When you’re in the market for a reliable car, you can’t go wrong with a Ford Mustang. Both new and older model years have something great to offer. From high safety ratings to excellent performance, it’s no wonder the Mustang continues to sell well in this day and age. Even its resale value is good, only depreciating by 24% in five years according to CarEdge.com.
Are Ford Mustangs Reliable?
The Ford Mustang enjoys above-average reliability, with some of its model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 20th out of 24 for midsize cars in its category. Meanwhile, J.D. Power rated the Mustang an 85/100. Additionally, US News & World Report ranked the 2021 Ford Mustang first out of eight vehicles in the sports car market. With these figures, it’s apparent that with careful handling and regular maintenance, the Ford Mustang can easily enjoy a long service life.
Top Ford Mustang Problems
Although the Ford Mustang is one dependable muscle car, it still has its fair share of problems. Here are the most commonly reported issues for different model years:
Interior Accessory Problems
Interior accessory problems are among the most reported 2017 Ford Mustang issues. Some owners have reported troubles with the vehicle’s radio/sync display. According to one owner, when the sync is paired with a phone or when the radio is turned on, the display will fail to display any useful information other than the current time and temperature. The radio unit did not receive any radio or music data.
Other problems involve the rearview camera, steering assist light, and steering wheel. No recalls have been issued to resolve these issues.
Vibration While Driving
Another common problem experienced by some owners of the 2016 Ford Mustang is vibration while driving. According to reports on CarComplaints.com, most Mustangs started vibrating at around 60 mph.
For some owners, the problem was caused by an imbalanced driveshaft. For others, it was the rear-end assembly. Another owner discovered trouble with his tires.
Although no recalls have been issued to address this problem, it is serviceable by local dealerships.
Hood Corrosion
A longstanding problem Ford Mustang has with its older model years is corrosion on the hood. This issue is also related to the paint blistering exhibited by some units of the 2007 and 2010 Ford Mustang.
This problem arose because Ford used aluminum hoods but failed to properly insulate them from iron-based connecting and supporting parts used in the prior model year. Despite being a known problem across Ford Mustang models, the automaker has not issued a recall to resolve this problem.
Body Paint Problems
Body paint problems are one of the most common issues reported by many 2007 Ford Mustang owners. They have observed how paint blisters around their bumpers. Others noted severe peeling and chipping off the front edge of the hood.
Although some owners took action and brought their cars to the repair shop, most of them were advised that the issue couldn’t be fixed because the oxidation would keep coming back.
Camshaft Position Sensor Issues
Loud squeaking or chirping noises are among the most reported 2004 Ford Mustang problems. According to a complaint posted on RepairPal, the car produced chirping noises when it was cold. The noise reportedly went away or turned faint when the vehicle turned warm. Another owner shares that the car chirps when driven in the winter.
The synchronizer shaft for the camshaft position sensor can cause a loud squeaking or chirping noise because of a bad upper bushing. The noise may be erratic and may go away as the engine warms up. Reports show that these problems also affected model years 1999, 2000, and 2002 to 2010.
Worn Tie Rod Ends
According to reports from owners of the 2000 Ford Mustang, problems with the tie rod ends are typical for many units belonging to the model year. The vehicle squeaks when turning and going over bumps. The steering wheel may also squeak while being turned while the vehicle runs below 15 mph. Many owners of 1996 to 2010 model years have also complained about this problem.
The squeaking noise may be because of a worn tie rod end. To make the odd noise go away, the worn tie rod end should be replaced immediately. Although quite a number of Ford Mustang owners complained about this issue, no official recalls have been issued to address this.
Intake Manifold/Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks
Some Ford Mustang owners of the 1994 to 2001 model years also complained about their intake manifold or valve cover gasket leaking oil. According to one user on RepairPal, they observed oil in their coolant. When the vehicle was brought to an expert, they were told that it was because of a cracked engine block or a blown head gasket. Another owner shares that their Mustang’s valve cover gaskets were leaking oil.
It is not unusual for problems with the intake manifold or valve cover gaskets to result in a coolant or oil leak. Leaks from the intake manifold may contaminate the engine oil with coolant. Engine issues may arise if the leak is not resolved immediately.
If you’re in the market for a Ford Mustang, be prepared to embrace the good and the potential bad. As long as you’re aware of the issues that the model year you’re planning to get may develop, buying it should come with little risk. This will also help you avoid costly repairs and stay on top of preventive maintenance to maximize the service life of your car.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
