The Ford Mustang has been a symbol of American muscle and style since it first hit the roads in 1964. Known for its powerful performance, bold design, and loyal fanbase, the Mustang remains one of the most iconic sports cars in the world. But is the Ford Mustang reliable? What are the common problems of Ford Mustang?

Whether you're considering buying a used Mustang or want to know more about common maintenance concerns, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

And as a professional lighting store, we also show you how to upgrade Mustang’s lighting for safer night driving.

Is the Ford Mustang a Reliable Car?

The Ford Mustang has long been one of America’s most iconic performance cars, and it is generally considered reliable. According to RepairPal, the Mustang earns a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating, which is considered average. The average annual repair cost is $709—higher than the segment average, but reasonable for a sports car.

J.D. Power gives Ford Mustang models from 2007 to 2025 a score above 80 out of 100, indicating overall above-average quality and reliability.

The resale value is also relatively strong among popular models. According to Caredge, the Ford Mustang will depreciate by 55% after five years, placing it in the top 25% of popular models.

While the Ford Mustang receives good ratings across many sources, keep in mind that reliability depends largely on the model year, maintenance history, and driving habits.

In the next section, we’ve researched some common problems found in the Ford Mustang.

Common Ford Mustang Problems

Paint Bubbling and Corrosion Problems

Corrosion on the hood is one of the most common and serious problems reported by Ford Mustang owners, according to CarComplaints.com.

The hoods and roofs are particularly vulnerable, often suffering from paint blistering due to poor insulation between the aluminum hoods and iron-based support components.

In regions where road salt is heavily used, these paint issues can lead to rust, potentially compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity and resale value.

Although many owners have voiced concerns, Ford hasn’t issued a recall. However, this isn’t a Mustang-only problem. Cars from many brands can experience similar issues. If you own a Ford Mustang, keep an eye out for any signs of bubbling. If you notice any, take it in right away, especially if it’s still within the warranty period.

Lighting System Issues

Before 2018, Ford Mustangs came equipped with halogen headlight bulbs. While standard at the time, these bulbs often fall short in terms of brightness, especially when driving at night on poorly lit roads. Many Mustang owners have voiced concerns in forums and online communities, noting that even with projector-style housings, the stock halogens do not provide adequate visibility in the dark.

Because of this, upgrading to LED headlight bulbs has become a popular and practical choice among Mustang enthusiasts. LED bulbs not only offer brighter, clearer light but also improve overall safety during nighttime driving.

If you’ve recently purchased a used Ford Mustang from a model year before 2018 or are simply looking to enhance your car’s lighting, consider replacing the factory halogens with LED headlight or fog light bulbs for Ford Mustang. Just be sure to check your vehicle’s bulb size for a proper fit.

Interior Electronics and Accessories

Many Mustang owners have reported issues with interior electronics and accessories. Common problems include unresponsive or blank radio displays and malfunctioning SYNC infotainment systems.

In some cases, backup cameras and power window motors have failed, even in relatively new vehicles. Notably, Mustang models from 2015 to 2017 were part of recalls due to backup camera issues. In those cases, the wiring behind the camera may have been damaged or improperly secured, causing the screen to show a distorted or blank image while reversing.

Convertible Rear Window Leak Issue

According to RepairPal’s user-reported problems, one of the most common complaints among Ford Mustang Convertible owners is the rear window glass detaching from the soft top.

Typically, the outer fabric pulls away from the glass while the inner lining stays intact, leaving gaps that allow water to leak into the cabin.

Some owners have managed DIY fixes using suction clamps and strong adhesives, but results vary. For a lasting repair, it’s crucial to inspect the rear window assembly—glass, motor, and frame—to ensure everything is tightly secured. Misaligned rear windows and loose bolts can also contribute to the problem.

If the damage is extensive or recurring, consider replacing the entire convertible top. Replacement options with or without glass are available at different price points.

Transmission Issues

Manual transmissions, especially the MT82 found in many Mustangs, are known for their long shift throws and sometimes jerky shifts. Some drivers have experienced premature clutch wear or failure, particularly if the car is driven aggressively or on the track.

On the automatic side, owners of newer Mustangs, including the 10-speed automatics, have reported hesitation and rough shifting, sometimes requiring repairs or recalls. For example, some 2018 EcoBoost owners mentioned multiple transmission failures.

Vibration and Drivetrain Concerns

Some models, notably the 2016 Mustang, have experienced vibrations when driving at highway speeds around 60 mph. Causes include imbalanced driveshafts, rear-end assembly issues, or tire problems.

Camshaft Sensor Issues

Many 2004 Ford Mustang owners report squeaking or chirping noises when the engine is cold, especially in winter. The sound often fades as the engine warms up.

This is usually caused by a worn upper bushing in the camshaft position sensor’s synchronizer shaft. The issue also affects models from 1999, 2000, and 2002–2010.

In some cases, the sensor’s magnet may come loose and damage the synchronizers. This can lead to long crank times and trigger the Check Engine Light. Fixing it typically requires replacing both the magnet and the synchronizer.

Cooling System and Thermostat Failures

Thermostat failures causing coolant leaks are particularly common in 2005–2009 Mustangs. If left unaddressed, these leaks can lead to engine overheating and costly repairs. Routine inspection and maintenance of the cooling system are essential to avoid such problems.

Ford Mustang Years to Avoid

2015 Ford Mustang

This was the debut year of the sixth-generation Mustang, introducing the independent rear suspension. However, the 2015 model faced a high number of complaints, especially for transmission problems, body panel alignment issues, and electrical quirks. Consumer Reports and CarComplaints.com both flag 2015 as a year to avoid.

2011–2014 Ford Mustang (MT82 Issues)

If you’re considering a manual transmission model from this era, be aware of the MT82 issues. While not all cars are affected, enough reports exist to make this a concern—especially if the car has been heavily modified or tracked.

Best Used Ford Mustang Years to Buy

Looking for a reliable and exciting used Mustang? These model years stand out:

2012–2013 Mustang GT

These models feature the first-generation 5.0L Coyote V8 and offer a solid balance of power and reliability. By this time, early bugs in electronics and engine tuning had been ironed out.

2016–2017 Mustang

These mid-cycle refresh models from the sixth generation are considered highly dependable. They benefited from improved build quality and better-performing automatic transmissions compared to 2015.

2019–2021 Mustang GT

Late sixth-gen Mustangs with the updated Coyote V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission are getting great reviews from owners. Reported issues are minimal, and many owners are praising them for their daily drivability and durability.

Upgrade Your Mustang’s Lighting with SEALIGHT LED

Replacing old halogen headlights or fog light bulbs with LED bulbs is a simple yet noticeable upgrade. However, not all Ford Mustang models use the same bulb size, so it’s important to identify the correct size for your vehicle.

For example:

2000–2004 Ford Mustang uses 9007/HB5 for headlights and 880, 881, or H10/9145 for fog lights.
2005–2006 Ford Mustang uses H13/9008 or 9021/HIR2 for headlights.

You can use our Ford Mustang Bulb Size Chart to find the correct bulb size for your specific year and model.

Ready to transform your Mustang’s lighting? SEALIGHT LED bulbs offer plug-and-play installation, a longer lifespan, and significantly improved brightness compared to factory halogens. Visit SEALIGHT’s Mustang LED Collection to find the perfect LED upgrades for your vehicle.

References:

https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/mustang
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/ford/mustang
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Mustang/
https://www.hotcars.com/problems-with-ford-mustangs-everyone-just-ignores/
https://caredge.com/ford/mustang/depreciation
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/ford-mustangs-recalled-for-faulty-backup-camera-a8174447184/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Mustang/comments/cvboii/just_past_the_3_year_paint_warranty_and_i_noticed/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Mustang/comments/1dlurb8/any_of_you_guys_have_had_the_backup_camera_recall/