Last updated: 2026-10-10

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 67/100

Skip the 2021 Ford Mustang. Owners filed far more complaints on it than on any other year, mostly about electrical failures, a dead front camera, and harsh automatic shifts. The 2023 is the year to buy, with very few complaints and a good standing.

Verdict

Avoid
2021 54/100
Buy
2023 72/100
Model average
67/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Mustang Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Mustang average of 67/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202154/100Mixed18373Electrical System (113)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Ford Mustang

Electrical failures lead the 2021 reports. Cars lose power or shut down while driving, often after a battery service warning. The front camera also cuts out, which disables collision warning and adaptive cruise. Owners describe harsh, jerky shifts from the 10R80 automatic as well. This year has 373 complaints and 18 recalls.

18 recalls373 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (113), Power Train (52), Forward Collision Avoidance (47), Unknown Or Other (39), Vehicle Speed Control (17), Service Brakes (14)

View full 2021reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Mustang Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

269 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2018

2021: The car loses power, refuses to start, or shuts down while driving.

POWER TRAIN

165 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2018, 2022

2021: Sudden loss of propulsion is the main complaint.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

101 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2019

2021: This catch-all group mixes several problems.

ENGINE

80 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Coolant leaking into the cylinders dominates these reports, almost all on the 2.3L EcoBoost.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

55 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022

2021: A "Front Camera Fault" or "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" message appears, often after hitting bumps.

STEERING

43 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Most filings here describe failures of the high-voltage battery junction box.

Best Ford Mustang Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Ford Mustang

The 2023 has 14 owner complaints, against 373 for the 2021 and 154 for the 2022, and it has been on the road long enough for that to mean something. Its reports center on steering vibration, not the screen failures and shift problems that dominate the weaker years. Check the steering on a test drive.

Score: 72/100 (Good)6 recalls14 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Ford Mustang has 6 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

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

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ford Mustang Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ford Mustang years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2021. It drew 373 owner complaints and 18 recalls, mostly for electrical failures, front camera faults, and harsh shifts. The 2022 is also rated mixed and is worth a cautious look. The 2023 is the better choice.
Which Ford Mustang years have transmission problems?
The 2021 is the worst, with 52 power train complaints and reports of harsh, jerky shifts and unexpected drops into neutral from the 10R80 automatic. The 2018 and 2019 also list power train among their top complaint areas. Owners elsewhere cite a failed CDF drum.
Is the 2022 Ford Mustang a bad year?
It is a weak year, though not one we flag to avoid. The 2022 has mixed reliability, 154 owner complaints, and 17 recalls. Electrical problems lead, with 54 complaints. It is among the two lowest-rated years, so the 2023 is the safer buy.
Is the 2023 Ford Mustang a good year to buy?
Yes, it is our recommended year. Owners filed only 14 complaints, and its standing is good. The most reported area is steering, with shaking in the wheel and a loose feel at low speeds. Test drive for that before you buy.
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 Ford Mustang instead?
Not because of their ratings alone. Both rate highest, but the 2025 has 8 complaints and the 2026 has none, mostly because they have had little time on the road. The 2023 has a longer track record behind it.

How we score every Ford Mustang model year

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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