2016 Ford Mustang problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 377 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Mustang, filed between 2016-01-27 and 2026-09-18. The most common problem areas are the engine (75, 20%), electrical system (72, 19%) and back over prevention (52, 14%). Owners reported 13 crashes, 6 fires, 11 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Ford Mustang complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 75 | 20% | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 72 | 19% | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 69 | 18% | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Back over prevention | 52 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 29 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 28 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 27 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 20 | 5% | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 17 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Air bags | 15 | 4% | 9 | 1 | 6 |
| Steering | 12 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 10 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Seats | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 9 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 75 complaints
- 75 complaints of 377 (20%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the fuel/propulsion system; owners reported 1 crash, 4 fires, 4 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ford Mustang; the recall, campaign 16V779000, says: “A hose may separate from the engine oil cooler tube assembly causing an oil leak.”
Electrical system: 72 complaints
- 72 complaints of 377 (19%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 10 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash and 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Mustang covers this system.
Back over prevention: 52 complaints
- 52 complaints of 377 (14%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 8 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Ford Mustang; the latest, campaign 25V572000, says: “The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.”
Power train: 29 complaints
- 29 complaints of 377 (8%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 6 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Mustang covers this system.
Structure: 28 complaints
- 28 complaints of 377 (7%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 11 of them also name the latches/locks/linkages; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Mustang covers this system.
Latches/locks/linkages: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 377 (7%) name the latches/locks/linkages — door, hood, tailgate and trunk latches and locks.
- 11 of them also name the structure; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Mustang covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 53 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 26 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MUSTANG, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Ford Mustang recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Mustang?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Ford Mustang's most common problem areas are the engine (75 of 377 complaints), electrical system (72 of 377 complaints) and back over prevention (52 of 377 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA has 377 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Mustang, including 13 reported crashes and 6 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Mustang's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Ford Mustang; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.