Most common 2018 Ford Mustang problems
Share of the 196 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Mustang complaints by model year
Best Mustang years: 2023, 2025, 2021. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2015, 1995, 2005. Compare all years →
2018 Ford Mustang recalls (3)
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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.
Electrical system › Software
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…
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.
What 2018 Ford Mustang owners say
Engine & cooling all 65 →
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the air conditioning system failed to function as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle chugged and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage for the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested to purchase a new vehicle. The contact declined due to the sentimental value of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 69,900.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the purge valve was replaced due to a cylinder #3 misfire; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic, where the fuel pressure sensor was replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the fuel injector needed to be replaced due to a cylinder #2 misfire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 46 →
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that his son parked the vehicle and set the parking brake and exited the vehicle; however, the rolled away and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that after the failure, he researched online and found a recall for rollaway failures however, the vehicle was not manufactured in the date range of the recalled vehicles. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V213000 (Power Train) as the possible cause of the failure. The contact spoke with the local dealer and was made aware that the manufacturer was very rigid when it came to vehicles that were not included in a recall even if the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The contact was also informed that the manufacturer would not help if the VIN was not included in the recall. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle jerked abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was provided with the cost of a diagnostic test fee. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with valve body failure. The contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 21-2115. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was also informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 10R80; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. …
Electrical system all 31 →
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the infotainment screen displayed a black screen. The touchscreen icons failed to function as intended. The contact was unable to use the radio, and the A/C buttons failed to function. The radio would not turn on or would take approximately ten minutes for the radio to function. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while parked, he attempted to access the trunk of the vehicle, and upon depressing the trunk release, he heard clicking, but the trunk failed to open. Upon investigation, the contact noticed that the trunk appeared stuck or jammed, with no external damages observed. A month prior to the trunk malfunction, the contact noticed unspecified video feed issues with the rearview camera. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer, who diagnosed a malfunctioning body wiring harness in the trunk and related the malfunction to the rearview camera failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 81,000.
2018 Ford Mustang engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 21 / 32 / 25 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 25 / 18 |
| 5.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Ford Mustang a good car?
Based on 196 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Mustang rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mustang at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford Mustang?
The engine & cooling — 65 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (46) and electrical system (31).
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Mustang have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2018 Ford Mustang, the most recent from September 3, 2025 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Mustang?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2025 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011, 2015, 1995 and 2005. See the full Ford Mustang years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Mustang problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 29,000 miles; 71% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.