Used Ford Mustang: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 1,014 complaints across these 8 years; the 2021 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Mustang from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	Total
Electrical	27	26	19	113	54	4	26	269
Transmission	41	24	17	52	27		4	165
Engine	44	38	11				4	97
Brakes			12	18	6	2	4	42

Mustang generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Sixth generation
2015–2023
2018 update: Minor exterior redesign; Engine lineup revised, dropping V6; Increase in horsepower for EcoBoost V8

Mileages where Mustang problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
600–21,000 miles	Sudden shutdown, no-start	2021
800–1,000 miles	Center screen or display blackout	2024
4,700–6,000 miles	EcoBoost misfire and engine failure	2024
9,500–23,000 miles	Battery junction box failure	2022
12,000–42,000 miles	Brake vibration, warped rotors	2021
18,000–22,207 miles	Brake pads fusing to rotors	2022
19,000–47,047 miles	Instrument panel and APIM failure	2020
23,000–72,212 miles	EcoBoost coolant intrusion, misfires	2018
24,000–56,000 miles	APIM touchscreen and camera failure	2018
26,000–88,000 miles	EcoBoost coolant intrusion, head gasket	2019
27,000–70,000 miles	Doors unlatching while driving	2018
30,000–40,000 miles	Front camera fault	2021
37,000–66,500 miles	Coolant intrusion, engine replacement	2020
56,671–90,000 miles	Backup camera failure	2020

Every Mustang recall to confirm

46 recalls cover the Mustangyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 17 campaigns span more than one model year. One told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.