Last updated: 2026-03-04
Ford Mustang Reliability by Year
The Ford Mustang averages 65/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Ford Mustang Reliability Overview
The Ford Mustang, spanning from 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 69/100, with models from 2021 showing a notably lower score of 55/100 due to increased complaints about electrical and powertrain issues. Data indicates common problems across these years include electrical system failures, particularly with infotainment and instrument clusters, and powertrain concerns, especially in models from 2018 to 2022. Owners report repair costs averaging $709 annually, higher than the midsize car average, suggesting potential buyers should consider both the vehicle's performance appeal and its maintenance demands.
Current generation: 7th gen (2024–2023).
Best & Worst Ford Mustang Years
Best Ford Mustang Years to Buy
The best Ford Mustang year is 2025 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (72/100) and 2024 (67/100).
Ford Mustang Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Mustang year is 2021 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to electrical system (113) issues.
See full Ford Mustang years-to-avoid analysis →Ford Mustang Reliability Score Trend
Ford Mustang reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 65/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ford Mustang
1 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang.
2025 Ford Mustang
3 recalls · 8 complaints
The 2025 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Mustang. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Electrical System (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
2024 Ford Mustang
10 recalls · 63 complaints
The 2024 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 63 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (26), Unknown Or Other (6), Air Bags (5).
2023 Ford Mustang
6 recalls · 14 complaints
The 2023 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (5), Electrical System (4), Service Brakes (2).
2022 Ford Mustang
17 recalls · 154 complaints
The 2022 Ford Mustang has mixed reliability. There are 17 recalls and 154 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (54), Power Train (27), Unknown Or Other (14).
2021 Ford Mustang
18 recalls · 373 complaints
The 2021 Ford Mustang has mixed reliability. There are 18 recalls and 373 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (113), Power Train (52), Forward Collision Avoidance (47).
2020 Ford Mustang
8 recalls · 101 complaints
The 2020 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 101 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (19), Power Train (17), Unknown Or Other (13).
2019 Ford Mustang
4 recalls · 129 complaints
The 2019 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 129 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (30), Electrical System (26), Power Train (24).
2018 Ford Mustang
4 recalls · 172 complaints
The 2018 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 172 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (41), Engine (38), Electrical System (27).
Ford Mustang Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$709
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
14%
$183 above the midsize cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #20 of 24 among midsize cars.
Ford Mustang Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Ford Models
Compare all Ford models by reliability
Compare Ford Mustang With Similar Coupes
The Ford Mustang competes with other midsize coupes such as Chevrolet Corvette, Tesla Model 3, and Honda Accord.
Chevrolet Corvette reliability
8 years tracked · 276 complaints
Tesla Model 3 reliability
9 years tracked · 3948 complaints
Honda Accord reliability
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Toyota Camry reliability
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Nissan Altima reliability
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ford Mustang reliable?
- The Ford Mustang has good reliability with an average score of 65/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Ford Mustang?
- The best year for the Ford Mustang is 2025 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. It has 3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Ford Mustang analysis →
- What are the Ford Mustang years to avoid?
- The Ford Mustang years to avoid include 2021 (54/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Mustang?
- The Ford Mustang has an estimated annual repair cost of $709, which is $183 above the midsize cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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