Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that before making a left turn the contact switched on the left turn light signal; however, upon making the left turn the contact noticed that the left turn signal on the instrument panel was flashing twice as fast as normal. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle. The contact became aware that the taillights were inoperable; however, after restarting the vehicle, the taillights became operable. The following day the contact drove to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was made aware of SSM: 10144218 and linked it to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
The issue is the Brake Light switch stop pad on the brake pedal which is a rubber type of plug. At 70,000 miles the brake light switch stop pad cracked and fell into floor board (see pictures). When that happened, the RPMs dropped to idle speed and the car slowed down. After a few seconds, the car would pick up speed again only to repeat the event over and over again. I understand that when the brake light switch stop pad is missing and the plunger on the switch is fully out, the car thinks that you are applying the brakes. I was lucky, I was on a two lane road with no traffic, but I was headed to an inter-state with heavy traffic. Ford (nor does anyone else) does not sell just the rubber plug which fits on the brake pedal, but it will sell the complete brake pedal assembly. …
A plastic clip ("Brake Pedal Bumper") broke and fell out of place, causing the brake pedal to no longer reach the brake light switch. The brake lights now remain illuminated permanently, even with the brakes released. This also caused the engine and transmission to go into "limp mode", the engine no longer revving over 2,000 RPM, the transmission not shifting, and hill-start assist and traction control no longer working, making the car unsafe to drive. The brake lights will remain on even when the car is completely shut off and locked, draining and damaging the battery. It is my understanding that this is a known issue, and there was a recall for this in certain states. (Safety Recall 22S02, Regional Recall 22R01). …
Third tail light and rear tail lights remained illuminated after the car was turned off. Driver discovered the brake light switch (rubber/plastic piece) had crumbled into the floor board preventing the tail lights from turning off, thus, becoming a hazard to other motorists on the road as the tail lights remained illuminated even while driving. While the vehicle was being driven, the driver could not accelerate to the appropriate speeds as the car was "thinking" the brakes were being applied and could only approximately drive at 40-50 MPH. The vehicle has been inspected and the above information was confirmed as the issue. No other warnings/messages occurred prior to the piece breaking.
While driving and pressing on accelerator pedal car slows down without pressing the gas as if the car is about to turn off. This is a very dangerous hazard as I am in the middle of a highway which can cause an accident if it does turn ofd. I noticed that the brake lights are on 24 hours a day whether the vehicle is off or on , this could be the issue, something is either jammed in the engine system or the brakes sensors are messed up and are not telling the rest of the car that the car is on and moving. There is no messages that are telling me inside the mustang that something is wrong with my car . I have had my car 6 years and this is the first time I see this happening.
The brake light switch function was inhibited due to the plastic retainer mounted on the pedal assembly. The plastic retainer had become brittle and caused it to come apart in pieces. The retainer acts a point of contact for the brake light switch plunger which signals to the ECM when the driver is applying or not applying the brakes. Symptoms of failure are constant illumination of rear brake lights with vehicle on or off. Disables cruise control. Also most importantly it limits throttle control by reducing throttle range spraticly. No driver warnings or lights are displayed or illuminated on the IPC. Problem has been verified and reproduced by independent service center.
While on vacation (my car was at home) a piece in my brakes broke and caused my break lights to be on constantly. When I tried starting my car the battery was dead. The break likes being on like they were ended up causing my battery to corrode by time I got home from the continuous energy drain. I was able to jumpstart my car but when I went to put my car in drive the vehicle would not accelerate over pretty much idling. When I got my car towed to the dealership (Gary Yeoman's) they told me the break bumper disintegrated and caused my break lights to be on and a vehicle acceleration override to be engaged.
There is a break pedal pad that is broken. It doesn't allow the car to accelerate correctly and car goes in limp mode. All break lights are illuminated when car is turned off. There is a recall for this, but I purchased my car in CA. I think the car was originally a Nevada car. Am I still eligible for the recall even if I didn't get the notification and my state of purchase was not mentioned?
The brake pedal stop bumper in my car disintegrated in the middle of the day and fell off. The brake lights do not turn off anymore and the vehicle can be started and shifted without needing to press the brake. I found a recall # 22S02 for this exact issue but my vehicle is not covered by it (assuming due to region). The vehicle has not been inspected yet.
I'm on highway going 70mph and all the sudden my car slows down drastically to about 35mph and won't accelerate any higher. I almost caused an accident. After I got home I also noticed my brake lights would not go off, even after the car was off for a bit. I had to undo the battery.
Headlight complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2015 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the lights of the 2015 Ford Mustang, 10% of the model year's 438 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights › switch (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Ford Mustang headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2015 Ford Mustang, though it has 11 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 2015 Ford Mustang headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
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.