Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Ford Mustang Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Ford Mustang scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 129 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is 1 year after the 2018 update refresh.
Recalls
4
Complaints
129
Complaint Rate
17.8
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$709
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
14%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
4 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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.
Sixth generation (2015)
Should You Buy the 2019 Ford Mustang?
The 2019 Ford Mustang scores 67/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 1 year after the 2018 update refresh.
Its complaint rate (17.8 per 10k sold) is above the Coupe segment average of 10.1. The most common reports involve engine (30).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (30). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
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
2019 Chevrolet Corvette
Score: 63/100
2019 Tesla Model 3
Score: 49/100
2019 Honda Accord
Score: 70/100
2019 Toyota Camry
Score: 70/100
2019 Nissan Altima
Score: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ENGINE (30)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)
- POWER TRAIN (24)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8)
- STEERING (5)
- STRUCTURE (5)
- WHEELS (5)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (3)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- SEATS (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2019 Ford Mustang has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
17.8
per 10k soldSegment avg: 10.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
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.
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.
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.
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.
2019 Ford Mustang NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.3%
Safety Technologies
Ford Mustang Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Ford Mustang
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for coolant leaks around the engine and check for white smoke from the exhaust
- Test the transmission for hard shifting or unexpected jerking
- Check the digital instrument cluster for blanking out while driving
- Ensure the backup camera functions properly
- Verify that doors latch securely and do not open unexpectedly
- Inspect for signs of odometer tampering or discrepancies
Check Any 2019 Ford Mustang's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Mustang in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford Mustang with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Ford Mustang Common Problems by Component
129 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
30 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 Ford Mustang's engine, particularly related to coolant leaks and head gasket failures. Complaints often describe symptoms such as check engine lights, rough idling, loss of power, and visible coolant leaks, with occurrences typically noted between 26,000 and 86,000 miles. Many reports specifically point to coolant intrusion into cylinders, leading to potential engine damage and costly repairs or replacements. Safety implications are noted, with some owners expressing concern over the risk of engine stalling or failure while driving, although no crashes or fires are explicitly reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated repair costs, especially as some problems arise shortly after warranty expiration.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
26 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Ford Mustang frequently experiences issues with the digital instrument cluster going blank while driving, causing a temporary loss of speedometer and other essential display functions. This symptom is often described as occurring both at startup and while the vehicle is in motion, with some owners noting it resolves spontaneously after a short period. Complaints also highlight problems with the power windows, particularly the passenger side, where windows lower uncommanded and fail to stay closed, even after attempted repairs. Additionally, backup camera malfunctions are noted, with some owners experiencing distorted images or complete inoperability. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, from under 10,000 to over 45,000 miles, and while no crashes or injuries are mentioned, the potential for distraction or compromised visibility could be a concern for prospective buyers.
POWER TRAIN
24 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with the vehicle's power train, particularly concerning the 10-speed automatic transmission. Common symptoms include hard shifting, transmission slipping, and unexpected jerking or lurching during acceleration or deceleration. These issues typically become apparent around 35,000 to 85,000 miles, with some owners noting problems as early as 17,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with several reports of the vehicle unexpectedly moving forward, posing risks in traffic or at intersections. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially if considering a high-mileage model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Mustang report various issues, with common problems including doors unexpectedly opening while driving, backup camera malfunctions, and engine overheating with coolant leaks. Complaints frequently mention symptoms like the passenger door opening on the interstate, backup cameras intermittently failing, and engines emitting excessive steam or smoke due to coolant entering the cylinders. These issues are reported at various mileages, with one complaint involving a crash due to a parking brake disengaging, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of odometer discrepancies and the potential for soy-based wiring attracting rodents, leading to costly repairs.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
8 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Mustang frequently report issues related to engine and engine cooling, with a notable pattern of coolant intrusion leading to engine damage. Common symptoms described include white smoke from the exhaust, coolant leaks, and illuminated check engine lights, often accompanied by engine misfires. These issues are typically observed at mileages ranging from approximately 16,600 to 130,000 miles. Some owners also report a ticking sound and RPM drops linked to lifter failures inside the cam phaser. While no crashes or fires are mentioned, the recurring need for engine replacement and persistent drivability problems may concern potential buyers.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Mustang report issues with the steering system, particularly involving power steering failure. Complaints frequently mention the power steering going out, making turning difficult and, in some cases, causing the steering wheel to jerk unexpectedly. One owner reports a crash with minor injuries due to losing control while navigating a curve, suggesting potential safety risks. Another common symptom includes a grinding noise during low-speed maneuvers. These issues appear at various mileages, with one report indicating a failure at approximately 15,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering-related problems, as they can lead to loss of vehicle control.
STRUCTURE (5 complaints)
STRUCTURE
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with doors unexpectedly unlatching while driving. Complaints consistently describe passenger doors partially unlatching and triggering a "door ajar" warning on the dashboard, often requiring the driver to stop and resecure the door. This issue appears to occur at various speeds, with some reports specifying highway speeds between 60mph and 75mph, and others noting occurrences at 20 to 40 mph. Additionally, one complaint highlights a factory defect involving a noticeable gap in the passenger side front bumper under the headlight, which dealerships reportedly attribute to customer damage. The door unlatching poses potential safety risks due to the distraction and uncertainty it causes while driving.
WHEELS (5 complaints)
WHEELS
5 complaintsOwners report issues with swollen lug nuts on the 2019 Ford Mustang, making them difficult to remove and potentially hindering tire changes, which poses a safety risk in roadside situations. Complaints frequently mention that dealers replace these swollen lug nuts, with occurrences noted around 54,136 miles. Additionally, one owner describes premature tire wear due to incorrect alignment, which was initially disputed by a dealership due to aftermarket parts but later corrected at another dealership. Another complaint details tire failures, including a blowout and implosion, attributed to external damage like nails and slashing. These issues highlight potential maintenance and safety concerns for prospective buyers, particularly related to the vehicle's wheels and tires.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (3 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with door latches, particularly the passenger side, becoming unlatched while driving. Symptoms include doors slightly opening at high speeds and warning lights indicating a door is ajar. These issues are often described as occurring after driving over bumps or potholes. Complaints mention failure mileages ranging from approximately 35,000 to 144,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the potential for doors to open while driving poses a safety concern. This information is particularly relevant for used car buyers considering models with similar mileage.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Mustang report issues with the brake system, particularly a loss of brake responsiveness and automatic emergency braking (AEB) failure. One complaint describes a situation where regular brake pressure failed to stop the vehicle, requiring the driver to apply both feet to the brakes after a warning message appeared. Another owner reports the AEB system does not activate, with dealers unable to diagnose the issue due to the absence of error codes and lack of on-road testing capabilities. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, such as difficulty stopping the vehicle, though no crashes or loss of control have been specifically mentioned. No specific mileage range is indicated, but prospective buyers should be aware of these reported brake system concerns.
When Do 2019 Ford Mustang Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Ford Mustang Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Ford Mustang reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Mustang?
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Mustang have?
Is the 2019 Ford Mustang expensive to maintain?
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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