Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that twice while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk as the vehicle independently downshifted without warning. After each failure, the contact was unable to accelerate above 35 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the battery and other engine parts were replaced; however, three days later, the failure recurred. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V190000 (Power Train, Exterior Lighting). The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where she was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the RPM was elevated. The vehicle then shifted into LIMP Mode and drove erratically. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the fuel gauge was indicating that the fuel tank was empty however, but there was fuel in the tank. The contact stated that the speedometer showed the vehicle at 0 MPH while the RPM was elevated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
My 2013 Ford Mustang had some problems with down shifting, and my daughter took it several times to the dealer, they said it is probably the throttle body, so I replaced it, and thought that everything was fine. So on September last year my daughter was in an accident due to the car downshifting to first gear, the tires locked up and she swirled to some freeway wire retainers. Thankfully she was OK, So thinking that the throttle body went bad again I replaced it, and last week, I almost got rear ended because the same thing happened to me. The car shifted abruptly to first gear, locking the tires and rear swaying side to side.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The transmission warning light, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) and the lead frame control module were defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
I have a 2013 ford mustang with 6R80 transmission as my wife was driving down the high way the suddenly shift down to 1 or second at 65 miles per hour and the car skidded out of control almost killing her and the people in the other lain I checked on recalls for this problem and I am getting conflicting answer. It says that some mustang have been recalled for the TCM and most all 6R80 transmission in the f150 and a couple other Ford vehicals that support the same transmission. My question is why would my 2013 ford mustang not be in the recall when clearly when I resurch it there is many issues out there with this car and TCM. …
This an update to November 13, 2021 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11440318 The problem continued and I could not risk an accident so I brought it to my Ford dealer who was able to replicate the problem and diagnosed it as failed sensors in the "Molded Lead frame". The work was performed(copies attached) and there has been no recurrence of the problem. The same problem that was in the recall for 2011-2012 Mustangs! "Randomly while driving there is the engine revs up but car does not go any faster, no response from the throttle, no power. It slams down into lower gear, at one time the rear wheels screeched. My wife was driving this time, we were in traffic and was almost rear ended. She will no longer drive the car. Sometimes the wrench light would come on when it was slamming into a different gear then go away after shutting the engine off. I had someone check for codes but none were found... more..."
Randomly while driving there is the engine revs up but car does not go any faster, no reponse from the throttle, no pwower. It slams down into lower gear, at one time the rear wheels screeched. My wife was driving this time, we were in traffic and was almost rear ended. She will no longer drive the car. Sometimes the wrench light would come on when it was slamming into a different gear then go away after shutting the engine off. I had someone check for codes but none were found. On 1 occasion I took a video on my phone while driving at asready throttle and the speedometer was all over the place, up at 40 down to 20 up then down to 0. I had the spark plugs, pcv, evap purge valve, throttle body replaced and it is not fixed. the car has 49K miles. We have owned this car since new. It happens more often now but I cannot replicate it on demand.
The 2013 Mustang (with 67,071 miles) transmission (6R80) downshifted to 1st gear at highway speeds exactly like the F-150 recall and would also shift out of gear. It could have been catastrophic, but was able to keep control of the vehicle. Was able to get the car home and only drove it to the dealership after this incident. The dash showed the airbag light, no mileage and the wrench similar to the F 150 issue, which pictures are available. Teh vehicle would also sporadically act as if it was in neutral. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership and the transmission diagnosis showed codes P0722, P0731. The repair was extremely expensive and should be recalled similar to the F-150 faulty transmission. For reference: https://www.motorsafety.org/ford-recalls-more-than-one-million-f-150-trucks-for-transmission-issues/
Vehicle suddenly downshifted on it's own from highway speed and set several malfunction indicator lamps, nearly caused a highway speed collision. Checked codes afterwards and P1500 Vehicle Speed Sensor malfunction code was present, this is a known issue with this type and make of vehicle but this vehicle has somehow been omitted from a safety recall.
Unexpected downshift to first while driving between 40 mph to 65 mph can lead to complete loss of cruise control, accompanied by a wrench symbol and an error code. Additionally, the speedometer fails to display a reading and may abruptly drop to first gear without any prior warning. signaling low fuel levels
Transmission complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Ford Mustang, 18% of the model year's 271 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Mustang transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2013 Ford Mustang, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Mustang transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 34% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.