2022 Ford Mustang: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and acceleration and cruise control. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 154
- Recalls
- 17
- Crashes reported
- 13
- 5 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 Ford Mustang: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/5
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Mustang is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 Ford Mustang. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | RWD | 25 mpg |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | RWD | 19 mpg |
- The 2022 Ford Mustang was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Mustang that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Battery junction box failure
9,500–23,000 miles
Brake pads fusing to rotors
18,000–22,207 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Ford Mustang, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical542 crashes
Sudden shutdowns lead this category. Mach-E cars flash "Stop Safely Now" and lose drive power on the highway, even with plenty of charge. Several reports tie this to the high-voltage battery junction box, which fails again after replacement. Gas Mustangs go dark while driving, with the instrument and infotainment screens turning off and sometimes the turn signals too. Others stall under an open fuel pump recall. Driver-assist and camera faults come and go. Two reports involve crashes, including a parked car that rolled away. Repairs under a brake warning light recall stalled because parts were not available.
Transmission272 crashes
Loss of propulsion dominates. Mach-E drivers get the "Stop Safely Now" warning and then have no acceleration, often on freeways. Many say the high-voltage battery junction box failed a second time after a recall replacement. A failed 12-volt battery can also stop the car outright. On gas Mustangs, the 10-speed automatic slips, flares, shifts hard, and lurches with a clunk at stops, even after the transmission is replaced. Two crashes appear. In one, a car rolled away while in park. In the other, the car accelerated on its own while parking.
Acceleration and cruise control133 crashes
Sudden acceleration at low speed is the main pattern. It usually happens in parking lots, drive-thrus, or while backing up. Many reports blame a cruise control button so sensitive that a palm brushing it engages cruise, and the car surges toward a high set speed. Some say cruise switched on by itself. Three reports involve crashes, one with a concussion after the accelerator stuck. Others describe hands-free driving drifting across lane lines, front camera faults that disable cruise, and a software update that moved the speedometer out of easy view.
Steering124 crashes
The car pulls on its own or stops responding to the wheel. Lane-keeping and hands-free modes drift toward lane lines or curbs, sometimes swinging left and right, and one of these pulls ended in a rollover. Other reports describe power assist cutting out with a dash full of fault codes and a wheel that seizes and becomes hard to turn. Some describe losing both steering and braking at highway speed. Four complaints involve crashes, and four people were injured. Several owners waited on a steering recall repair because parts were not available.
Automatic emergency braking7No crashes
Front camera failures knock out automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, and both adaptive and regular cruise control. The fault often starts out intermittent and becomes permanent. Some reports link it to windshield replacement disturbing the camera connection. When the systems do work, drivers describe false braking for misidentified objects and adaptive cruise speeding up after a software update when the brake is tapped. Others report a sudden jerk of the wheel toward oncoming traffic and a set-speed display that lags by several seconds. No crashes are reported.
Brakes6No crashes
Pad material fuses to the rotors on the Mach-E because one-pedal driving leaves the friction brakes mostly unused. Drivers hear a clunk or a repeating noise from a rear wheel, or feel shaking through the car and steering wheel, starting around 18,000 miles. Rotors get resurfaced and then replaced, and warranty claims are denied past the brake coverage mileage. Other reports cover a failed rear electronic parking brake harness, a hard pedal from a failed brake booster, and a soft pedal that travels far before braking.
Body and structure5No crashes
Doors and roofs cause most of these reports. A passenger door opens on its own at 45 to 65 mph, several times in a single drive. Convertible tops need excessive force to operate or fail to latch, and dealers could not find a fix. Glass roofs crack without any impact the owner noticed, including a second crack after an insurance repair. The frunk can also trigger an open-hood warning while driving when loose cargo slides into its emergency release button.
Fuel system4No crashes
Almost every report here involves a fuel system recall on gas Mustangs with no repair parts available. Dealers confirm the shortage, and some owners park the car rather than drive it with the recall open. One complaint describes a loss of power at about 65 mph with no warning light, after which the car restarted. The other three owners had no failure. Electrical complaints tie this recall to a low-pressure fuel pump that can stall the engine while driving.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Mustang owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Car gave an error in the middle of the trip and displayed 'Stop Safely Now'. Will not start and run after this warning. The extended battery was fully charged before the trip and after 100 miles of driving it showed this message with 54% battery left.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
There is an issue with the vehicle displaying the speed when operating. I have experienced this issue randomly over the past year. The speed is typically displayed on the information cluster screen above the steering wheel. I have photo and video of the issue but the Upload File button is not working on your website. The only resolution so far has been to restart the vehicle. It does not appear that this can be resolved while the vehicle is ON.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
The high voltage battery junction box failed on my car at 9500 miles, and now again at 19200 miles. Failure prevents the car from running properly, or at all. The dealership is reporting that Ford has not developed an updated replacement part, and is only replacing with the same part that the vehicle left the factory with.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2023
The high voltage battery junction box has failed for the second time in 2500 miles. Car left me stranded in a Home Depot parking lot as it would no longer move.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
I was waiting in a drive thru behind a line of cars at a full stop for some time, so I was using One Pedal assist/Auto Hold. My car suddenly accelerated and slammed into the car in front of me.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
I was backing up the car and the car raced on it own at least couple of times. Luckily no-one was injured. I am worried about the safety of my family including a newborn. There was a Recall 22S29 for the mach-e but it seems to have not fixed the issue for my car.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
The lane assist kept pulling to the right when the lane markings were unclear. Entering highway, lanes go from 2 to 1. We were merging when a car tried to merge into us. We moved over to the right and the lane assist pulled us into a curb. We ended up in a roll over accident and NO air bags opened or went off.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
It was raining and on a bumpy road when I was in second or 3rd gear when it started to lose control a little. It slid a little, when I held the wheel straight it was still going left to right by itself,after I got control of the wheel. The steering wheel was straight but it was still going from side to side. It felt like it trying to wreck me.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
How the 2022 compares with other Mustang years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 Mustang years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical5431
- Transmission2720
- Acceleration and cruise control132
- Steering124
- Automatic emergency braking77
- Brakes65
Where the 2022 fits in the Mustang's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the eighth model year of the Mustang's sixth generation (2015–2023).
It includes the 2018 update.
What changed for 2018
- Minor exterior redesign
- Engine lineup revised, dropping V6
- Increase in horsepower for EcoBoost V8
Recalls to confirm (17)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V689000ElectricalOct 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mustang vehicles repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V727. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 17, 2025.
25V455000Fuel systemJul 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
25V442000Backup cameraJun 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
25V441000ElectricalJun 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Mustang Mach E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Risk: An overheated high voltage battery contactor can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the high voltage battery junction box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S56. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 23V687.
25V404000ElectricalJun 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Mustang Mach E vehicles. In the event of a low battery charge, the electronic door latches may remain locked once the driver or front passenger exits and shuts the door, possibly trapping someone who is unable to use the inside door release handles, such as a child in the back seat.
Risk: The inability to enter or exit the vehicle in an emergency increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C (SOBDMC) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to 2021-2025 Mustang Mach-E owners September 12, 2025. Additionally, Owner notification letters were mailed to 2024-2025 Mustang Mach-E owners July 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S65.
25V315000Backup cameraMay 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
25V130000ElectricalFeb 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-412. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Risk: An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the on-board software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S14.
25V096000SteeringFeb 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-493. The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver's intentions.
Risk: A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the power steering control module (PSCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S11.
24V493000SteeringJun 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles. The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver's intentions.
Risk: A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the power steering control module (PSCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S44.
23V727000ElectricalOct 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.
23V687000ElectricalOct 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Risk: An overheated high voltage battery contactor can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the high voltage battery junction box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S56. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 22V-412 will need to have the new remedy completed.
23V070000TransmissionFeb 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK.".
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
22V646000TransmissionAug 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The right-rear axle half shafts may have been manufactured improperly, allowing the half shaft stem to break under load.
Risk: A broken half shaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a rollaway could occur while parked if the electronic parking brake is not engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the serial number, and replace the right-rear half shaft, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S55.
22V412000ElectricalJun 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Risk: An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the on-board software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S41.
22V334000Automatic emergency brakingMay 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Mustang vehicles equipped with an Image Processing Module A (IPMA) or forward-facing camera. The camera is misaligned to the vehicle, resulting in the camera not functioning as intended.
Risk: A front-facing camera that is not functioning properly may restrict or disable certain features including Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Driver Alert, and Auto High Beam Control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will realign the front-facing camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S34.
22V083000AirbagsFeb 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang vehicles. An insufficient weld on the front passenger knee air bag may result in an improper air bag deployment.
Risk: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S07.
21V979000Seat beltsDec 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E and 2022 Maverick vehicles. The rear seat belt buckles may not be properly attached to the rear floor assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.".
Risk: Improperly attached seat belts may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will repair the rear seat belt buckle attachments, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C36.
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