Is a 2013 Ford Mustang a reliable car?
Yes—overall, a 2013 Ford Mustang can be a reliable used car when properly maintained. It generally sits in the average reliability range for a sports coupe, though condition and maintenance history matter a lot for this particular model year.
To understand reliability for a 2013 Mustang, it helps to note that this year marked a mid-cycle refresh in the S197 generation, with updates to interior materials, technology, and the two main engines—the V6 and the V8 GT. The car remains popular for its engaging driving experience, but as with any older performance car, you’ll want to scrutinize maintenance records, previous ownership, and any recalls or service campaigns that may apply.
Reliability context and what to watch for
Used-car reliability can vary widely based on how the car was driven and cared for. For the 2013 Mustang, mainstream outlets and owner surveys typically place it in the middle of the pack among sports coupes. That means it can be very dependable if you choose a well-documented example and budget for routine upkeep, while neglect or high-mileage examples may exhibit more wear-related issues.
Common reliability concerns
Before you consider buying, it helps to know which areas tend to draw the most attention from owners and independent inspectors. The following lists summarize the kinds of issues that have appeared with some 2013 Mustangs, though they do not affect every car.
Powertrain and mechanical concerns
- Suspension wear and alignment issues, especially on higher-mileage cars or those driven aggressively.
- Transmission and clutch wear for manual cars, and occasional automatic-tuning concerns in older automatic units.
- Engine-related gremlins are not widespread, but some cars show oil leaks or seal wear with age, and higher-mileage V8 models can exhibit more pronounced maintenance needs.
- Brake rotor warp and pad wear can be more noticeable due to performance-oriented brakes and tires on many GTs.
These items are typical of a 10‑plus year-old performance car and are highly influenced by how the car was used and maintained. A thorough pre-purchase inspection can help identify any of these issues before you buy.
Electrical and interior systems
- MyFord Touch and related infotainment reliability, especially in earlier examples of this refresh, with occasional freezes or lag.
- Electrical gremlins such as flaky sensors or intermittent warnings, which can stem from aging wiring or faulty modules.
- Interior wear on seats and trim, particularly in cars that see track days or rough use; plastics can show cracking or waviness over time.
Electrical and interior systems tend to improve with careful maintenance history and, if needed, software updates or component replacements by a knowledgeable shop.
Maintenance costs and ownership experience
Ownership costs for a 2013 Mustang skew higher than a typical economy sedan, largely due to performance parts, tires, and potential fuel costs. The V8 GT delivers strong performance at the expense of fuel economy, while the V6 is comparatively more economical but still thirsty versus non-performance cars. Insurance can be higher for a sports car, and tires/rotors can wear faster with spirited driving.
Owners commonly report that routine maintenance—oil changes, brake service, tire replacement, and periodic inspections—keeps the car reliable when performed on schedule. Parts are widely available, and a robust aftermarket ecosystem makes everything from basic repairs to performance upgrades accessible. A pre-purchase inspection and a maintenance history review are especially valuable for a 2013 Mustang, given its age and potential for wear on performance components.
Safety, recalls, and what to verify before purchase
Safety features and recalls can influence long‑term reliability and ownership satisfaction. Check the vehicle’s recall history for any open campaigns, and verify that maintenance campaigns (including software updates for the MyFord Touch system) have been completed. A VIN-based recall check and a review of service records with a trusted shop are essential steps when evaluating a used 2013 Mustang.
Additionally, verify the condition of the drivetrain and supporting systems. A compression test (for the V8), inspection of the transmission or clutch (for manual cars), and a thorough look at the suspension and steering components can reveal wear that might require attention soon after purchase.
Bottom line and practical guidance for buyers
For buyers seeking an engaging, affordable used performance car, the 2013 Ford Mustang can be a solid choice when you opt for a well-documented example with solid maintenance records. Expect average reliability overall, with some model-year quirks related to infotainment electronics and wear items on aging performance hardware. A careful pre-purchase inspection and a realistic maintenance budget are the best safeguards against surprises.
Summary
The 2013 Mustang delivers the classic pony-car experience with reasonable reliability for its age. It performs best when you buy a car with complete maintenance history, have it thoroughly inspected, and budget for routine upkeep and potential wear on performance components. As with any older performance vehicle, the key to reliability is proactive maintenance, informed buying decisions, and timely attention to any wear or electrical issues that arise.
How long do 2013 Mustangs last?
Typically, a well-cared-for Mustang can reach or exceed 100,000 to 200,000 miles. Some owners have reported their vehicles lasting over 300,000 miles. The longevity of a Mustang depends on consistent servicing, including oil changes and tire rotations, and prompt repairs of any mechanical issues.
Is a 2013 Mustang expensive to maintain?
The Ford Mustang Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 20th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $709 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Mustang.
Is the Mustang 2013 reliable?
Reliability. The 2013 Ford Mustang has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #23 out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
What Mustang years to stay away from?
Years to avoid for the Ford Mustang include the 2015-2017 and 2019-2020 models, which have been associated with issues like transmission problems, electrical glitches, and warning light malfunctions. Older models to avoid include the 2005-2010 and 1999-2001 model years for various engine and design-related problems, as well as the entire Mustang II generation (1974-1978) due to poor performance.
This video explains the issues with the 2015-2023 Ford Mustang S550 and provides a buyer's guide: 59sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jan 15, 2024
Model years to avoid
- 2015-2017: Debut year of the sixth generation had numerous complaints, particularly for transmission, body panel, and electrical issues. The 2016 model year is noted for potential engine oil loss and air conditioning problems.
- 2019-2020: Reported issues with cabin warning lights, including blind spot and forward collision warnings.
- 2011-2012: Some 2011 models had issues after receiving the new "Coyote" 5.0L V8, and the 2012 model year saw further engine problems with the 3.7L V6.
- 2005-2010: A long-running generation that has been cited for reliability issues.
- 1999-2001: The 1999 facelift brought new issues, and the 2001 model also faced reliability concerns.
- 1974-1978 (Mustang II): This entire generation is often considered one of the least reliable due to its poor performance and styling compared to other Mustang eras.
General transmission issues
- 2011-2019: These years are frequently cited for problems with the MT82/MT82-D4 manual transmission, which can experience harsh shifting and other issues.
Other notable years
- 1994-1995: These model years are on some "worst of" lists for specific problems.
- 1996: The 1996 GT is sometimes criticized for a "dull" driving experience due to its new "mod" motor.
