2018 Ford Mustang
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 4 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 18 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 30 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 108 |
| 1989 | 111 |
| 1990 | 87 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 70 |
| 1993 | 102 |
| 1994 | 368 |
| 1995 | 603 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 176 |
| 1998 | 236 |
| 1999 | 213 |
| 2000 | 311 |
| 2001 | 173 |
| 2002 | 118 |
| 2003 | 145 |
| 2004 | 116 |
| 2005 | 705 |
| 2006 | 423 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 261 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 359 |
| 2015 | 436 |
| 2016 | 375 |
| 2017 | 265 |
| 2018 | 191 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 119 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
29% of complaints: engine — 56 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED A NEW 2018 FORD MUSTANG 2 DR 4 CYL ECOBOOST ON JULY 9TH 2018.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180821
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2018 WITH 118,000 MILES. Had to get a full block engine replacement due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This was diagnosed and replaced at a Ford dealership.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260817
24% of complaints: power train — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and valves/valve body.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I was driving down the road in my 2018 Mustang ecoboost. When all of the sudden slowing down it locked the rear wheels up. I slid off the road and fortunately I didnât hit anything but it did pop my side skirt off in the rear of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251231
Also filed under WHEELS
Was driving my vehicle roughly 10-15mph after a stop, noticed vehicle wasnât shifting into the gears properly as it was only in 2nd gear and the RPMs kept climbing, when it finally shifted into 3rd gear my transmission proceeded to lockup cause my...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260804
My 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the 10R80 automatic transmission began experiencing hesitation, delayed engagement, and harsh jerking during low-speed acceleration (15-20 mph), especially when cold.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
16% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH FIRE INJURY8% of complaints: structure — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
6% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster.
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.
Campaign 17V814000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18V213000 — check if this car was fixed
Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain aftermarket supercharger kits, part number R1318-6006P1-AA, sold for installation on 2018 Ford Mustangs.
Remedy: Roush will notify the known owners and replace the defective fuel rail subassemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874. Roush's number for this recall is REMay2018.
Campaign 18E035000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 25V572000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Ford Mustang — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (56 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V814000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V213000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E035000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V572000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Ford Mustang reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ford Mustang is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Mustang?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Mustang have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.