repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. 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.
2018 Ford MustangProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 197 owner complaints about the 2018 Ford Mustang, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-572 the manufacturer reports only 21% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Ford Mustang has problems
197 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
60Engine1 crash/fire/injury
46Power train4 crash/fire/injury
31Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
15Structure
12Latches/locks/linkages
12Back over prevention
8Fuel/propulsion system
8Engine and engine cooling
6Service brakes
2412 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 60 | 1 |
| Power train | 46 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 31 | 1 |
| Structure | 15 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 12 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 12 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 24 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 Ford Mustang recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2019 Q2
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
11kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 engine complaints. 96% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 47% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
17under 30k miles24under 100k miles1100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Mustang year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Mustang median. How we score
21300000203040151816303810810985776910135660224617623621331117311814511670542461534718126146647027135944038126919715412255511585208
'67'68'69'70'71'72'73'74'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Ford Mustang safety ratings
2018 Ford Mustang C RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 5 stars (8.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Mustang owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The engine has a head gasket defect that leaked coolant into the engine causing misfires and requires a very expensive repair for a defect that came with the engine when it was made. Two Ford dealerships have inspected and confirmed the issue. The car threw codes six months ago and we immediately…
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine failed due to coolant leaking into the combustion chambers. The dealer found coolant present in cylinders 1 and 4, the cylinder 4 piston washed, and vertical scoring on the cylinder 4 wall. The dealer's recommendation is complete engine replacement. Yes, the engine is…
Check engine light came on Sunday night. Monday had AutoZone check the codes - indicated misfire on two cylinders recommended spark plug replacement - Spark plugs purchased with intent to change Tuesday evening- Tuesday morning -Engine overheated on the way to class added more coolant - got the…
Own a 2018 Mustang?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.