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2018 Ford Mustang: problems, recalls and fuel economy

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on NHTSA and EPA records. Published by Humblebee.

The 2018 Ford Mustang has 196 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, fewer than any Mustang year from 2010 to 2017[1][2]. Engine noise, transmission behavior and the digital gauge cluster come up in owner reports, and three recalls apply, so check any car by VIN before you buy[3][4][5][6][7][8].

196owner complaints[1]
3recalls[2]
16–25MPG combined (EPA)[9]
5★NHTSA overall rating[10]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 196 complaints for the 2018 Mustang[1]. Of those, 8 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 5 an injury, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[3] 65 23,000
Power train[4] 46 10,000
Electrical system[5] 31 33,000
Unknown or other[11] 23 not listed
Structure[12] 15 45,087
Back over prevention[13] 12 65,000
Latches/locks/linkages[14] 12 50,000
Fuel/propulsion system[15] 8 not listed

Engine. This is the largest group, with 65 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury[3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe ticking, knocking or rattling sounds from the engine, often at idle or at low engine speeds[3]. A few describe a technician finding internal engine damage, or the engine failing suddenly on the road, and some say the engine shut off while driving[3].

Power train. There are 46 complaints here, and they show up early, with a median of 10,000 miles[4]. This group also has 4 crash reports, more than any other group[4][3][5][11][12][13][14][15]. Owners in our sample describe automatic transmissions that slam into gear, hesitate or will not engage when moving into Drive or Reverse[4]. Others with manual cars describe a missed shift into third, a clutch pedal that stays down, or being stuck in gear[4]. A couple say the dealer could not find anything wrong[4].

Electrical system. There are 31 complaints, with a median of 33,000 miles[5]. Owners in our sample describe the digital instrument cluster going dark, freezing or not lighting up, which leaves them without a speed reading[5]. A couple describe the center touchscreen lagging or going black[5].

Structure. This group is smaller, with 15 complaints[12]. Still, in the sample we read, owners describe the passenger or driver door unlatching by itself while driving, often at highway speed[12]. A couple also describe water getting inside the car[12]. If you test drive one, open and close both doors and watch for a door ajar warning.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls that cover the 2018 Mustang[2][6][7][8]. Some cover only certain cars, so run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see if a specific car is included and if the work was done.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine, body and gearbox. The 2.3L turbo 4-cylinder is the thriftiest, and the Shelby GT350 uses the most fuel and needs premium[9][16].

Version City / Hwy / Combined mpg Est. annual fuel cost
Mustang 2.3L, Automatic (S10)[17] 21 / 32 / 25 $2,700
Mustang 2.3L, Manual 6-spd[9] 21 / 31 / 25 $2,700
Mustang Performance Package 2.3L, Automatic (S10)[18] 20 / 29 / 23 $2,900
Mustang Performance Package 2.3L, Manual 6-spd[19] 20 / 28 / 23 $2,900
Mustang Convertible 2.3L, Automatic (S10)[20] 20 / 29 / 23 $2,900
Mustang Convertible 2.3L, Manual 6-spd[21] 20 / 28 / 23 $2,900
Mustang 5.0L, Automatic (S10)[22] 16 / 25 / 19 $3,550
Mustang 5.0L, Manual 6-spd[23] 15 / 25 / 18 $3,700
Mustang Convertible 5.0L, Automatic (S10)[24] 15 / 24 / 18 $3,700
Shelby GT350 5.2L, Manual 6-spd[16] 14 / 21 / 16 $5,150

All versions are rear-wheel drive, and all but the Shelby GT350 run on regular fuel[9][16]. The annual cost figures use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2 DR RWD version 5 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal crash, side crash and rollover[10]. Its rollover risk is 9.3%[10]. The version NHTSA lists as C RWD has a 5-star rollover rating, with a rollover risk of 8.1%[25].

Engine and size

EPA test car data lists three engines for 2018[26][27][28].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications, so US cars can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
EcoBoost coupe[29] 188 in 76 in 54 in 107 in 3,543 lb
EcoBoost convertible[30] 188 in 76 in 55 in 107 in 3,706 lb
GT coupe[31] 188 in 76 in 54 in 107 in 3,706 lb
GT convertible[32] 188 in 76 in 55 in 107 in 3,891 lb
GT350/350R coupe[33] 190 in 76 in 54 in 107 in 3,805 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

1995: 616 complaints, 5 recalls19951996: 286 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 214 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 305 complaints, 4 recalls1999: 272 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 395 complaints, 4 recalls2001: 249 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 166 complaints, 0 recalls2003: 231 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 130 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 868 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 575 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 615 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 347 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 181 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 261 complaints, 5 recalls2011: 466 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 469 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 271 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 359 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 438 complaints, 11 recalls20152016: 379 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 268 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 196 complaints, 3 recalls19620182019: 150 complaints, 6 recalls20192020: 120 complaints, 8 recalls2021: 55 complaints, 6 recalls2022: 50 complaints, 9 recalls2023: 15 complaints, 6 recalls20232024: 84 complaints, 12 recalls2025: 19 complaints, 6 recalls2026: 8 complaints, 5 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Mustang model year. The 2018 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19956165
19962863
19972142
19983054
19992724
20003954
20012491
20021660
20032311
20041301
20058685
20065755
20076155
20083475
20091815
20102615
20114664
20124696
20132715
20143593
201543811
20163795
20172686
20181963
20191506
20201208
2021556
2022509
2023156
20248412
2025196
202685

With 196 complaints, the 2018 Mustang has fewer than every model year from 2010 to 2017, which range from 261 to 469[2]. It is not the lowest overall. The 2002, 2004 and 2009 models have fewer, at 166, 130 and 181[2]. Every year from 2019 to 2026 also has fewer, between 8 and 150, but newer cars have had less time on the road to collect complaints[2].

On recalls, 2018 has 3[2]. That ties 2014 for the fewest of any year from 2014 through 2026, where the others range from 5 to 12[2].

These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2018 Mustang?

The 2018 Mustang has fewer complaints than any Mustang from 2010 to 2017, and NHTSA gives the 2 DR RWD version 5 stars overall[2][10]. The engine and power train groups still lead the complaint list, with 65 and 46 reports[3][4]. On a test drive, listen for engine ticking or knocking, check that shifts into Drive and Reverse are smooth, and make sure the digital gauges and both door latches behave. Run the VIN for all three recalls, including the 2025 rear camera recall, and ask for proof the work was done[6][7][8]. If you want lower fuel bills, the 2.3L cars are rated up to 25 mpg combined[9][17].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2018 Ford Mustang?
The engine group has the most NHTSA complaints at 65, followed by the power train at 46 and the electrical system at 31[3][4][5]. In the complaints we read, owners describe engine ticking or knocking, rough or delayed gear engagement, and a digital gauge cluster that goes dark[3][4][5].
How many recalls does the 2018 Mustang have?
Three: 25V572 for the rear camera, 18V213 for a possibly missing transmission roll pin and 17V814 for instrument cluster software[6][7][8]. Each fix is done by a dealer at no cost[6][7][8].
What gas mileage does a 2018 Mustang get?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 mpg for the standard Mustang with the 2.3L 4-cylinder to 16 mpg for the Shelby GT350[9][17][16]. The standard Mustang with the 5.0L 8-cylinder is rated 18 to 19 mpg combined[23][22].
Is the 2018 Mustang reliable compared with other years?
By NHTSA complaint counts, 2018 has 196, fewer than any year from 2010 to 2017[2]. Several older and newer years have fewer, and the counts are not adjusted for sales[2].
How safe is the 2018 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA rates the 2 DR RWD version 5 stars overall, frontal, side and rollover[10].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 196 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Mustang model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 65 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 46 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 31 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. Recall 25V572, filed September 3, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V213, filed April 4, 2018: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 17V814, filed December 18, 2017: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for Mustang, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 23 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 15 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,087). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 12 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 12 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 8 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Shelby GT350 Mustang, 5.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Mustang, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 32 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Mustang Performance Package, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Mustang Performance Package, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Mustang Convertible, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Mustang Convertible, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Mustang, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Mustang, 5.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 25 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Mustang Convertible, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Mustang with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 310 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Mustang with 5.0L 8-cylinder: rated 460 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Mustang with 5.2L 8-cylinder: rated 526 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG ECOBOOST 2DR COUPE: length 188 in, width 76 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,543 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG ECOBOOST 2DR CONVERTIBLE: length 188 in, width 76 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,706 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG GT 2DR COUPE: length 188 in, width 76 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,706 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG GT 2DR CONVERTIBLE: length 188 in, width 76 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,891 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG GT350/350R 2DR COUPE: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,805 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.