Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 26% | 3,000 miles |
| 2024 | 8 | 10% | 11,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% | 24,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% | 10,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% | 31,000 miles |
| 2015 | 42 | 10% | 39,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% | 63,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% | 14,000 miles |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 21 | 2% | 61,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% | 63,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% | 36,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% | 114,000 miles |
| 2001 | 15 | 6% | 64,000 miles |
| 2000 | 15 | 4% | 65,000 miles |
| 1999 | 9 | 3% | 80,000 miles |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% | 113,000 miles |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 6 | 2% | 49,000 miles |
| 1995 | 12 | 2% | 174,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V546000 (Exterior Lighting) and 26V418000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several exterior lights randomly illuminated while the vehicle was turned on or off, causing the battery to drain. The parking lights, headlights, and the turn signals were unintendedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V418000 (Visibility) were not yet available. The dealer confirmed that there was water intrusion into the module at the front of the vehicle that had caused an electrical short. …
I purchase the car in December 2025. Lights were working fine then. Recently I noticed an issue on the right taillights. 2 of the 3 lights were working fine, then later in the day 1 of 3 were working. Until finally none on the right side worked. When pressing the car brakes, using the turn signals to enable the taillights to indicate a right turn, unlocking/locking the vehicle, the taillights on the right side do not function. I took a look at the lights up close without removing anything and saw like if there is moisture/water in the taillights. I have read that other vehicles of 2025 same model have had similar issues. I currently have it at my dealer that my Ford app recommended.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V546000(EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed corrosion was present. The failure mileage was 11,000.
I am dealing with ford on two brand new mustangs. That are both failing electrically and they claim they have fixed yet haven't and still exhibiting gross safety concerns. This is simply large scale negligence. Both Mustangs screens have and are randomly blacking out creating massive safety concern when no guages or functions are present. I've contacted them and a. Insider has given me a document showing that they know and have no answers. And for this. Is gross negligence. I demand replacements. Both problems have cause financial damages. And also psychological trauma due to prior car wreck where dash blacked out. This is a known issue And I demand answers.
Right rear turn signals and break lights occasionally fail to work. Turning the car off and on 3-4 times temporarily resolved the issue but eventually this temporary fix failed and I was told the entire rear tail light assembly would need to be replaced. An alternative to this total replacement might be found in Ford Special Service Message 47429 where Ford will reprogram the body control module which supposedly corrects the issue.
Took my car for inspection and rejected for 3rd high mount brake light not working. Car only has 31000 miles. Very costly repair.. No power going to light.Ford made poor quality LED system failed. Researched and found out high number of these light system failed with low milage. I believe osha has a regulation concerning quality of work. A better quality of lightning system needs to developed to anf Ford needs to replace the light system without any cost for customers. Definitely a recall item since it can go out anytime while driving placing the driver and other drivers behing the car.
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. …
Related recalls (3)
Exterior lighting
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mustang, and Mustang GTD vehicles. Water may enter the body control module and cause a loss of communication with the exterior lighting, including the license plate light, side marker, and tail lights.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles. The LED Driver Modules may contain a burnt diode, which can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn signals to fail in the affected headlight.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the LED Driver Modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Back up lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford f-150, 2012 expedition and Lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 11, 2012.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Mustang years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (42), 2005 (21), 2000 (15), 2001 (15) and 1995 (12) model years. Headlight complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Ford Mustang headlight problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 25V-546 (exterior lighting, Aug 22, 2025); 25V-519 (lighting control module, Aug 8, 2025); 12V-190 (back up lights, May 3, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Mustang headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (32 mentions), followed by the brake lights › switch (32).
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.