Owners have reported 8 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Mustang. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints41
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with the vehicle's power train, particularly involving the transmission. Common symptoms include the vehicle abruptly stopping or locking the rear wheels, especially when shifting gears, which occasionally leads to crashes. Other reported issues involve the transmission failing to shift properly, causing jerking, slamming, or slipping during gear changes, with some owners noting problems as early as 35,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with instances of unintended vehicle movement and rollaway incidents, as well as sudden loss of power while driving. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints38
ENGINE
Owners report that the 2018 Ford Mustang, particularly those with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, frequently experiences coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, leading to misfires, engine failure, and the need for costly engine replacements. Common symptoms include rough starting, misfires, loss of power, and illuminated check engine lights. These issues are often reported around 40,000 to 70,000 miles, though some occur as early as 18,000 miles or as late as 100,000 miles. Safety implications include sudden loss of power while driving, which may pose a risk of stalling or accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported problems and the associated repair costs, as well as the lack of manufacturer support for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Owner complaints27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system and instrument cluster. Common symptoms include the backup camera and infotainment screen going black or blue, unresponsive touchscreen controls, and the instrument cluster failing to display crucial information such as speed and fuel levels. These problems often arise around 30,000 to 65,000 miles. Some complaints note safety implications, with doors unlatching while driving and instrument panels going blank at high speeds, potentially distracting drivers. Additionally, owners mention recurring issues with battery terminal corrosion affecting electrical connections. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially if considering a vehicle in this mileage range.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints14
STRUCTURE
Owners report two primary structural issues with the 2018 Ford Mustang. The most frequently mentioned problem involves the passenger and, occasionally, driver doors unlatching or becoming ajar while driving, often at highway speeds but also at lower speeds or when traversing bumps. This issue occurs even when the doors are locked, and several complaints detail the passenger door opening multiple times within a short timeframe. Additionally, a few owners describe water leaks, particularly in the back footwell or through the rear windows in convertibles, leading to potential interior damage. These issues, especially the door unlatching, carry safety implications, as they can occur unexpectedly and require immediate attention to secure the vehicle.
Owner complaints6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang frequently report issues related to engine misfires and coolant intrusion, often resulting in the need for engine replacement. Common symptoms include illuminated check engine lights, overheating messages, and abnormal knocking sounds, with some cases noting oil or coolant leaks. These problems typically occur between 23,000 and 72,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the need for significant engine repairs or replacements may impact reliability and repair costs. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential engine issues, particularly at these mileage intervals.
Owner complaints6
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with doors unexpectedly unlatching or opening while driving, particularly the passenger door. Symptoms often include the door ajar warning light illuminating and the need to stop and re-secure the door. Multiple complaints mention this occurring at highway speeds, with some reports indicating the issue starts around 27,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as one owner notes the driver's door unlocking unexpectedly, creating potentially hazardous situations. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring door latch issues and the potential need for repairs.
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang report issues with the power steering system, often describing sudden failures while driving. Complaints frequently mention the power steering assist system failing without warning, causing the vehicle to become difficult to control. These issues typically occur around 16,000 to 46,000 miles. One report involves a crash where the steering unexpectedly veered left and resulted in a collision with a concrete barrier, though no injuries were reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these steering-related problems, as they may impact vehicle safety and require attention.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang report issues with the service brakes, particularly with the parking brake and brake lights. Multiple complaints highlight a problem where the parking brake fails to engage or release properly, leaving the vehicle at risk of rolling when parked on an incline. This issue is noted to have started as early as 2019 and worsens over time, with adjustments only temporarily improving the situation. Another reported issue is brake lights remaining on after releasing the pedal, which can persist even after the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, some owners experience unexpected activation of the collision avoidance system, causing the car to brake hard without an apparent obstacle, raising concerns about potential rear-end collisions. These issues can be of particular interest to used car buyers concerned about vehicle safety and reliability.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report two primary issues with the fuel/propulsion system of the 2018 Ford Mustang. First, some owners experience problems with the gas tank not filling properly, where fuel backfeeds up the tube, causing spillage and requiring extended time to fill the tank, often taking about 30 minutes. Second, multiple owners describe the engine shutting down repeatedly and completely, posing a significant safety issue. These symptoms are reported without specific mileage or timeframes, and the engine shutdowns in particular have potential safety implications due to the risk of loss of power while driving. This information could be crucial for used car buyers assessing the reliability of this model year.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang report issues with the airbag system, particularly in crash situations. Complaints frequently mention that side airbags fail to deploy during collisions, even in severe impacts where the vehicle is totaled. One report describes significant injuries to the driver's leg caused by the airbag, resulting in fractures and long-term limping. Another report highlights a scenario where the airbags did not deploy despite a side impact at approximately 30 mph, leading to multiple injuries. These incidents occur at relatively low speeds on city streets, suggesting potential safety implications for drivers and passengers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
