Last updated: 2026-10-10

2019 Ford Mustang
RELIABILITY SCORE: 67/100 (GOOD)

2019 Ford Mustang Reliability Report

The 2019 Ford Mustang rates good for reliability, but coolant leaking into the cylinders of the 2.3L EcoBoost is the main problem owners report.

Recalls

4

Complaints

129

Complaint Rate

17.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$709

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,400–$3,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity55/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity85/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates good and sits mid-pack among Mustang years, with EcoBoost coolant leaks as the main problem and repair costs above the class norm.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ENGINE (30)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)
  • POWER TRAIN (24)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2019 is 1 year after the 2018 update refresh.

  • Year 5 in the Sixth generation (2015) (2015–2023).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 6th generation Mustang (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2015: Sixth generation (2015) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is 1 year after the 2018 update refresh.

Should You Buy the 2019 Ford Mustang?

Reliability is good, though only close to average among 2019 coupes and in the middle of nine scored Mustang years. The 2018 and 2020 models rate about the same, so neither neighbor clearly wins. Federal crash testing gave 5 of 5 stars, but independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $709, against $526 for the class.

The main risk is the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Owners report coolant leaking into the cylinders, with rough cold starts, shaking at idle, misfire codes, and falling coolant. Failures run from 26,000 to 86,000 miles, often just after warranty ends, and dealers have quoted head gasket work or a full engine near $11,000. Electrical complaints include a blank digital instrument panel, power windows that lower on their own, and flickering backup cameras. The 10-speed automatic can shift hard, clunk, or slip.

Ask for records of any coolant loss or head gasket work on an EcoBoost car, and have a dealer check the VIN for open recalls. Test the gauges, windows, and camera.

Compared to the 2020 Ford Mustang, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2018 Ford Mustang for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (14%)

Cons

  • −Above-average repair costs for its class
  • −Moderate recall count
  • −Above-average complaint rate for Coupe

Compare 2019 Ford Mustang With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (30)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

4

recalls on record

A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Ford Mustang. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

17.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 10.1

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

3

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Ford Mustang Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford Mustang. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V3820002022-05-27

POWER TRAIN

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may broadcast an unintended faulted signal to the modules controlling the reverse camera, reverse light, and driver assist features, which may disable all of these functions.

Consequence

A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 15, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S37.

19V0760002019-02-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence

A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings. Driving with an inoperative cluster can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC), free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C03.

25V5720002025-09-04

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 May 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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Ford Mustang? Check its history first

Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Ford Mustang, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 Ford Mustang NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford MustangRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$709

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

14%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Mustang
$709
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Ford Mustang Resale Value

The Ford Mustang is estimated to retain about 76.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Ford Mustang model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.

Value Retained
76.8%

after 5 years

Depreciation
23.2%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
720

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.

Explore Ford Mustang depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

18–25 MPG

Running cost: $3,100–$4,000/yr

Fuel + repair

15–21 city / 24–32 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Mustang 2.3L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)213225$2,400
Mustang 2.3L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd213125$2,400
Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)202823$2,600
Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd202823$2,600
Mustang Performance Package 2.3L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)202823$2,600
Mustang Performance Package 2.3L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd202723$2,600
Mustang 5.0L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162519$3,150
Mustang 5.0L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd152418$3,300
Mustang Bullitt 5.0L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd152418$3,300
Mustang Convertible 5.0L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)152418$3,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Ford Mustang.

  • Check the coolant reservoir cold, drive, and recheck. Falling coolant on the 2.3L EcoBoost suggests coolant intrusion.

  • Start the engine cold and watch for rough idle, misfire, or white exhaust smoke.

  • Ask for records of head gasket or engine replacement, and whether a newer engine block was installed.

  • Drive at highway speed and watch for a passenger door-ajar warning. Then push on the closed door from inside.

  • Run each window down and up and close the doors. Confirm the glass seals fully and stays up.

  • In an automatic, accelerate gently from 15 to 30 mph and feel for hesitation, jolts, or harsh shifts.

  • Shift into reverse several times and watch for a distorted, flickering, or unavailable backup camera image.

  • Check whether a standard lug wrench fits the lug nuts. Swollen nuts will not fit.

2019 Ford Mustang Common Problems by Component

129 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

30
26
24
14
ENGINE (30)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)POWER TRAIN (24)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8)STEERING (5)STRUCTURE (5)WHEELS (5)Other (12)

ENGINE

30 complaints

Coolant leaks into the cylinders of the 2.3L EcoBoost, usually into cylinders 2, 3, or 4. Warning signs include rough cold starts, shaking at idle, misfire codes, and falling coolant. Some cars lose power or stumble at highway speed. Reported failures run from 26,000 to 86,000 miles, often just after warranty ends. Dealers quote head gasket work or a full engine, with estimates near $11,000. Owners call it a known design flaw. Isolated reports include a GT350 that locked up at 450 miles and repeat oil pressure switch failures.

30 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 complaints

The digital instrument panel goes blank, sometimes while driving, and takes the speedometer and tachometer with it for several seconds. Some owners tie this to recall 19V076000, but many dealers cannot reproduce it. Power windows lower on their own, or the short-drop feature fails to raise the glass, and window motors get replaced more than once. Backup camera images flicker, distort, or show as unavailable. Other reports describe the passenger door unlatching at speed, total electrical shutdowns, and driver-assist systems dropping out, which some owners link to campaign 22V382000.

26 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

24 complaints

The 10-speed automatic shifts hard, clunks, slips, or hesitates and then lurches. A few cars stall at a stop or creep forward without throttle. One dealer traced a jolt at 15 to 30 mph to an internal clutch drum leak. Manual-transmission owners describe harsh, imprecise shifts. Many complaints in this category actually describe EcoBoost head gasket and coolant intrusion failures. Others concern campaign 22V382000, with blacked-out gauges, missing gear indicators, and failed cameras. One dealer refused that recall on a supercharged car.

24 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 complaintsSafety-related

These reports are a mixed group. Backup cameras blink, blank out, or work only sometimes. Aluminum shift forks crack, and owners cite a service bulletin that switched to steel parts. Passenger doors open on the highway. Coolant intrusion, swollen lug nuts, and instrument clusters that keep going blank after the recall show up again here. One crash followed a parking brake that released on a parked manual car. Other complaints cover rodents chewing wiring, a radio screen that freezes on long drives, and an unlit shift lever.

14 complaints total1 crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 complaints

Coolant intrusion is the main failure here. Coolant drops between oil changes, white smoke comes from the exhaust at startup, and misfires return after new spark plugs and coils. Dealers then diagnose a damaged head gasket or call for engine replacement. Reported failures range from 54,807 to 130,000 miles. One owner linked the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Separate reports describe lifter or cam phaser ticking with idle drops, and an external coolant pipe leak at 16,600 miles.

8 complaints total
STEERING (5 complaints)

STEERING

5 complaintsSafety-related

Power steering assist cuts out, which makes turning hard. In some cases the wheel jerks the opposite way, and one car left the road. The usual repair is a new steering rack, and one shop could not get the part. Other complaints describe grinding at low speed that grows louder, and stability control, traction control, and ABS warnings that appear and clear on their own. One crash with an injury involved a spin on a curve at about 15,000 miles.

5 complaints total1 crash1 injury
STRUCTURE (5 complaints)

STRUCTURE

5 complaints

The passenger door partly unlatches while driving. A door-ajar chime sounds, and the driver has to pull over to reclose it. Reports put it anywhere from 20 to 40 mph up to 60 to 75 mph, sometimes several times a week, and it gets more frequent over time. Owners say earlier Mustangs were recalled for door latches but this year was not included. One complaint describes a factory gap in the front bumper under the passenger headlight that dealers refuse to fix.

5 complaints total
WHEELS (5 complaints)

WHEELS

5 complaints

The outer shells of the lug nuts swell, so standard wrenches no longer fit and tires cannot be rotated or changed at the roadside. Dealers replace the lug nuts, sometimes all 16, and owners say it is a common Ford problem, even in dry climates. Other complaints describe uneven tire wear from bad alignment that a dealer would not cover because of aftermarket wheels, and tire failures that a dealer diagnosed as slashing.

5 complaints total
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (3 complaints)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 complaints

Front doors unlatch on their own while driving, often after a bump or at 70 to 75 mph. The door opens slightly and a door-ajar warning comes on. Some doors can be pushed open from inside without using the handle. Dealers say the car is not covered by campaign 17V652000. In one case the dealer said a related campaign expired in November 2025. None of these cars were repaired.

3 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Both front seat belts are slow to retract or do not retract at all. One dealer diagnosed a delayed retractor and recommended replacing both belts at about 46,791 miles. The only other report in this category is mostly unrelated. It describes wrong GPS directions, repeated dead batteries, and windows found open after parking, with only a passing mention of seat belt warnings.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 Ford Mustang Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

26,000–88,000 milesEcoBoost coolant intrusion, head gasket

Best & Worst Ford Mustang Years

Best Ford Mustang Years to Buy

Top Pick
72
Good

2023

6Recalls
14Complaints
67
Good

2024

10Recalls
63Complaints
67
Good

2019

(Current Model)

4Recalls
129Complaints

Ford Mustang Years to Avoid

Ford Mustang Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Mustang reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201865/100Good
201967/100Good
202066/100Good
202154/100Mixed
202259/100Mixed
202372/100Good
202467/100Good
202573/100Good
202678/100Good

Ford Mustang Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202678/100+5Good10
202573/100+6Good38
202467/100-5Good1063
202372/100+13Good614
202259/100+5Mixed17154
202154/100-12Mixed18373
202066/100-1Good8101
2019(selected)67/100+2Good4129
201865/100—Good4172

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Ford Mustang reliable?
Yes, its reliability standing is good, but it is close to average among 2019 coupes. It sits in the middle of the nine scored Mustang years. The main weak spot is the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, where coolant can leak into the cylinders. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Mustang?
Engine complaints lead, mostly coolant entering the cylinders of the 2.3L EcoBoost. Electrical problems come next: a blank instrument panel, windows that lower on their own, and flickering backup cameras. Power train complaints follow, mainly a 10-speed automatic that shifts hard, clunks, slips, or hesitates before lurching.
Does the 2019 Ford Mustang have head gasket problems?
On the 2.3L EcoBoost, yes, owners report them. Signs include rough cold starts, shaking at idle, misfire codes, and falling coolant. Reported failures run from 26,000 to 86,000 miles, often just after warranty ends. Dealers have quoted head gasket work or a full engine, with estimates near $11,000.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Mustang have?
Federal recall records show 4 recalls. They cover the power train, the electrical system, and back over prevention, which accounts for two of them. Owners also mention other campaigns in complaints, but those mentions do not confirm what was recalled. Run the VIN with a dealer to see open items.
How much does it cost to repair a 2019 Ford Mustang?
Independent repair-cost data estimates about $709 a year for the Mustang as a whole, compared with $526 for its class. That is higher than typical. An engine failure is far costlier, since dealers have quoted near $11,000 for EcoBoost head gasket work or a full engine.

Don’t buy a 2019 Ford Mustang without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2019 Ford Mustang

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Ford Mustang does best on how many systems draw complaints (85/100) and worst on complaint severity (55/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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