Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster remained blank. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle several times however, the instrument cluster remained blank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at his own expense. The manufacturer advised the dealer and informed the contact that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V076000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 19,500.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster remained blank. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Instrument Panel Cluster assembly (IPC) needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V076000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V076000 (Electrical System) however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Purchased a used 2018 Ford Mustang 3 weeks ago, just now able to get it registered, and the entire electronic instrument panel cluster (e.g., speedometer, warning lights, etc.) all went fuzzy for a few minutes and then totally failed; now just stays totally dark and unreadable. This is an optional all digital instrument panel cluster with programmable color that was a $2,200 option when new. I read online in car forums reports of many others having the same exact issue with the optional 2018 Mustang digital instrument cluster failing and going dark some within weeks of the car being new, and there was a recall on this instrument panel going dark for the 2019 model year. I saw an online post where a driver is driving for 6 months without the speedometer or warning lights functioning because of the repair cost being more than $2000. …
Touch screen system has completely stopped turning on (and wont turn on) any time the outside temperature drops below about 70 degrees fahrenheit. Per online research this is a common, known issue and given that this prevents the use of key saftey features such as the backup camera and climate controls I am unsure why this has not yet initiated a safety recall. I have dealt with this for the past 3 winters and can confirm it is 100% in relation to outside temperature. There is no warning lamp/message. The screen will simply not turn on in below 70 degree temperatures. A component to the touch screen must be shielded improperly/not graded for outdoor use.
Battery terminals on this and other ford models corrode to the point of breaking electrical connection possibly disabling vehicle. Ford does not want to fix issue and says whole wiring harness requires replacement to repair. Battery is often replaced and terminal cleaned but it comes back. They try to put off repairs long enough to get it out of warranty. F150 ford pickups have same issue. Corrosion advances so far as to break battery cable clamp. It is generally the positive clamp. Problem is so common that aftermarket manufacturers have issued redesigned replacements.
When driving at a normal rate of speed, but goes over a pothole or other large divit, the Passenger door becomes "AJAR" and the warning light indicates as such. Additionally, the power window on the driver side (even with the power off) goes up and down on its own (just less than an inch). It will remain with this action, unless I lower the window slightly. Then the motorized window stays as is. Finally, the back windows do not raise all the way up with the power button. You have to exit the vehicle and manually "pull" the window up into the full closed position.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the message "Front Passenger Door Ajar" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and opened and closed the door. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The message was displayed three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Ford Mustang, 16% of the model year's 196 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Mustang electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-814 (software, Dec 18, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Mustang electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system 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.