← New search

2018 Ford Mustang

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Mustang years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Mustang are substantially higher than the model-year median of 81.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

93 reports with mileage · 98 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Power Train complaints

45 reports
Clear category filter
400 miles · Mar 10, 2019
Power Train

WHEN GETTING UP TO SPEED ON AN ON RAMP OR PASSING ON A TWO LA E ROAD, WHEN SHIFTING INTO THIRD GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. I'VE HAD THIS HAPPEN TWICE, ONCE MY DAUGHTER WAS WITH ME ON A TWO LANE ROAD, GOING FROM SECOND TO THIRD WHILE PASSING, THE CAR WILL NOT ALLOW IT. PEOPLE HAVE NOTED THIS MANY PLACES WHILE RU…

Read full complaint

WHEN GETTING UP TO SPEED ON AN ON RAMP OR PASSING ON A TWO LA E ROAD, WHEN SHIFTING INTO THIRD GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. I'VE HAD THIS HAPPEN TWICE, ONCE MY DAUGHTER WAS WITH ME ON A TWO LANE ROAD, GOING FROM SECOND TO THIRD WHILE PASSING, THE CAR WILL NOT ALLOW IT. PEOPLE HAVE NOTED THIS MANY PLACES WHILE RUNNING OUT SECOND GEAR AND SHIFTING INTO THIRD IN MULTI SITUATIONS. THIS IS A HAZARD AND IT IS KNOWN DUE TO THE SHIFTER NOT BEING DIRECT AND USING A REMOTE LINKAGE. AN AFTERMARKET BRACKET AND SHIFTER WILL FIX THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE SHOULD OPERATE SAFELY WITHOUT PURCHASING AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT. SIMPLE LOOK UP MISSED SHIFTS WITH MT-82 MUSTANG TRANSMISSION. YOU WILL SEE MANY WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND AFTERMARKET PARTS TO FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ODI #11185703

500 miles · Feb 19, 2019
Power Train

I HAVE THE 2018 MUSTANG ECOBOOST WITH THE 10 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION. WHEN CHANGING GEARS TO REVERSE OR DRIVE THE CAR SLAMS INTO GEAR AND JUMPS HARD A CO-WORKER HAS THE SAME MAKE AND IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS

NHTSA ODI #11181032

2,300 miles · Feb 4, 2019
Power Train

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2018 FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST PREMIUM 10-SPEED WITH PERFORMANCE PACKAGE JULY 21, 2018 WITH 9 MILES. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NOVEMBER 2018 AT 2,600 MILES WITH A POPPING FEELING AND SOUND AS WELL AS AN UNSAFE LOOSE FEELING IN THE REAR END. THIS HAPPENED ANY TIME DRIVING OVER UNEVEN SURFACES, TURNING CURVES AN…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2018 FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST PREMIUM 10-SPEED WITH PERFORMANCE PACKAGE JULY 21, 2018 WITH 9 MILES. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NOVEMBER 2018 AT 2,600 MILES WITH A POPPING FEELING AND SOUND AS WELL AS AN UNSAFE LOOSE FEELING IN THE REAR END. THIS HAPPENED ANY TIME DRIVING OVER UNEVEN SURFACES, TURNING CURVES AND ACCELERATING. THEY REPLACED THE SHOCK ABSORBER AFTER THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP 11 DAYS. IN JANUARY 2019 I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH 3,893 MILES. THE CAR WAS STILL MAKING A GRINDING, POPPING SOUND IN THE REAR END AS WELL AS THE FRONT END. THE CAR ALSO STILL FELT LOOSE AS IF WAS GOING TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. THE POPPING, GRINDING HAPPENED WHEN PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY OR PARKING SPACE AS WELL AS SHARP TURNING OF THE WHEELS. THE LOOSE FEELING WAS GOING AROUND CURVES, LEFT OR RIGHT TURNING FROM A STOP LIGHT AS WELL AS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE CAR ALSO FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FLUID IN THE REAR END AND AFTER 8 DAYS THEY SAID THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT HAS SINCE BEEN 8 MORE DAYS IN THE SHOP WITH NO WORD. I FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AS IT IS SUCH A NEW CAR, HAS BEEN BABIED FROM THE FIRST DAY PURCHASED. THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE ALMOST 30 DAYS OF ITS LIFE, UNDER 4,000 MILES AND HAVING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED SHOWS THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS CAR. ALL THIS BEING REPORTED TO CARFAX HAS DRASTICALLY REDUCED THE VALUE OF MY CAR SINCE IT DOES NOT REPORT IT AS FACTORY DEFECT BUT RATHER POSSIBLE ABUSE. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS JUST MY CAR OR A SAFETY ISSUE FROM THE FACTORY. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR THE CAR TO LOCK UP ON THE HIGHWAY AND HE CONFIRMED IT WAS DEFINITELY A POSSIBILITY. AT THIS POINT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR NOT KNOWING WHAT ELSE COULD GO WRONG WITH IT.

NHTSA ODI #11174384

1,800 miles · Sep 3, 2018
Power Train

ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING (3) INCIDENTS: ENGINE STALLS, BATTERY INDICATOR/THEN DASH BOARD MESSAGE; 'PUT IN NEUTRAL TO START ENGINE.' SO FAR HAS ALWAYS RE-STARTED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS: 1.JUNE 25, ESTIMATED MILES: 800, I-77 ON-RAMP EXIT 19, 55 MPH, DECELERATING AROUND TURN, 10 MINUTES AFTER STARTUP (NO SERVICE APPOI…

Read full complaint

ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING (3) INCIDENTS: ENGINE STALLS, BATTERY INDICATOR/THEN DASH BOARD MESSAGE; 'PUT IN NEUTRAL TO START ENGINE.' SO FAR HAS ALWAYS RE-STARTED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS: 1.JUNE 25, ESTIMATED MILES: 800, I-77 ON-RAMP EXIT 19, 55 MPH, DECELERATING AROUND TURN, 10 MINUTES AFTER STARTUP (NO SERVICE APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED) 2.JULY 11, ESTIMATED MILES: 1200, SOUTH TRYON APPROACHING CANTON, STRAIGHT, STEADY 45 MPH, 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTUP (SERVICE SCHEDULED) 3.AUGUST 8, 1800 MILES: 1-77 ON-RAMP EXIT 19, 50 MPH, DECELERATING AROUND TURN, 10 MINUTES AFTER STARTUP (SERVICE SCHEDULED). SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE: TOWN & COUNTRY FORD, CHARLOTTE, NC 'SERVICE 1: JUNE 18: OUT MILEAGE: 1393 MILES, INSTALLED MISSING BACK SEAT BRACKET. CHECKED FOR STALL FIX: NO CODES/ NO FIX DETERMINED FOR STALLS. NO CODES/NO SERVICE. 'SERVICE 2: AUGUST 13: RE-CHECK STALL ISSUE: TBD. SUGGESTED ON LINE CHECKS/REMEDIES FOR MUSTANG STALLS ISSUES: NO CODES FOUND / NO SERVICE PERFORMED. ISSUE UNRESOLVED. SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE: HUNTERSVILLE FORD, HUNTERSVILLE NC 'SERVICE 3: AUGUST 27: TECH TEST DRIVES, NO ISSUES DETECTED. CHECK CODES/NO CODES/NO SERVICE. DEALERS COULD NOT FIND ERROR CODES OR REPLICATE STALLING THEREFORE NO SERVICE WAS ATTEMPTED.

NHTSA ODI #11124080

4,700 miles · Jun 28, 2018
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT ROLLED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,700.

NHTSA ODI #11104536

Official recalls

3

25V572000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 3, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

18V213000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 4, 2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.

17V814000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Electrical System:software

Dec 18, 2017

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.