Ford Mustang 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Ford Mustang 2018 and 194 complaints filed by owners. It has 34% more complaints than the average Ford Mustang from 2016–2025 (145 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Ford Mustang 2018

Backup camera and sensors
NHTSA campaign 25V572000 · 2025-09-04

What happens

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 June 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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 25V572000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 18V213000 · 2018-04-04

What happens

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.

Consequence

Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V213000

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 17V814000 · 2017-12-18

What happens

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence

Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V814000

There is also 1 recall on aftermarket replacement parts (headlights, pedals, etc.) that only apply if the car has that part installed.

Complaints from other owners

194 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

8 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 5 injuries

Most reported problems on the Ford Mustang 2018

• Engine: 57 (29% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 45 (23% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 31 (16% of complaints)
• Structure and body: 15 (8% of complaints)
• Backup camera and sensors: 12 (6% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Ford Mustang 2018

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Ford Mustang recalls by year

• 2016 : 5 recalls · 378 complaints
• 2017 : 6 recalls · 266 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 194 complaints
• 2019 : 6 recalls · 149 complaints
• 2020 : 8 recalls · 120 complaints
• 2021 : 6 recalls · 55 complaints
• 2022 : 9 recalls · 50 complaints
• 2023 : 6 recalls · 139 complaints
• 2024 : 12 recalls · 82 complaints
• 2025 : 6 recalls · 18 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Ford Mustang 2018 have?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Ford Mustang 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Ford Mustang 2018?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (57 of 194 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.