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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
50,000 miles · Oct 3, 2020
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR COMES OPEN AT LOW OR HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES THE SAME THING. MY MUSTANG IS A CONVERTIBLE SO WHEN THE DOORS COME OPEN OR AJARED IT IS VERY FRIGHTENING. THIS HAPPENS ON THE INTERSTATE OR IN THE COUNTRY OR IN THE CITY. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI #11362551

22,000 miles · Sep 17, 2020
Power TrainWheels

2018 MUSTANG GT 6 SPEED PERFORMANCE PACK, TIRES RUBBING ON INNER WHEEL WELLS CAUSING WIRES TO SHOW ON INSIDE OF TIRE, FEW MONTHS AGO TOOK CAR IT TO DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT THERE IS HOLES RUBBED INTO MY WHEEL WELLS, ALSO HAD A CLUTCH ISSUE AND NOISE AT SAME TIME AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AGAIN, TOOK CAR BACK A…

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2018 MUSTANG GT 6 SPEED PERFORMANCE PACK, TIRES RUBBING ON INNER WHEEL WELLS CAUSING WIRES TO SHOW ON INSIDE OF TIRE, FEW MONTHS AGO TOOK CAR IT TO DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT THERE IS HOLES RUBBED INTO MY WHEEL WELLS, ALSO HAD A CLUTCH ISSUE AND NOISE AT SAME TIME AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AGAIN, TOOK CAR BACK AND A WEEK AGO HAD A CLUTCH AND TRANS PROBLEM COME ABOUT, HAVE TO FORCEFULLY PUSH SHIFTER INTO A GEAR FOR IT TO GO IN, WITH THE CLUTCH FULLY PRESSED I CAN PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND IT WILL ATTEMPT TO TAKE OFF, WITHOUT RELEASING THE CLUTCH, I CANNOT GET THE CAR INTO 6TH 5TH, 2ND AND REVERSE. 1ST,3RD,4TH GEARS ARE HARD TO GET IN BUT WILL GO FORCEFULLY. WITH CAR OFF I CANNOT GO IN MANY OF THE GEARS EITHER. WHEN THIS LAST PART HAPPEND I WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO GO INTO 3RD AND IT WOULDN'T GO IN SO I DECIDED TO TRY 4TH AND IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE, CAR SEEM TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING ALSO

NHTSA ODI #11355695

60 miles · Sep 9, 2020
Structure

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR OPENS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11353944

20,000 miles · Aug 31, 2020
Air BagsCrashInjury

I WAS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 8/22/20 WHILE DRIVING MY 2018 MUSTANG GT. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY...EVEN THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND COLLISION SHOP ARE WONDERING WHY. MY CAR WAS TOTALED...I DO NOT BELIEVE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WORKED AS INTENDED. I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WHILE TRAVELING APPROX 30MPH, THE DRIVER THAT H…

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I WAS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 8/22/20 WHILE DRIVING MY 2018 MUSTANG GT. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY...EVEN THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND COLLISION SHOP ARE WONDERING WHY. MY CAR WAS TOTALED...I DO NOT BELIEVE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WORKED AS INTENDED. I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WHILE TRAVELING APPROX 30MPH, THE DRIVER THAT HIT ME STATED TO POLICE THAT HE WAS GOING 45MPH.

NHTSA ODI #11352282

52,000 miles · Aug 6, 2020
Electrical System

DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS TO ILLUMINATE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PROBLEM OCCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #11343775

39,000 miles · Jul 7, 2020
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GWINNETT PLACE FORD LOCATED AT 3230 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096, (404) 418-6877, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GWINNETT PLACE FORD LOCATED AT 3230 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096, (404) 418-6877, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V814000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.*DT CONSUMER CANNOT SEE SPEED, ALERTS, AND LIGHTS.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11337997

13,000 miles · Jul 2, 2020
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR ON A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWN & COUNTRY FORD LOCATED AT 6015 PRESTON HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40219, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT FOR 31 DA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR ON A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWN & COUNTRY FORD LOCATED AT 6015 PRESTON HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40219, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT FOR 31 DAYS FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS MUCH WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE THAT COULD BE PROVIDED; STATING THAT THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED PER THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000.

NHTSA ODI #11337258

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2020
Structure

THIS IS A CONVERTIBLE AND WHEN THE BACK WINDOWS ARE PUT DOWN THEY WILL NOT GO BACK UP PROPERLY. THEREFORE RAIN GETS IN AND RUINS THE CARPETS AND INTERIOR. CAUSING MOLD AND IT TO RUST OUT. EVEN BY HAND ADJUSTMENT THEY CAN NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED BACK.. AND THIS IS EVERYTIME THE TOP IS PUT DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328660

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2020
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

PASSENGER DOOR OPENS WHEN GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS. I WAS TRAVELING AT ONLY A FEW MILES AND I GUESS THE TRACKS CLICKED IT OPEN SOME HOW. SO NOW IT SEEMS THAT THE DOOR NOT ONLY OPENS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BUT ALSO IF THE CAR HITS A BUMP OR SOMETHING ON THE ROADWAY EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS.. I WAS TRAVELING ON A COUNTY ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328656

28,700 miles · Jun 13, 2020
Power Train

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES RANDOM NON REPEATABLE PERIODS OF HARD SHIFTING, REFUSAL TO GO INTO GEAR, GRINDING GEARS, JERKINESS AND WHAT FEELS OCCASIONALLY LIKE TRANSMISSION SLIPS. WHEN IT OCCURS IT MOSTLY HAPPENS UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION SUCH AS TRYING TO GET UP TO SPEED ON AN ON RAMP OR TRYING TO GET TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS BUT NOT ALWAYS…

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VEHICLE EXPERIENCES RANDOM NON REPEATABLE PERIODS OF HARD SHIFTING, REFUSAL TO GO INTO GEAR, GRINDING GEARS, JERKINESS AND WHAT FEELS OCCASIONALLY LIKE TRANSMISSION SLIPS. WHEN IT OCCURS IT MOSTLY HAPPENS UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION SUCH AS TRYING TO GET UP TO SPEED ON AN ON RAMP OR TRYING TO GET TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS BUT NOT ALWAYS. RECENTLY WHILE TRAVELING IN A 45MPH ZONE I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. CLUTCH WAS FULLY DEPRESSED AND NOTICEABLE GEAR GRINDING HAPPENED AND AN IMMEDIATE SECOND ATTEMPT RESULTED IN SAME RESULT. HAD TO SHIFT TO 4TH CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE IN UNACCEPTABLE GEAR RANGE FOR CURRENT SPEED. SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT DEALERSHIP MADE JUNE 10TH 2020. ISSUE HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES PREVIOUSLY BUT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. LAST KNOWN INCIDENT HAPPENED JUNE 11 2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30 PM EST ONE DAY AFTER MAKING APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328620

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.