NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, inverted, or blank image when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
This page covers 5 recalls, 180 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Ford Mustang.
18–25 mpg combined
9.4–13.1 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2018 Ford Mustang centers on the engine and powertrain. Engine complaints are the most frequent, with owners commonly describing head gasket failures, coolant intrusion into the engine, and resulting misfires or engine damage, often at relatively modest mileage. Several owners report being diagnosed with head gasket leaks or full engine failures requiring significant repairs. Powertrain complaints follow closely, with some owners describing sudden loss of power while driving, including during maneuvers like turns, where the car momentarily stops responding. The electrical system generates a smaller but notable share of complaints. The head gasket and coolant-intrusion issue appears across multiple independent reports, making it the clearest recurring theme owners describe for this model year.
180
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Ford Mustang has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from an aftermarket Roush supercharger kit where faulty fittings can damage fuel lines and cause a fuel leak near the engine.
Two recalls address rollaway risk. On Mustangs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a missing roll pin inside the transmission can allow the vehicle to roll even when the shift lever is in Park. A separate software issue on automatic transmission models with the 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster means the gear position display may go dark and the key-in-ignition chime may not sound if the ignition is switched off while the transmission is out of Park, removing the warnings that would alert the driver before exiting. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the rollaway concern, which is why both issues remain open. There is also a rearview camera concern: the camera can display a distorted, flipped, or blank image when reversing, reducing visibility behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, inverted, or blank image when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hose barb fittings on the supercharger kit may be manufactured incorrectly, damaging fuel lines and causing a fuel leak.
What the fix does
Roush replaces the defective fuel rail subassemblies at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A roll pin may be missing from the transmission, which could cause the Park function to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your transmission and install the roll pin if it's missing, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When you turn the key off while the transmission isn't in Park, the gear display may not light up and you won't hear a warning chime when you open the driver's door. If the parking brake isn't set, the vehicle could move unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software in your instrument cluster to fix this issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the ignition is turned off while the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not display the gear position and the key-in-ignition chime may not sound when the driver's door opens.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore proper display and chime function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
