Ford Mustang years to avoid (and the best years)
3,575 NHTSA owner complaints and 59 recalls across 16 model years, 2010 to 2025. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 3,575complaints
- 59recalls
- 194reported crashes
- 37reported fires
- 132reported injuries
- 5reported deaths
Which Ford Mustang years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Mustang years to avoid are 2012 and 2011. The typical Ford Mustang year has 226 complaints on file.
- 2012: 469 complaints, 2.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (38% of complaints) and the airbags (34% of complaints).
- 2011: 466 complaints, 2.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (43% of complaints) and the airbags (27% of complaints).
What are the best Ford Mustang years?
The Ford Mustang years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (15), 2022 (49) and 2021 (55). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 | 0.1× | 6 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Exterior lighting |
| 2024 | 77 | 0.3× | 12 | 5 | 4 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 15 | 0.1× | 6 | 5 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2022 | 49 | 0.2× | 9 | 3 | 2 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2021 | 55 | 0.2× | 6 | 4 | 2 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2020 | 120 | 0.5× | 8 | 13 | 8 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2019 | 148 | 0.7× | 6 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2018 | 191 | 0.8× | 4 | 8 | 5 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2017 | 265 | 1.2× | 6 | 14 | 11 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2016 | 376 | 1.7× | 5 | 13 | 11 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2015 | 436 | 1.9× | 11 | 26 | 19 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2014 | 359 | 1.6× | 4 | 30 | 23 | Some concerns to check | Airbags |
| 2013 | 271 | 1.2× | 6 | 16 | 9 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2012 | 469 | 2.1× | 7 | 20 | 9 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2011 | 466 | 2.1× | 5 | 20 | 17 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2010 | 261 | 1.2× | 6 | 13 | 11 | Some concerns to check | Airbags |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 1,074 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain420 (39%)
- Airbags & seat belts306 (28%)
- Electrical & infotainment101 (9%)
- Steering, suspension & tires68 (6%)
- Other systems67 (6%)
Recalls (59)
Electrical system · 26V547000 · Aug 2026 · model years 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.
Body & glass · 26V418000 · Jun 2026 · model years 2024, 2025
Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 26V372000 · Jun 2026 · model year 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.
Engine · 26V122000 · Mar 2026 · model year 2025
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V695000 · Oct 2025 · model year 2020
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.
Electrical system · 25V689000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2021, 2022, 2023
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.
Seat belts · 25V614000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
A corroded cable can break, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant, and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Safety · 25V572000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
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.
Exterior lighting · 25V546000 · Aug 2025 · model years 2024, 2025
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.
Electrical system · 25V516000 · Aug 2025 · model year 2024
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 25V519000 · Aug 2025 · model year 2025
Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 25V455000 · Jul 2025 · model years 2021, 2022
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V442000 · Jun 2025 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
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.
Safety · 25V315000 · May 2025 · model year 2024
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 25V164000 · Mar 2025 · model year 2025
Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Steering · 25V096000 · Feb 2025 · model years 2022, 2023
A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 24V802000 · Oct 2024 · model year 2024
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 24V634000 · Aug 2024 · model year 2024
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Suspension · 24V593000 · Aug 2024 · model year 2024
A loss of vehicle handling and steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Steering · 24V493000 · Jun 2024 · model years 2022, 2023
A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 24V496000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2024
An undetected low brake fluid condition can lead to a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 24V394000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2024
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.
Fuel system · 24V220000 · Mar 2024 · model year 2024
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.
Brakes · 23V800000 · Nov 2023 · model year 2024
A loose brake pedal can result in a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 23V727000 · Oct 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
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.
Transmission · 23V070000 · Feb 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Transmission · 22V382000 · May 2022 · model years 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.
Safety · 22V334000 · May 2022 · model year 2022
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.
Safety · 22V082000 · Feb 2022 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 22V083000 · Feb 2022 · model years 2021, 2022
An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Brakes · 22V011000 · Jan 2022 · model year 2015
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.
Airbags · 21V980000 · Dec 2021 · model year 2021
An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Airbags · 21V081000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 21E013000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Brakes · 20V573000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
A broken brake pedal could affect braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V575000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V331000 · Jun 2020 · model year 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Safety · 20V306000 · May 2020 · model year 2020
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.
Transmission · 20V263000 · May 2020 · model years 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.
Electrical system · 19V076000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
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.
Airbags · 19V001000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Engine · 18E035000 · May 2018 · model year 2018
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Transmission · 18V213000 · Apr 2018 · model year 2018
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.
Airbags · 18V046000 · Jan 2018 · model years 2010, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Electrical system · 17V814000 · Dec 2017 · model year 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.
Airbags · 17V529000 · Aug 2017 · model year 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Safety · 17V168000 · Mar 2017 · model year 2017
If the door unlatches in a crash it can increase the risk of injury.
Airbags · 17V024000 · Jan 2017 · model year 2012
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Engine · 16V779000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2015, 2016, 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.
Safety · 16V643000 · Sep 2016 · model year 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Airbags · 16V384000 · May 2016 · model years 2010, 2011
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Transmission · 16V248000 · Apr 2016 · model year 2012
An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 15V832000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2015
A partial loss of the rear braking system can increase the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 15V707000 · Oct 2015 · model year 2016
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.
Fuel system · 15V339000 · Jun 2015 · model year 2015
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.
Airbags · 15V319000 · May 2015 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fuel system · 14V774000 · Dec 2014 · model year 2015
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.
Seat belts · 14V649000 · Oct 2014 · model year 2015
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.
Transmission · 12V190000 · May 2012 · model years 2012, 2013
IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.