2018 Ford Mustang recalls and problems

The 2018 Ford Mustang has 3 safety recalls and 197 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
197
Crashes / fires
8 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Ford Mustang recalls

Recall 25V-572: Back Over Prevention

Reported Sep 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

Recall 18V-213: Power Train

Reported Apr 4, 2018 · 142 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.

Recall 17V-814: Electrical System

Reported Dec 18, 2017 · 2,100 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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 "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.

2018 Ford Mustang problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine60
Power Train46
Electrical System32
Unknown or Other23
Structure15
Back Over Prevention13
Latches/Locks/Linkages12
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Engine and Engine Cooling8
Service Brakes6
Forward Collision Avoidance6
Steering4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 10
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 5
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,890 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Ford Mustang complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 20, 2026
The engine has a head gasket defect that leaked coolant into the engine causing misfires and requires a very expensive repair for a defect that came with the engine when it was made. Two Ford dealerships have inspected and confirmed the issue. The car threw codes six months ago and we immediately stopped driving it and had the dealership inspect the problem. We have not fixed it yet as the repair is estimated at 6,000. Parts and labor. It is available for inspection. This seems to be a very common issue with this vehicle. We replaced the fuel rail, spark plugs, and have had an independent…
Engine · reported Oct 13, 2026
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine failed due to coolant leaking into the combustion chambers. The dealer found coolant present in cylinders 1 and 4, the cylinder 4 piston washed, and vertical scoring on the cylinder 4 wall. The dealer's recommendation is complete engine replacement. Yes, the engine is available for inspection. The vehicle is currently at the Ford dealership and the engine has not yet been replaced. Coolant entering the cylinders causes misfiring and loss of engine power. The vehicle shook on startup and ran roughly, and the misfire was intermittent and unpredictable. A sudden loss of…
Engine · reported Oct 2, 2026
Check engine light came on Sunday night. Monday had AutoZone check the codes - indicated misfire on two cylinders recommended spark plug replacement - Spark plugs purchased with intent to change Tuesday evening- Tuesday morning -Engine overheated on the way to class added more coolant - got the vehicle home and towed to local Ford Dealership the next day to learn that the coolant was leaking into the engine due to head gasket failure. Ford said the engine needed to be replaced.
Electrical System · reported Sep 24, 2026
The electrical components in the vehicle stopped functioning - for the lights on the interior the overhead stopped working on and off and then dimmed until one day never came back on. At the same time the sensor for cross traffic alert became buggy and then not functional which made all my safety features and cruise control not work. Now I have a TPMS sensor and check engine light with nothing serious wrong
Unknown or Other · reported Sep 21, 2026
While driving at highway speeds passenger door spontaneously opened. Passenger was not touching or near latch. Has happened 3 times. Ford states no recall. Looking online seems to be a known issue.

Other Ford Mustang years

Compare all Ford Mustang years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Ford Mustang have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Ford Mustang: 25V-572 (back over prevention), 18V-213 (power train), 17V-814 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford Mustang?

Owners report engine problems most often (60 reports), followed by power train (46). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,890 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.