2018 Ford Mustang problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 193 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang, filed between 2018-01-25 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the engine (56, 29%), power train (45, 23%) and electrical system (31, 16%). Owners reported 8 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2018 Ford Mustang complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 56 | 29% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 45 | 23% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 31 | 16% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 23 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 15 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 12 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 12 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1% | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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: 56 complaints
- 56 complaints of 193 (29%) name the engine.
- 5 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2018 Ford Mustang; the recall, campaign 18E035000, says: “The hose barb fittings on the supercharger kits may be manufactured incorrectly, possibly causing damage to the fuel lines and resulting in a fuel leak.”
Power train: 45 complaints
- 45 complaints of 193 (23%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 5 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2018 Ford Mustang; the recall, campaign 18V213000, says: “A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.”
Electrical system: 31 complaints
- 31 complaints of 193 (16%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the back over prevention; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2018 Ford Mustang; the recall, campaign 17V814000, says: “If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition"…”
Structure: 15 complaints
- 15 complaints of 193 (8%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 5 of them also name the latches/locks/linkages; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2018 Ford Mustang covers this system.
Back over prevention: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 193 (6%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2018 Ford Mustang; the recall, campaign 25V572000, says: “The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.”
Latches/locks/linkages: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 193 (6%) name the latches/locks/linkages — door, hood, tailgate and trunk latches and locks.
- 5 of them also name the structure; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2018 Ford Mustang covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 24 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MUSTANG, MUSTANG GT350R, model year 2018. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2018 Ford Mustang recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Mustang?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2018 Ford Mustang's most common problem areas are the engine (56 of 193 complaints), power train (45 of 193 complaints) and electrical system (31 of 193 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2018 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA has 193 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang, including 8 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Mustang's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Mustang; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.