2022-05-13 | 2022 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | A front-facing camera that is not functioning properly may restrict or disable certain features including Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Driver Alert, and Auto High Beam Control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V082000 | 2022-02-16 | 2015–2017 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V083000 | 2022-02-16 | 2021–2022 | Air bags | An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 22V011000 | 2022-01-13 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. On automatic transmission vehicles, a missing brake pedal bumper can allow the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V980000 | 2021-12-16 | 2021 | Air bags | An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 20V573000 | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A broken brake pedal could affect braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V575000 | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V331000 | 2020-06-08 | 2015 | Latches and locks | A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. |
| 20V306000 | 2020-05-27 | 2020 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not operating effectively, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 20V263000 | 2020-05-08 | 2019–2020 | Transmission / powertrain | If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 19V076000 | 2019-02-11 | 2019 | Electrical system | A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings. Driving with an inoperative cluster can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18E035000 | 2018-05-24 | 2018 | Engine and cooling | A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 18V213000 | 2018-04-04 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating '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. |
| 17V814000 | 2017-12-18 | 2018 | Electrical system | 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. |
| 17V529000 | 2017-08-28 | 2017 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 17V168000 | 2017-03-13 | 2017 | Latches and locks | If the door unlatches in a crash it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 16V779000 | 2016-10-26 | 2015–2017 | Engine and cooling | A sudden loss of engine oil may cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, an oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. |
| 16V643000 | 2016-09-06 | 2015 | Latches and locks | A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. |
| 15V832000 | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A partial loss of the rear braking system can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 15V707000 | 2015-10-26 | 2016 | Seat belts | If the restraint components do not function as intended, the occupants may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 15V339000 | 2015-06-02 | 2015 | Fuel System, Gasoline | If the vehicle experiences a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source it can, increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Reduced parking brake function could potentially result in unexpected vehicle movement, which may increase the risk of injury. |
| 14V774000 | 2014-12-05 | 2015 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A partially seated fuel pressure sensor could cause a fuel odor or a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| 14V649000 | 2014-10-17 | 2015 | Seat belts | If the tension sensor misclassifies the front passenger, improper passenger air bag deployment may occur, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a vehicle crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
1,750 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ford models in the index
- Ford F-150 (11,842)
- Ford Escape (9,632)
- Ford Explorer (9,079)
- Ford Edge (5,190)
- Ford Fusion (4,656)
- Ford F-250 SD (3,942)
- Ford Focus (3,929)
- Ford Expedition (2,537)
- Ford F-350 SD (2,147)
- Ford EcoSport (1,850)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.