NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument panel display may go blank at startup and stop working due to an earlier repair done incorrectly, leaving drivers without critical gauges and controls.
This page covers 8 recalls, 137 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 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
Engine complaints dominate the 2019 Mustang's filing history, with owners frequently describing poor acceleration, misfires, rough running, and white smoke from the exhaust, often accompanied by a check engine light. Several reports mention excessive oil and coolant consumption alongside spark plug fouling, with symptoms that tend to resurface after repairs. The powertrain and electrical systems round out the top complaint areas. On the transmission side, owners report clunking noises when shifting between park, reverse, and drive, and some describe the transmission locking up or the car jerking abruptly while moving. Electrical complaints cover a range of issues without a single dominant symptom. The engine pattern is the most consistent thread here, particularly the combination of white smoke on cold starts, misfiring under load, and recurring check engine lights tied to spark plug and combustion issues.
137
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Ford Mustang has 8 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, with the most consequential issues centered on rear visibility: the rearview camera can display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when reversing, and reverse lights may fail to illuminate.
Several of these rear-visibility issues stem from the same underlying problem: on 5.0L manual transmission models, the powertrain control module can broadcast a faulty signal that disables the rearview camera, reverse lights, and driver assistance features including traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, and cross-traffic detection. A prior repair attempt for one of these filings did not fully resolve the issue, prompting a follow-up recall. Two separate recalls address the instrument cluster going completely blank at startup, leaving the driver without speed readings, fuel and temperature levels, or any warning indicators. There is also a recall for a "Transmission Not In Park" warning that cuts out too quickly, which can leave the driver unaware that the vehicle is not in park before they exit, raising the risk of an unintended rollaway.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument panel display may go blank at startup and stop working due to an earlier repair done incorrectly, leaving drivers without critical gauges and controls.
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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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster software at no cost to restore the display and its functions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The powertrain control module may incorrectly detect a transmission fault, causing the reverse camera, reverse lamps, traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, and cross traffic indicator to stop working.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update the powertrain control module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine computer may send a faulty signal that disables the reverse camera, reverse lights, and driver assist features.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine computer software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The warning message and chime that alert you when the transmission isn't in Park display and sound for less time than designed.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram your instrument cluster at no cost to restore the full warning message and chime duration.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster display may go blank when you start your vehicle, preventing you from seeing important information and warnings about your vehicle's systems.
What the fix does
Your vehicle's instrument cluster display will be reprogrammed at an authorized dealer to fix the blank display issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument panel cluster may display a blank screen at startup instead of showing vehicle information, failing to meet safety standards for controls and displays.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster at no cost to restore proper display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
