Is the Ford Mustang reliable?
Overall, the Ford Mustang is generally considered to be averaging reliability for a sport-oriented car, with noticeable improvements in the latest generations. The exact reliability you’ll experience depends on model year, engine choice, transmission, and how well the car is maintained.
Reliability by generation and powertrain
To understand reliability, it helps to look at the main Mustang powertrains and the evolution of each generation. The two most common engines—an EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbo and a 5.0-liter V8—have different maintenance profiles, and electronics have driven much of the variability in early years. Below is a high-level view of how reliability has trended across the last decade-plus and into the current all-new generation.
- 2015–2017 (early sixth generation): Early models carried a reputation for infotainment glitches (notably MyFord Touch) and some transmission quirks. Mechanical reliability was generally acceptable, but owner reports and reliability rankings placed some years below average for a sporting car. Improvements came with software updates and recalls addressed by Ford.
- 2018–2023 (mid-cycle refresh and ongoing sixth generation): Technology and interior updates helped reduce some of the earlier electronics issues. The V8 (5.0) is noted for strong durability with regular maintenance, while the EcoBoost 2.3L turbo is competent but can require more attentive maintenance due to its turbocharged design. Overall reliability trends improved compared with the earliest years, though some owners still reported periodic niggles typical of performance cars.
- 2024–present (all-new seventh generation, S650): Ford introduced a redesigned chassis and updated electronics. Early reporting from new model launches suggested solid engineering and improved reliability signals, but long-term data is still limited. As with any fresh platform, early owners should watch for software updates and any new service campaigns.
These trends reflect a general pattern: newer Mustangs tend to offer better reliability signals as Ford addresses early-generation issues and refines production, while older model years may require more attention to maintenance history and potential recall work.
What to look for when buying a used Mustang (reliability-focused)
When shopping for a used Mustang, a careful evaluation of maintenance history and current condition can dramatically affect long-term reliability. The following checks help you identify cars that are more likely to be dependable and costly to fix in the near term.
- Check service records and maintenance history: Look for timely oil changes, fluid checks, brake service, and any major repairs. Regular maintenance is a strong predictor of long-term reliability for any performance car.
- Review recall status and perform VIN-based checks: Use Ford’s recall search tools to confirm all safety and reliability recalls have been addressed. Unresolved recalls can lead to ongoing issues.
- Assess the manual transmission (if equipped): If the car has a manual gearbox, test clutch engagement, pedal feel, and any slipping or unusual noises. Worn clutches can be costly to replace and may indicate heavy use.
- Assess the automatic transmission: Watch for smooth shifts, absence of shudder, and no harsh or delayed upshifts or downshifts. Transmission faults can be expensive to fix and are a common reliability concern in some Mustangs.
- Engine and powertrain health: Listen for misfires, rough idle, oil consumption, or coolant leaks. EcoBoost engines can have turbo-related maintenance considerations; V8 engines tend to be robust with regular maintenance.
- Electrical and infotainment checks: Ensure the infotainment system responds quickly, screens display properly, and features (heated seats, navigation, etc.) work as expected. Electrical gremlins are a common source of reliability complaints in older models.
Following these checks can help you avoid a Mustang with nagging reliability issues and identify cars that have a well-documented maintenance history.
Summary
In brief, the Ford Mustang is not a model renowned for exceptional reliability across all years, but it does offer solid reliability in many later versions, especially as Ford refined technology and powertrains. If reliability is your priority, consider a newer-generation Mustang (2020s and especially the all-new 2024–present S650) and look for one with a complete maintenance record and resolved recalls. Regardless of year, staying up to date with service and addressing issues promptly will help maximize dependability. For buyers, a cautious approach that emphasizes maintenance history, proper inspection, and test-driving with attention to transmission and electronics will yield the most reliable result in a Mustang purchase.
