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2018 Ford Mustang problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Ford Mustang has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 196owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 1fire report
- 16%fail the UK MOT
196 complaints, against an average of 191 for the other 14 Ford Mustang model years.
Every Ford Mustang model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2018 Ford Mustang? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2018 Ford Mustang?
The components named most often in the 196 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Ford Mustang owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 196 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 Ford Mustang idle rough, misfire or hesitate?27 owners · 13.8%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Ford Mustang?20 owners · 10.2%
- Has the 2018 Ford Mustang had engine failures?19 owners · 9.7%
- Why does my 2018 Ford Mustang stall, lose power or shut off while driving?17 owners · 8.7%
- Why does my 2018 Ford Mustang overheat?16 owners · 8.2%
- Has the 2018 Ford Mustang had transmission failures?8 owners · 4.1% · Recall 18V213000
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2018 Ford Mustang?8 owners · 4.1% · Recall 25V572000
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2018 Ford Mustang engine?6 owners · 3.1%
Fault codes 2018 Ford Mustang owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2018 Ford Mustang been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Turbo/Supercharger Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain aftermarket supercharger kits, part number R1318-6006P1-AA, sold for installation on 2018 Ford Mustangs. The hose barb fittings on the supercharger kits may be manufactured incorrectly, possibly causing damage to the fuel lines and resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Roush will notify the known owners and replace the defective fuel rail subassemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874. Roush's number for this recall is REMay2018.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Risk: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
Electrical System: Software Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.
Is the 2018 Ford Mustang recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAMvl: rear-view camera distorted and/or loss of image
Risk: Affected vehicles may have an issue with the rear-view camera. Drivers may experience a distorted or loss of image.
Fix: Check vehicle and replace camera as required.
UK DVSA25S92 Mustang - Potential Seat Belt Anchor Pretensioner Issue
Risk: Affected vehicles may experience corrosion that can weaken or detach the seatbelt anchor pretensioner cables for both front seats. A corroded pretensioner cable may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash.
Fix: Replacement parts are not yet available. If corrosion is detected dealers will provide the affected customer with a rental car until replacement seat belt pretensioner parts are available to be installed.
UK DVSAMustang Brake Fluid Level Indicator Update
Risk: The software repair for a previous recall may not have been properly delivered to the vehicle. The underlying noncompliance specified in the recall still exists and customers will not receive a warning if there is a reduction in brake fluid below the recommended level in the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir.
Fix: Update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software and / or replace it if necessary.
UK DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSAFaulted signal sent by the powertrain control module
Risk: Various driver assist systems may stop functioning under certain conditions due to a faulted signal sent by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Fix: Reprogram the PCM to the latest available level.
UK DVSABattery wiring harness in engine compartment may have been incorrectly installed
Risk: The battery wiring harness in the engine compartment may have been incorrectly installed
Fix: Reposition and secure harness.If found to be damaged a new harness is to be installed.
EU Safety GateCorrosion of the front seatbelt pretensioner cable may cause it to weaken or break, reducing seatbelt effectiveness and increasing the…Corrosion of the front seatbelt pretensioner cable may cause it to weaken or break, reducing seatbelt effectiveness and increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe battery wiring harness in the engine compartment may have been incorrectly installed, potentially causing the battery cable to contact…The battery wiring harness in the engine compartment may have been incorrectly installed, potentially causing the battery cable to contact the exhaust manifold. Contact could result in non start, smoke from the engine compartment and may lead to fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 26/10/2018
How often does the 2018 Ford Mustang fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Ford Mustang owners report?
12 of the 196 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The engine has a head gasket defect that leaked coolant into the engine causing misfires and requires a very expensive repair for a defect that came with the engine when it was made. Two Ford dealerships have inspected and confirmed the issue. The car threw codes six months ago and we immediately stopped driving it and had the dealership inspect the problem. We have not fixed it yet as the repair is estimated at 6,000. Parts and labor. It is available for inspection. This seems to be a very common issue with this vehicle. We replaced the fuel rail, spark plugs, and have had an independent…
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine failed due to coolant leaking into the combustion chambers. The dealer found coolant present in cylinders 1 and 4, the cylinder 4 piston washed, and vertical scoring on the cylinder 4 wall. The dealer's recommendation is complete engine replacement. Yes, the engine is available for inspection. The vehicle is currently at the Ford dealership and the engine has not yet been replaced. Coolant entering the cylinders causes misfiring and loss of engine power. The vehicle shook on startup and ran roughly, and the misfire was intermittent and unpredictable. A sudden loss of…
Check engine light came on Sunday night. Monday had AutoZone check the codes - indicated misfire on two cylinders recommended spark plug replacement - Spark plugs purchased with intent to change Tuesday evening- Tuesday morning -Engine overheated on the way to class added more coolant - got the vehicle home and towed to local Ford Dealership the next day to learn that the coolant was leaking into the engine due to head gasket failure. Ford said the engine needed to be replaced.
The electrical components in the vehicle stopped functioning - for the lights on the interior the overhead stopped working on and off and then dimmed until one day never came back on. At the same time the sensor for cross traffic alert became buggy and then not functional which made all my safety features and cruise control not work. Now I have a TPMS sensor and check engine light with nothing serious wrong
I own a 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle initially developed a check-engine light and was diagnosed with P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire), P0316 (startup misfire), and P018C (fuel pressure sensor circuit low). On August 24, 2026, all four spark plugs and one ignition coil were replaced, and a fuel/induction cleaning service was performed. The P018C repair was declined at that time. On September 10, 2026, the vehicle started with an extremely rough idle and produced a very large cloud of white, sweet-smelling exhaust smoke. The check-engine light came on…
Was driving my vehicle roughly 10-15mph after a stop, noticed vehicle wasn’t shifting into the gears properly as it was only in 2nd gear and the RPMs kept climbing, when it finally shifted into 3rd gear my transmission proceeded to lockup cause my rear tires to skid and stop in the middle of traffic and in the middle of an intersection disrupting the flow of traffic. Vehicle displayed a wrench light on the dash saying “see manual” as related to a Powertrain issue. Vehicle is in limp mode and barely drives, any shifting after 1st gear will cause the vehicle to lockup and lose all power for…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine sputtered with the check engine warning light illuminated. There was heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. Upon arriving at the destination, the vehicle hesitated to restart, and the contact observed a significant loss of coolant. The vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. Upon inspection, the dealer confirmed coolant intrusion in cylinders #2 and #3, resulting in total engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not under…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the camera was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Touch screen system has completely stopped turning on (and wont turn on) any time the outside temperature drops below about 70 degrees fahrenheit. Per online research this is a common, known issue and given that this prevents the use of key saftey features such as the backup camera and climate controls I am unsure why this has not yet initiated a safety recall. I have dealt with this for the past 3 winters and can confirm it is 100% in relation to outside temperature. There is no warning lamp/message. The screen will simply not turn on in below 70 degree temperatures. A component to the touch…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the message "Front Passenger Door Ajar" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and opened and closed the door. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The message was displayed three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Over the past year, we've had this car into the Ford of Clermont Florida dealer 5 times about a leak. Whenever we have a storm, the back footwell fills with water. Their leak specialist has said he has found the source of the issue multiple times and after each "repair", we still have a leak. They've replaced the rubber around both side windows and they've asked us to have the front windshield replaced. Even with all of this work, we still have a leak. In the longer term, this could compromise the structural integrity of the car. I don't know what else to do beyond bringing the car back again…
Passenger door unlatches and opens on its own at highway speed.
2018 Ford Mustang: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Ford Mustang reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 196 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Mustang; the most common categories were engine (59, 30.1%), power train (46, 23.5%), electrical system (31, 15.8%). There are 4 safety recalls. 8 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Mustang?
Across 196 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (30.1% of complaints), power train (23.5% of complaints), electrical system (15.8% of complaints), structure (7.7% of complaints), back over prevention (6.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Ford Mustang; the most recent (campaign 25V572000, 2025-09-04) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Ford Mustang idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
27 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (13.8%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "The engine has a head gasket defect that leaked coolant into the engine causing misfires and requires a very expensive repair for a defect that came with the engine when it was made. Two Ford dealerships have inspected and confirmed the issue." (NHTSA complaint 11772491, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Ford Mustang?
20 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (10.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check engine light came on Sunday night. Monday had AutoZone check the codes - indicated misfire on two cylinders recommended spark plug replacement - Spark plugs purchased with intent to change Tuesday evening- Tuesday morning -Engine overheated on the way…" (NHTSA complaint 11768592, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2018 Ford Mustang had engine failures?
19 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (9.7%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "2018 WITH 118,000 MILES. Had to get a full block engine replacement due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This was diagnosed and replaced at a Ford dealership." (NHTSA complaint 11757459, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Ford Mustang stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
17 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (8.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While completing a turn at a T-intersection, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power for several seconds, leaving the car stationary in the path of oncoming traffic." (NHTSA complaint 11732274, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Ford Mustang overheat?
16 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (8.2%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Check engine light came on Sunday night. Monday had AutoZone check the codes - indicated misfire on two cylinders recommended spark plug replacement - Spark plugs purchased with intent to change Tuesday evening- Tuesday morning -Engine overheated on the way…" (NHTSA complaint 11768592, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2018 Ford Mustang had transmission failures?
8 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (4.1%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 18V213000 (power train: automatic transmission). The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. One owner wrote: "10 speed Ecoboost transmission, doesn't stay in gear and delayed shifts causing acceleration problems. Hard shifts, jerking, and hard lunge forward when shifted into Drive. The forward lunge is unstoppable even with the brake fully engaged." (NHTSA complaint 11438326, October 2021). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2018 Ford Mustang?
8 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (4.1%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. A related recall exists: campaign 25V572000 (back over prevention: sensing system: camera). The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The trunk wiring which powers the tail lights, brake and parking lights, turn signals, trunk light, and the back up camera is too short, and it stretches and breaks when the trunk is opened and closed. Ford is aware of the issue, but is unwilling to fix it." (NHTSA complaint 11741698, June 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2018 Ford Mustang engine?
6 of the 196 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang (3.1%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "So at cold start when driving withing 1800-2600 i get this rattle piston slap on the bottom of the engine. i checked fluids not low on engine oil. once engine gets hot itll stop. however it does increase if i accelerate." (NHTSA complaint 11318191, March 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Mustang
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for MUSTANG and MUSTANG GT350R. How these reports are made.