Used Car Checklists

2025 Ford Mustang: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about this car. The 6 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Ford Mustang2025
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
3
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Good
73/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2025 Ford Mustang. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

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.

Reported on neighboring Mustang years

Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.

2024 Mustang

63 owner complaints
  • Electrical 26
  • Airbags 5
  • Body and structure 4

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Start the car several times and confirm the center screen, digital dash, and backup camera boot fully every time.
  • Run a VIN recall check and confirm campaigns 24V802000, 25V315000, and 25V546000 are completed.
  • Run the AC on max during the test drive and confirm it blows cold and the footwells stay dry.
Open the 2024 checklist

2023 Mustang

14 owner complaints
  • Steering 5
  • Electrical 4
  • Brakes 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Run the VIN through a federal recall lookup and confirm campaigns 24V493000 and 23V727000 show as completed.
  • Ask for dealer repair orders proving recall work was done, not just scheduled while waiting on parts.
  • Drive steadily between 27 and 37 mph and feel for loose, darty, or wandering steering.
Open the 2023 checklist

Which Mustang is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Ford Mustang. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.3L 4-cylRWD26 mpg
5.0L 8-cylRWD19 mpg
5.2L 8-cylRWD12 mpg
  • The 2025 Ford Mustang was sold in three 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 12 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Recalls to confirm (3)

Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 25V546000Exterior lightsAug 2025

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mustang, and Mustang GTD vehicles. Water may enter the body control module and cause a loss of communication with the exterior lighting, including the license plate light, side marker, and tail lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".

    Risk: License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C43.

  2. 25V519000Exterior lightsAug 2025

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles. The LED Driver Modules may contain a burnt diode, which can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn signals to fail in the affected headlight. On Nautilus vehicles only, this condition may also cause the rear tail light, rear turn signal, and rear position light to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".

    Risk: Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the LED Driver Modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C39.

  3. 25V164000TransmissionMar 2025

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

    Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, 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 25S19.

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