PURCHASED A 2018 FORD MUSTANG SPORT EDITION AND TWICE NOW ONCE AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 20,000 MILES, I LOSE HALF MY POWER AND THE ORANGE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON. FORD HAS HAD MY CAR FOR 4 DAYS AND DOES NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Mustang years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
191 reportsENGINE SHUTS DOWN REPEATEDLY AND SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY, CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. COMMENTS FOUND ON INTERNET INDICATE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR MANY PRODUCTION YEARS. SURPRISINGLY, NO RECALLS FROM FORD OR ACTION TAKEN BY NHTSA.
CAR HAS A LOUD TICKING SOUND ONCE WARMED UP AND AT IDLE. ALSO OCCURS WHEN RPMS ARE BETWEEN 1500-2000. DEALER TOLD ME IT'S THE NEW DIRECT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS MANY OTHER MUSTANG GT OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND FOUND EVIDENCE OF PISTON SLAP AND SCORING. DEALERSHIP WON'T TAKE INITIATIVE TO FIX OR DIAG…
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CAR HAS A LOUD TICKING SOUND ONCE WARMED UP AND AT IDLE. ALSO OCCURS WHEN RPMS ARE BETWEEN 1500-2000. DEALER TOLD ME IT'S THE NEW DIRECT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS MANY OTHER MUSTANG GT OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND FOUND EVIDENCE OF PISTON SLAP AND SCORING. DEALERSHIP WON'T TAKE INITIATIVE TO FIX OR DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM. PROBLEM ALSO SHOWING UP ON 2019 MODELS. FORD KEEPS DEFLECTING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CUSTOMERS AND HELP THEM. PLEASE HELP BRING FORD TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND FIX THE ISSUE.
I AM THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE FORD MUSTANG 2018 PURCHASED IN THE CAR DEALER "AUTOS VEGA DE PR" WHERE TO VERIFY IT AFTER THE PURCHASE I PERCOME THAT IT DOES NOT BRING THE ACCESSORIES OF, REPLACEMENT TIRES, HYDRAULIC CAT AND NUT KEYS. THE SELLER WAS ASKED ABOUT WHERE HE ANSWERED THAT THEY DO NOT ALREADY BRING THAT ACCESSORY BECAUS…
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I AM THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE FORD MUSTANG 2018 PURCHASED IN THE CAR DEALER "AUTOS VEGA DE PR" WHERE TO VERIFY IT AFTER THE PURCHASE I PERCOME THAT IT DOES NOT BRING THE ACCESSORIES OF, REPLACEMENT TIRES, HYDRAULIC CAT AND NUT KEYS. THE SELLER WAS ASKED ABOUT WHERE HE ANSWERED THAT THEY DO NOT ALREADY BRING THAT ACCESSORY BECAUSE I HAVE FREE ASSISTANCE ON THE ROAD. BEFORE THIS ANSWER I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS DETERMINATION OF THE MANUFACTURER "FORD COMPANY" IS IN LAW SINCE I UNDERSTAND THAT THE LACK OF SUCH ACCESSORIES EXPOSED THE VEHICLE'S OWNER TO A HAZARD ON THE ROAD AS IT CAN NOT RESOLVE SOME PERCENT QUICKLY AND DEPEND ON A SERVICE THAT I CAN NOT OBTAIN UNLESS I HAVE A TELEPHONE AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT AND THAT WORKS IN THE AREA WHERE I CAN NOT ACCEPT THAT SITUATION WHICH I THINK IS DANGEROUS TO THE DRIVER. I THEREFORE WANT TO ESTABLISH, TO BE FEASIBLE, A COMPLAINT ABOUT IT.PLEASE REPORT IF I HAVE ANY TOOL FOR THIS SITUATION THAT CAN HELP ME TO BE CORRECT MY APPROACH.
WHEN PUTTING MY CAR INTO PARK AND DRIVE IT DOESNT WANT TO SWITCH, IT TAKES A WHILE FOR IT TO GET INTO DRIVE. I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO DRIVE, I PRESSED THE GAS LIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIDNT MOVE. UNTIL ABOUT 6 SECONDS THEN FLEW FORWARD. ALSO WHEN GETTING AROUND THE 10 MPH SPEED LIMIT, THE CAR…
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WHEN PUTTING MY CAR INTO PARK AND DRIVE IT DOESNT WANT TO SWITCH, IT TAKES A WHILE FOR IT TO GET INTO DRIVE. I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO DRIVE, I PRESSED THE GAS LIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIDNT MOVE. UNTIL ABOUT 6 SECONDS THEN FLEW FORWARD. ALSO WHEN GETTING AROUND THE 10 MPH SPEED LIMIT, THE CAR JERKS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION ISNT PROPERLY CHANGING GEARS. I ONLY HAVE 10,000 MILES I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCTOBER 2018 AND FIRST OWNER.
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…
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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.
AT CERTAIN RPM RANGES THE PISTON CAN BE HEARD SLAPPING THE CYLINDER WALLS, CYLINDER WALL SCORING IS PRESENT AND MAY CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF ENGINE. IT CAN BECOME WORSE DOWN THE ROAD AND CREATE MISFIRES, FROM NO COMPRESSION, ALSO CAN MAKE FOR A VERY LOUD ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE. I HAVE DRIVEN A FEW OF THEM AND THEY ALL HAVE THE …
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AT CERTAIN RPM RANGES THE PISTON CAN BE HEARD SLAPPING THE CYLINDER WALLS, CYLINDER WALL SCORING IS PRESENT AND MAY CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF ENGINE. IT CAN BECOME WORSE DOWN THE ROAD AND CREATE MISFIRES, FROM NO COMPRESSION, ALSO CAN MAKE FOR A VERY LOUD ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE. I HAVE DRIVEN A FEW OF THEM AND THEY ALL HAVE THE SOUND. FORD BUILT THE ENGINES WITH TOO MUCH CLEARANCE BETWEEN PISTONS AND CYLINDER WALLS. ALSO THERE IS A TICKING NOISE AT IDLE THAT FORD CLAIMS IS NORMAL BUT PEOPLE ARE HAVING DAMAGES TO THERE VEHICLES FROM THIS. ATTACHED IS CYLINDER WALL SCORING PHOTOS
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
PISTON SLAP NOISE FROM ENGINE. TICKING AND THUDDING NOISE FROM IDLE TO 2500 RPMS. CAN HEAR DIESEL TYPE SOUND INSIDE THE CAR WHEN AT IDLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CODE P0300 FOR ENGINE MISFIRE. CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD AND HAS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. DEALER IS OF NO HELP SAYING ALL THESE ARE NORMAL. MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE CRUISING DOWN T…
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PISTON SLAP NOISE FROM ENGINE. TICKING AND THUDDING NOISE FROM IDLE TO 2500 RPMS. CAN HEAR DIESEL TYPE SOUND INSIDE THE CAR WHEN AT IDLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CODE P0300 FOR ENGINE MISFIRE. CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD AND HAS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. DEALER IS OF NO HELP SAYING ALL THESE ARE NORMAL. MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE CRUISING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND I LOST CONTROL OF BRAKES AND STEERING AS THEY WERE EXTREMELY HARD TO MODULATE. FORD AND DEALER ARE OF NO HELP IN RESOLVING THESE ISSUES AND I WORRY FOR MY AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY DRIVING THIS CAR.
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 80MPH ON A 75 AND A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , THE CAR SHUT OFF AND LOCKED UP AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP , AND THE ENTIRE BOTTOM END WAS TORN APART AND A FEW ENGINE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. AFT…
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MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 80MPH ON A 75 AND A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , THE CAR SHUT OFF AND LOCKED UP AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP , AND THE ENTIRE BOTTOM END WAS TORN APART AND A FEW ENGINE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CAR WILL AT RANDOM TIMES SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING , MAIN TIMES IS THE FREEWAY. SECOND ISSUE IS THE CAR HAS LOUD KNOCKING TO THE ENGINE , SOUNDS LIKE A LIFTED KNOCK , THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP, AND MY CAR WAS NEXT TO A SAME YEAR MUSTANG TO COMPARE SOUND AND MINE WAS DEFINITELY KNOCKING COMPARED TO THE OTHER MUSTANG. THIRD ISSUE IS THERE IS A CONSTANT SQUEALING SOUND LIKE A LOSE BELT COMING FROM THE BACK SIDE OF THE ENGINE (THIS RECENTLY STARTED) AND THE FOURTH ISSUE IS WHEN I'M COMING DOWN TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN EVEN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BREAKS THERE IS A METAL CLINGING SOUND THAT DOESN'T STOP UNTIL THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR ONLY HAS 17K MILES AND IS NEVER ABUSED , AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
Official recalls
325V572000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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