Is the Ford Mustang Reliable?
1967–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sportss — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Ford Mustang? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Ford Mustang Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 6 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2025 | 3 | 18 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2024 | 8 | 87 | — | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2023 | 1 | 16 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2022 | 1 | 40 | 4 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2021 | 0 | 32 | 3 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2020 | 1 | 93 | 5 | — | 47 | Fair |
| 2019 | 2 | 96 | — | — | 48 | Fair |
| 2018 | 2 | 110 | 4 | — | 44 | Fair |
| 2017 | 2 | 170 | 2 | — | 33 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Mustang Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Mustang scores 27 points below the average sports. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Ford Mustang Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 668 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Mustang reliable?+
The Ford Mustang scores 47/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 24 recall campaigns and 668 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Mustang is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Mustang achieved the highest reliability score of 57/100 with 4 recalls and 6 complaints.
How many miles does a Mustang last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Ford Mustang owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Mustang will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Ford Mustang Research
Check a Specific Ford Mustang VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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