2018 Ford Mustang Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Mustang years
- About as many complaints as other years 18th of 32 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 out of 5 stars
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Mustang. That ranks 18th out of 32 Mustang model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (58 complaints, 30%), typically at around 11,000 miles. Complaints mention 8 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.
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- 195owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 8complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2018 Ford Mustang problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine problems | 58 | 30% | 11,000 | “coolant intrusion” (17%) | $8,450 |
| Power Train | 46 | 24% | 10,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 31 | 16% | 31,500 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 23 | 12% | 28,890 | — | — |
| Structure | 15 | 8% | 45,087 | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 12 | 6% | 65,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 12 | 6% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 4% | 54,500 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 8 | 4% | 1,050 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 6 | 3% | 2,483 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | 46,000 | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 2% | 40,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 2% | 22,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1% | 35,500 | — | — |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | 46,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 1% | 44,113 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 1% | 30,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | 63,700 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | 12,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1% | 27,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2018 Ford Mustang recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Risk: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
Electrical system:software; electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Problem: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. 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" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine failed due to coolant leaking into the combustion chambers. The dealer found coolant present in cylinders 1 and 4, the cylinder 4 piston washed, and vertical scoring on the cylinder 4 wall. The dealer's recommendation is complete engine replacement. Yes, the engine is…
Check engine light came on Sunday night. Monday had AutoZone check the codes - indicated misfire on two cylinders recommended spark plug replacement - Spark plugs purchased with intent to change Tuesday evening- Tuesday morning -Engine overheated on the way to class added more coolant - got the…
The electrical components in the vehicle stopped functioning - for the lights on the interior the overhead stopped working on and off and then dimmed until one day never came back on. At the same time the sensor for cross traffic alert became buggy and then not functional which made all my safety…
While driving at highway speeds passenger door spontaneously opened. Passenger was not touching or near latch. Has happened 3 times. Ford states no recall. Looking online seems to be a known issue.
I own a 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible and am reporting persistent spider activity that has become a recurring driver-safety concern. Spider activity occurs on or around the vehicle essentially every day. I routinely see multiple spiders and webs on the windshield, hood, doors, roof, trunk…
Other Ford Mustang years
← 2017 Mustang · 2019 Mustang →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang | 8 | 5 |
| 2025 Mustang | 18 | 6 |
| 2024 Mustang | 84 | 12 |
| 2023 Mustang | 15 | 6 |
| 2022 Mustang | 50 | 9 |
| 2021 Mustang | 55 | 6 |
| 2020 Mustang | 120 | 8 |
| 2019 Mustang | 150 | 6 |
| 2018 | 195 | 3 |
| 2017 Mustang | 267 | 6 |
| 2016 Mustang | 378 | 5 |
| 2015 Mustang | 438 | 11 |
| 2014 Mustang | 359 | 3 |
| 2013 Mustang | 271 | 5 |
| 2012 Mustang | 469 | 6 |
| 2011 Mustang | 466 | 4 |
| 2010 Mustang | 261 | 5 |
| 2009 Mustang | 181 | 5 |
| 2008 Mustang | 347 | 5 |
| 2007 Mustang | 615 | 5 |
| 2006 Mustang | 424 | 5 |
| 2005 Mustang | 705 | 5 |
| 2004 Mustang | 116 | 1 |
| 2003 Mustang | 145 | 1 |
| 2002 Mustang | 118 | 0 |
| 2001 Mustang | 173 | 1 |
| 2000 Mustang | 311 | 2 |
| 1999 Mustang | 213 | 3 |
| 1998 Mustang | 236 | 4 |
| 1997 Mustang | 176 | 2 |
| 1996 Mustang | 246 | 3 |
| 1995 Mustang | 602 | 5 |
See all Ford Mustang problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.
Similar Ford models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Mustang?
Owners most often report engine, power train, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 58 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Ford Mustang?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2018 Ford Mustang a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Mustang model years, the 2018 has about as many complaints as a typical year, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.