Used Ford Mustang 2015-present reliability
Category: Coupé
The Mustang's sonorous 5.0-litre V8 engine, classic style and affordable used prices are easily endearing.
What should I look for in a used Ford Mustang coupe?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
This is a huge car with a long bonnet and low-slung driving position, so seeing the corners of the car properly can be difficult. Rear visibility is limited so it’s worth checking the bodywork carefully for scuffs and dents, and the alloy wheels for any damage caused by kerbs moving out to connect with them unexpectedly.
Check all the electrical equipment on board works as it should, including the sat-nav, infotainment and seats. Most reported problems centre around non-engine electrics failing, which is why it’s always advisable to check these carefully before buying. Some owners have had minor issues with poor paintwork, too.
What are the most common problems with a used Ford Mustang coupe?
Battery cables: There have been two recalls relating to battery cables. The first is for early examples made between 1 January and 23 February 2015 regarding the cables being too close to the potentially very hot exhaust manifold, which could result in a fire. The second is for Mustangs that were manufactured between 23 May 2017 and 20 June 2018 and also relates to the routing of the wiring. In both instances, check with a Ford dealer to make sure your car has had any remedial work carried out.
Brake system warning light: A number of mustangs from 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were subjected to a recall, because the some vehicles have a brake system warning lamp in the instrument cluster and it might not illuminate if the brake fluid is depleted from the brake fluid reservoir. A total of 2456 cars were involved.
Click here for more information. Contact your local Ford dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Ford Mustang coupe reliable?
The Mustang didn’t feature in our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey most recent reliability survey, but Ford, as a car brand, finished in 17th place out of 32 manufacturers. Its overall reliability score of 91.4% is decent and places it above Audi and Mercedes, but below BMW and Lexus.
Based on this alone, the Ford Mustang is more reliable than the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63, but not as reliable as the BMW M4 and Lexus RC F.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
