Are Mustangs high maintenance?

In short, Mustangs are not inherently high-maintenance compared with many sports cars, but the cost and effort depend on the model year, engine choice, and how you drive and care for the car.

What maintenance means for a Mustang

Maintenance encompasses routine service, wear items, and potential repairs over the life of the car. The Mustang lineup spans economy-friendly EcoBoost engines to high-performance V8s and Shelby variants, so maintenance expectations vary by configuration, driving habits, and climate.

Routine maintenance and upkeep

Below is a checklist of routine tasks you’ll typically perform to keep a Mustang running smoothly and safely.

• Oil and filter changes with the recommended grade and synthetic vs. conventional oil, typically every 5,000–7,500 miles or every 6 months (whichever comes first).


• Air filter and cabin air filter replacement at intervals suggested in the owner’s manual (often 15,000–30,000 miles for the engine air filter).


• Tire rotation and balance to promote even wear and preserve handling, usually every 5,000–7,500 miles.


• Brake inspections at regular service visits, with pads and rotors replaced as wear dictates (often every 20,000–60,000 miles depending on driving and tire type).


• Fluid checks and changes (coolant, transmission fluid for automatics, brake fluid, power steering fluid) per schedule and whenever levels look low or contaminated.


• Spark plug replacement for applicable engines (range typically broad, often around 60,000–100,000 miles depending on engine design).


• Serpentine belt inspection and replacement if worn, with many modern Mustangs using a single belt; replacement intervals commonly around 60,000–100,000 miles based on age and wear.


• Battery health checks and replacement as needed (typical life about 3–5 years, depending on climate and usage).

Regular maintenance is the best defense against surprises, and following Ford’s service schedule is especially important for turbocharged engines and newer electronics that are sensitive to routine care.

Costs and ownership: what to expect

Here is a rough, model-agnostic picture of typical maintenance-related costs you might encounter during ownership, noting that actual prices vary by region, dealer vs. independent shop, and the specific Mustang configuration.

1. Routine service (oil changes, inspections, minor replacements): roughly $100–$300 per visit, with dealer service often at the higher end.


2. Tire replacement (especially for performance tires): typically $600–$1,200 per set, depending on tire type, wheel size, and brand.


3. Brakes (pads and rotors when needed): roughly $200–$500 per axle for pads, $400–$1,000 per axle for rotors if replacement is required.


4. Fluids and minor repairs (coolant, transmission fluid changes where applicable): about $50–$200 per service visit.


5. Scheduled major service and potential component wear (transmission service, turbo-related items for EcoBoost, etc.): could range from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the part and service.


6. Unforeseen repairs and electronics-related issues: highly variable, with costs potentially mounting if sensors, actuators, or electrical modules fail.

Overall, a Mustang is not generally labeled as unusually expensive to maintain compared with many other performance cars. Costs rise in high-performance variants (EcoBoost with turbo components, GT with larger tires and brakes, or Shelby models with specialty parts) and with aggressive driving or track use.

Variant considerations: EcoBoost vs V8 vs Shelby

The maintenance profile shifts by engine and model. Turbocharged EcoBoost engines tend to require closer attention to turbo components, cooling systems, and spark plug intervals, while delivering better fuel economy than V8s. The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 (GT) is robust and long-lived when properly serviced but costs more to fuel and run than the EcoBoost. High-performance variants (such as Shelby models) can incur substantially higher maintenance costs due to specialized parts, higher wear from track use, and more frequent tire replacements.

• EcoBoost 2.3L turbo: solid reliability, but turbo and direct-injection components can demand attentive maintenance and timely spark plug changes.


• 5.0L Coyote V8 (GT): strong, durable engine with maintenance costs similar to other modern V8s; heavier fuel usage and potentially higher insurance costs.


• High-performance variants (GT500, Shelby): greater maintenance and repair costs driven by performance hardware, specialized parts, and track-use wear.

Bottom line: engine choice matters for maintenance dollars, with turbo and high-performance variants typically driving higher ongoing costs.

Tips for keeping maintenance reasonable

Practical steps can help manage Mustang maintenance costs without sacrificing reliability or safety.

• Stick to the factory schedule and use reputable shops with Mustang-specific knowledge to avoid mismatched parts or improper service.


• Shop around for parts and consider quality aftermarket options where appropriate, while staying away from ultra-cheap parts that could reduce reliability.


• Keep thorough service records; a documented history aids resale value and helps you catch issues early.


• Address problems promptly, especially transmission or turbo-related symptoms, to prevent cascading damage.


• Consider a pre-purchase inspection when buying used to forecast future maintenance needs.

With proactive maintenance and sensible part choices, you can keep a Mustang's ownership costs reasonable across many configurations, though high-performance variants will inherently run higher bills over time.

Summary

Mustangs are not inherently a high-maintenance vehicle relative to many performance cars, but costs and effort can climb with engine choice, track use, and aggressive driving. Routine upkeep—oil changes, filters, tires, brakes, fluids—drives the ongoing expense, while performance variants and turbocharged EcoBoost engines add specific maintenance considerations. For potential buyers or current owners, a clear maintenance history, adherence to the official schedule, and prudent parts choices are key to keeping ownership both enjoyable and affordable.

Are Mustangs a reliable car?

Understanding Mustang Reliability
The Ford Mustang is generally considered a reliable vehicle. According to RepairPal, it scores a 3.5 out of 5.0, while J.D. Power gives it an 85 out of 100. These ratings reflect the Mustang's dependable nature, though like any vehicle, it has its quirks.

Can a Ford Mustang be a daily car?

However, the 2024 Mustang goes further, giving you the fuel economy, safety features, and infotainment technology that are necessities for daily drivers and commuters. Come in today and see why you should make the 2024 Ford Mustang your daily ride!

What is the common problem with Mustangs?

Common Ford Mustang problems include transmission issues, suspension component wear (like ball joints and tie rods), and EcoBoost engine problems such as head gasket failures and carbon buildup. Other frequent issues are electrical problems (like with the anti-theft system or wiring), oil leaks from the intake manifold gaskets, and body/paint issues.
 
This video provides a comprehensive guide to common Ford Mustang issues, including those related to the engine, transmission, and suspension: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jan 15, 2024
Engine and drivetrain 

• EcoBoost engine: Prone to head gasket failures, cracked exhaust manifolds, and carbon buildup on intake valves. 
• V8 engine: Some models may have a ticking noise from piston slap, which was deemed normal by Ford, and a few reports of cylinder wall wear. 
• High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP): Can fail on EcoBoost models, leading to poor performance and stalling. 

This video discusses common problems with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, including head gasket issues and carbon buildup: 59sScottish Car ClanYouTube · Oct 4, 2022
Transmission

• Manual: The MT82 gearbox has a reputation for long, sometimes jerky shifts, and premature clutch wear can occur.
• Automatic: Newer 10-speed automatics have been reported to have hesitation and rough shifting. 

Suspension and steering 

• Worn tie rods: A common source of squeaking noises when turning, particularly on older models. 
• Ball joints: Front control arm ball joints are a frequent failure point, especially on models from 2015-2017. 
• Rear wheel bearings: Prone to failure, especially on 2015-2017 models, causing a clicking noise. 

Electrical

• Wiring issues: Problems with the wiring harness, especially in the trunk, can affect the brake light, satellite radio, and reverse camera. 
• Anti-theft system: The theft light can flash, leading to a "no start" condition, often caused by damaged wiring. 
• Speedometer/infotainment: Speedometers and satellite navigation systems are common failure points in earlier models. 
• Interior lights: Problems with puddle lights or ambient lighting are reported in newer models and the Mach-E. 

Other issues

• Oil leaks: Intake manifold and valve cover gaskets are prone to leaking oil. 
• Water leaks: Water ingress can be an issue around the rear window glass and doors. 
• Active exhaust wiring: On some newer models with active exhaust, the wiring can be damaged by a metal plate, causing fuses to blow and the system to stop working. 
• Air conditioning: Issues range from a leaking evaporator in older models to a faulty ambient temperature sensor that can cause the A/C to blow hot air. 

Is a Mustang expensive to maintain?

No, a Ford Mustang is not considered expensive to maintain compared to other sports cars, but its costs are slightly higher than the average vehicle. Maintenance costs are generally low for the first 5 years, but they increase as the car ages. Factors like your driving habits and the specific model year can also impact the overall cost.
 
Factors affecting maintenance costs

• Age of the car: Maintenance costs are typically lower in the first five years, but they tend to increase after that as parts wear out and the likelihood of major repairs grows. 
• Driving habits: A Mustang used as a daily driver or on a track will likely incur more wear and tear than one used only for occasional weekend trips. 
• Model year: Certain model years have higher maintenance costs than others. The 2015 and 2016 Mustang models are sometimes cited as years to avoid due to higher repair probabilities, though specific data can vary by source. 

Cost estimates

• Average annual cost: Approximately $709 per year, which is slightly above the average for all vehicles but significantly cheaper than other sports cars, according to Key West Ford. 
• First 5 years: The average annual maintenance cost for the first five years is about $859.60 for a 2024 GT model. 
• First 10 years: Estimated costs can rise to about $7,000, which is better than the industry average for coupes. 

How to manage maintenance costs

• Get an extended warranty: Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover unexpected repairs, especially as the car ages. 
• Perform regular maintenance: Routine maintenance, like oil changes, is essential to keep the car in good condition and can help prevent more costly problems down the line. 
• Use a qualified mechanic: Choose a qualified mechanic who is familiar with Fords to ensure repairs are done correctly and at a fair price.