2018 Ford Mustang
Common Problems
Ranked from 63 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
20 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Failure Due to Design Flaw
7complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine failure due to a known design flaw, leading to engine rebuild or replacement.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18E035000
- 2
Engine Misfire Due to Coolant Intrusion
7complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine misfires and check engine light illuminates due to coolant entering the system.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18E035000
- 3
Rear View Camera Malfunction
7complaintsLow severityElectricalRear view camera displays distorted images or fails to work, obstructing the driver's visibility.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V814000
- 4
Back-over prevention system failure
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rear-view camera and back-over prevention system fail, increasing the risk of hitting objects behind the vehicle.
- 5
Engine Overheating Due to Coolant Leakage
6complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leakage into the engine causes overheating and misfires, leading to potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18E035000
- 6
Instrument cluster failure
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe digital instrument cluster fails to illuminate, preventing the driver from seeing important information.
$300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V814000
- 7
Passenger door opening while driving
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe passenger door opens unexpectedly while driving, posing a safety risk.
- 8
Passenger door unlatching at high speeds
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe passenger door unlatches unexpectedly at high speeds, creating a dangerous situation.
- 9
Check Engine Light Illumination
5complaintsLow severityEngineCheck engine light illuminates due to various issues including misfires and coolant intrusion.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18E035000
- 10
Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
5complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant enters the cylinders causing engine misfires, rough operation, and potential engine failure.
Related recall: 18E035000
- 11
Engine Stalling During Operation
5complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine stalls during driving, often accompanied by check engine light and coolant loss.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18E035000
- 12
Transmission Failure
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission fails to engage gears properly, leading to loss of power and jerking during acceleration.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V213000
- 13
Passenger Side Door Opening Unexpectedly
4complaintsLow severityOtherPassenger side door opens unexpectedly at high speeds, causing distraction and potential accidents.
- 14
Battery terminal corrosion
3complaintsLow severityFuel systemBattery terminals corrode, potentially causing the vehicle to lose power or stall.
- 15
Passenger Side Door Latching Issues
3complaintsLow severityOtherPassenger side door fails to latch properly, causing the door to open unexpectedly during driving.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Transmission Jerking and Slipping
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission jerks and slips, especially when shifting gears, causing loss of power and difficulty in driving.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V213000
- 17
Transmission Malfunction Leading to Unpredictable Shifting
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions cause unpredictable shifting and difficulty in gear changes, leading to potential accidents.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V213000
- 18
Engine Misfire and Knocking Noise
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine produces a loud ticking sound, piston slap noise, and knocking, indicating potential misfires and premature engine failure.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18E035000
- 19
Engine Stall During Acceleration
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls during acceleration and then automatically downshifts, causing a decrease in speed before accelerating again.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18E035000
- 20
Forward collision avoidance system failure
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system stops working, reducing the vehicle's ability to detect potential hazards.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.