Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2023 Ford Mustang Reliability Report

The 2023 Ford Mustang has a good reliability standing, but steering vibration and sudden power loss are the problems to check before buying.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

2.6per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$709

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,400–$3,500

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity73/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates better than both 2022 and 2024 and is among the stronger Mustang years, though steering shaking and sudden power loss lead its complaints.

Top Issues to Watch

STEERING (5)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (2015).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
5 years after the last refresh (2018).
6th generation Mustang (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2015: Sixth generation (2015) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: This Model Year

2023 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (2015).

Should You Buy the 2023 Ford Mustang?

Good is the standing here, and it is close to average against other 2023 coupes. Among the nine scored Mustang model years, this one is among the stronger. It also rates better than the 2022, which is mixed, and the 2024, which is good but rates worse. Owners filed 14 complaints, 2.6 per 10,000 sold. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $709, above $526 for the class.

Steering draws the most complaints. Owners describe shaking in the wheel and a loose, darty feel at about 27 to 37 mph, which a dealer reproduced once. One crash report has the wheel turning right without warning into a curb. Electrical complaints are worse: the engine loses power, hesitates when merging, or stalls in traffic, and in another pattern the gas pedal stops responding before the car surges forward. Both brake complaints describe sudden failure, and both involve crashes. Some owners say repair parts were unavailable.

Federal recall records list six recalls, covering steering, electrical system, back over prevention, and power train. Ask the seller for proof that each was completed.

Compared to the 2024 Ford Mustang, which scored 5 points lower. See also the 2022 Ford Mustang for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (14%)
+Complaint rate in line with Coupe segment average (early data)

Cons

−Above-average repair costs for its class
−Above-average recall count
−STEERING: Shaking and vibration in the wheel while driving are the most common reports (5 complaints)

Compare 2023 Ford Mustang With

2023 Chevrolet Camaro

Reliability: 81/100

Excellent

2023 Toyota Supra

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2023 Chevrolet Corvette

Reliability: 73/100

Good

2023 Tesla Model 3

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2023 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 79/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

STEERING (5)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2023 Ford Mustang has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

2.6

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 2.6

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2023 Ford Mustang Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Ford Mustang. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V0960002025-02-14

STEERING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-493. The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver's intentions.

Consequence

A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the power steering control module (PSCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S11.

25V6890002025-10-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mustang vehicles repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V727. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 17, 2025.

25V4420002025-06-27

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Ford Mustang? Check its history first

Steering problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Mustang, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2023 Ford Mustang NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

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 (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford MustangRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

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 2023 model year.

Value Retained: 76.8%
Depreciation: 23.2%
Listings Analyzed: 720

Listings observed in June 2026. 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

17–25 MPG

Running cost: $3,100–$4,200/yr

Fuel + repair

14–22 city / 22–32 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 2023 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Mustang 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	22	32	25	$2,400
Mustang 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	21	31	24	$2,500
Mustang 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	21	29	24	$2,500
Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	20	28	23	$2,600
Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	20	28	23	$2,600
Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	20	27	23	$2,600
Mustang HO Coupe 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	20	27	23	$2,600
Mustang HO Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	19	26	22	$2,700
Mustang HO Coupe 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	20	27	22	$2,700
Mustang HO Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	19	25	21	$2,850
Mustang 5.0L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	15	24	19	$3,150
Mustang 5.0L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	15	24	18	$3,300
Mustang Convertible 5.0L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	15	23	18	$3,300
Mustang Mach 1 5.0L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	15	23	18	$3,300
Mustang Mach 1 5.0L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	14	22	17	$3,500

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Ford Mustang.

Run the VIN through a federal recall lookup and confirm campaigns 24V493000 and 23V727000 show as completed.
Ask for dealer repair orders proving recall work was done, not just scheduled while waiting on parts.
Drive steadily between 27 and 37 mph and feel for loose, darty, or wandering steering.
Hold the wheel lightly on a straight road and watch for shaking or a sudden pull to one side.
Accelerate hard onto a highway and note any hesitation, power loss, or stalling.
From a stop, press the throttle and confirm the engine revs right away without a delayed surge.
Press the brake pedal firmly with the engine running and reject the car if it sinks toward the floor.
Check service history for repeated visits for fuel injector, fuel line, or false collision warning complaints.

2023 Ford Mustang Common Problems by Component

14 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

STEERING (5)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)SERVICE BRAKES (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)POWER TRAIN (1)ENGINE (1)

STEERING

5 complaintsSafety-related

Shaking and vibration in the wheel while driving are the most common reports. At about 27 to 37 mph, the car can also feel loose and darty, and a dealer reproduced that instability in one case. One crash report describes the wheel turning right without warning and hitting a curb. Several reports involve recall 24V493000. The repair part is not available, and dealers offer little help while owners wait. One shaking complaint came in at about 3,000 miles, and another owner describes the car as brand new.

5 complaints total1 crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaintsSafety-related

The engine loses power without warning. The car hesitates, will not accelerate to merge at highway speed, and can stall in traffic. Diagnoses point to a failed fuel injector or fuel line. In another pattern, the gas pedal stops responding, and then the car surges forward and fishtails. Half of the 4 complaints involve crashes. One crash ties brake failure at about 20 mph to recall 23V727000, which went unrepaired because the part was unavailable. One owner reports 6 dealer visits.

4 complaints total2 crashes

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

The brakes fail suddenly, and both complaints in this category involve crashes. In one, the collision avoidance warning comes on with nothing nearby, the brake pedal sinks to the floor, and the driver loses control at about 45 mph and hits a wall barrier. The cause was not determined, and the manufacturer offered no assistance. The other crash is blamed on faulty brakes covered by recall 23V727.

2 complaints total2 crashes

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2024-05-06

Ongoing issues with rough idle. Threw a couple generic lean codes (p0171 and p0174) that did not stay. Stored code p061a:00-28. On my third dealer. Vehicle randomly shut off at stop sign with no codes thrown whatsoever. Tech believes the issue is the throttlebody. Ford Corp says it passes their tests and will not warranty the replacement. Ford Corp Basically said I have to wait till total part failure. Shutting off in traffic is obviously dangerous.

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2025-10-21

While driving up hill in low gear, the vehicle suddenly will jerk, a service light will come on, and a powertrain warning will occur. When this happens, it warns that the pre-collision assist is unavailable, as well as the exhaust mode selection. Once this occurs, the vehicle becomes much more difficult to drive as the rev match no longer occurs, the vehicle no longer increases revs as you start releasing the clutch, and when in gear it becomes more jerky as you are driving along. I don't have the experience but I suspect it is essentially in a low power mode with minimal computer aid. After being able to pull off and turn the car off for a number of minutes (not off and on as that does not resolve it), the vehicle returns to normal. This has happened twice now while driving on the same section of roadway in almost the exact same spot. I previously called the dealer after the first time and they told me if it happens again to bring it in. They did not seem interested in looking at it. I will be hopefully doing that tomorrow. I am not sure if it is related, but the vehicle did seem like it was running rich earlier in the day (a slight smell of gas when driving by).

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2023-12-12

The last two times I have went to start my vehicle it acts as if it is not in the park position. The brake is stiff and wont budge. I have to wiggle the shifter as much as it will let me fpr a couple minutes before it lets loose to start.

Best & Worst Ford Mustang Years

Best Ford Mustang Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2023

(Current Model)

6Recalls

14Complaints

Good

Ford Mustang Reliability Score Trend

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

Ford Mustang reliability scores by year
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
2026	78/100	Good

Ford Mustang Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	78/100	+5	Good	1	0
2025	73/100	+6	Good	3	8
2024	67/100	-5	Good	10	63
2023(selected)	72/100	+13	Good	6	14
2022	59/100	+5	Mixed	17	154
2021	54/100	-12	Mixed	18	373
2020	66/100	-1	Good	8	101
2019	67/100	+2	Good	4	129
2018	65/100	—	Good	4	172

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Ford Mustang reliable?

Yes, it has a good reliability standing. It is close to average against other 2023 coupes and among the stronger of the Mustang's nine scored model years. Owners filed 14 complaints, and five involve crashes, so steering, electrical, and brake problems still deserve a close look before you buy.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Mustang?

Steering is the most common, with five complaints of shaking and vibration in the wheel and a loose, darty feel at low speeds. Electrical complaints come next, mainly sudden power loss and an unresponsive gas pedal. Two complaints describe brakes failing suddenly, and both involve crashes.

Does the 2023 Ford Mustang have engine power loss problems?

Some owners report it. The engine loses power without warning, hesitates when merging at highway speed, and can stall in traffic. Diagnoses point to a failed fuel injector or fuel line. In a separate pattern, the gas pedal stops responding and the car surges forward. One owner reports six dealer visits.

How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Mustang have?

Federal recall records list six recalls. They cover steering (two), electrical system (two), back over prevention, and power train. Ask the seller for proof that each repair was done. Some owners report waiting on unavailable parts, so confirm the work was finished before you buy.

How does the 2023 Ford Mustang compare with the 2022 and 2024?

It rates better than both. The 2022 has mixed reliability, with 154 complaints and 17 recalls. The 2024 is also good but rates worse than the 2023, with 63 complaints and 10 recalls. The 2023 has 14 complaints, though newer years have had less time to collect them.

Don’t buy a 2023 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 2023 Ford Mustang

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Ford Mustang does best on how many systems draw complaints (80/100) and worst on recall impact (65/100). 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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