← 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

What owners actually said

191 reports
19,500 miles · Jan 10, 2022
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster remained blank. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle several times however, the instrument cluster remained blank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the veh…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster remained blank. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle several times however, the instrument cluster remained blank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at his own expense. The manufacturer advised the dealer and informed the contact that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V076000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 19,500.

NHTSA ODI #11446925

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2021
Electrical System

Battery terminals on this and other ford models corrode to the point of breaking electrical connection possibly disabling vehicle. Ford does not want to fix issue and says whole wiring harness requires replacement to repair. Battery is often replaced and terminal cleaned but it comes back. They try to put off repairs long enough…

Read full complaint

Battery terminals on this and other ford models corrode to the point of breaking electrical connection possibly disabling vehicle. Ford does not want to fix issue and says whole wiring harness requires replacement to repair. Battery is often replaced and terminal cleaned but it comes back. They try to put off repairs long enough to get it out of warranty. F150 ford pickups have same issue. Corrosion advances so far as to break battery cable clamp. It is generally the positive clamp. Problem is so common that aftermarket manufacturers have issued redesigned replacements.

NHTSA ODI #11438726

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2021
Power Train

10 speed Ecoboost transmission, doesn't stay in gear and delayed shifts causing acceleration problems. Hard shifts, jerking, and hard lunge forward when shifted into Drive. The forward lunge is unstoppable even with the brake fully engaged. Transmission slip when changing gears while driving. Yes, it's available for inspection. …

Read full complaint

10 speed Ecoboost transmission, doesn't stay in gear and delayed shifts causing acceleration problems. Hard shifts, jerking, and hard lunge forward when shifted into Drive. The forward lunge is unstoppable even with the brake fully engaged. Transmission slip when changing gears while driving. Yes, it's available for inspection. Yes, mine and others safety risk are at risk. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealer. Inspected by an authorized dealer/manufacturer. NO other warning lamps or messages.

NHTSA ODI #11438326

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2021
Electrical System

Purchased a used 2018 Ford Mustang 3 weeks ago, just now able to get it registered, and the entire electronic instrument panel cluster (e.g., speedometer, warning lights, etc.) all went fuzzy for a few minutes and then totally failed; now just stays totally dark and unreadable. This is an optional all digital instrument panel cl…

Read full complaint

Purchased a used 2018 Ford Mustang 3 weeks ago, just now able to get it registered, and the entire electronic instrument panel cluster (e.g., speedometer, warning lights, etc.) all went fuzzy for a few minutes and then totally failed; now just stays totally dark and unreadable. This is an optional all digital instrument panel cluster with programmable color that was a $2,200 option when new. I read online in car forums reports of many others having the same exact issue with the optional 2018 Mustang digital instrument cluster failing and going dark some within weeks of the car being new, and there was a recall on this instrument panel going dark for the 2019 model year. I saw an online post where a driver is driving for 6 months without the speedometer or warning lights functioning because of the repair cost being more than $2000. I got a quote from a Ford dealer for my repair today: $2396.00. This car is less than 5 months out of bumper-to-bumper Ford warranty and under the 36,000 miles limit at 30,383. This appears to be a known and apparently frequent safety issue so I thought Ford customer support might help me out but on calling them today they said they cannot do anything to help. They expect me to pay the $2396.00 for repairs with no assistance for what looks to be an inherent safety defect.

NHTSA ODI #11430181

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

Passenger door becomes unlatched and the door open light comes on at high way speeds. I have to stop, open the door and slam it shut. It happens repeatedly.

NHTSA ODI #11428990

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

My digital dashboard has not been working for a year now, it’s a black screen. I am also having problems with my fuel pump. I can’t fill my car all the way up with gas or else my car will not start.

NHTSA ODI #11423490

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2021
Electrical System

Instrument cluster went black. Can’t know what speed I’m driving or anything. Have seen some people reported this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11422231

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

The passenger door become unlatched while driving. This happened on numerous occasions.

NHTSA ODI #11421594

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2021
Power Train

The transmission failed while driving on a busy street making a left turn. My safety and my passenger's safety was at risk because there was oncoming traffic when I made a left turn and a car was trailing me. Just like another complaint, "10 speed transmission did not engage then failed less than a second later while pulling …

Read full complaint

The transmission failed while driving on a busy street making a left turn. My safety and my passenger's safety was at risk because there was oncoming traffic when I made a left turn and a car was trailing me. Just like another complaint, "10 speed transmission did not engage then failed less than a second later while pulling into an intersection. This caused the car to enter the intersection but fail to go forward more than a few feet. The problem resolved after three attempts to go forward by pumping the gas peddle. The transmission also was jerking or jumping from 1st through 3rd gear as if the car could not find the correct gear to be in while going forward. The problem resolved after the first mile of driving". However, for me the problem returned again once I turned the car off, and restarted it. After less than a mile of driving, the transmission began malfunctioning again jumping, and jerking until the transmission just stopped working altogether. Someone has posted experiencing the same malfunction on the same model and year vehicle and I wonder if there are others that have had the same scary, horrible experience? Due to my transmission malfunctioning during my turn, I was lucky that the oncoming car just stopped and blew at me, and the car behind me just went around me instead of crashing into my rear. The car was towed to the dealer and is in the process of being evaluated. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the incident and the automobile is now at the dealership because the vehicle totally stopped driving.

NHTSA ODI #11419724

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

Driver's door suddenly unlocks while driving in highway and message appears "Driver Door Ajar". Creates dangerous situation and have to stop to close door properly. This happened 3 in highway in different days and 2 or 3 times every day. Last time with 59244 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11419058

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.