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2020 Ford Mustang problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 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.
- 8safety recalls
- 120owner complaints
- 13crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
120 complaints, against an average of 197 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 2020 Ford Mustang? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2020 Ford Mustang?
The components named most often in the 120 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Ford Mustang owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 120 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ford Mustang?12 owners · 10%
- Why does my 2020 Ford Mustang idle rough, misfire or hesitate?10 owners · 8.3%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2020 Ford Mustang?9 owners · 7.5% · Recall 25V695000
- Why does my 2020 Ford Mustang stall, lose power or shut off while driving?8 owners · 6.7%
- Has the 2020 Ford Mustang had engine failures?8 owners · 6.7%
- Why does my 2020 Ford Mustang transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?6 owners · 5%
- Why does my 2020 Ford Mustang overheat?5 owners · 4.2%
- Has the 2020 Ford Mustang had transmission failures?5 owners · 4.2% · Recall 22V382000
- Why does my 2020 Ford Mustang smell of burning or smoke?4 owners · 3.3%
Fault codes 2020 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 2020 Ford Mustang been recalled?
8 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 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an 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. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Back Over Prevention: Software Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Electrical System: Body Control Module/Bcm Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may broadcast an unintended faulted signal to the modules controlling the reverse camera, reverse light, and driver assist features, which may disable all of these functions.
Risk: A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 15, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S37.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Pedals And Linkages Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The brake pedal bracket may fracture during sudden stopping.
Risk: A broken brake pedal could affect braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal bracket assembly, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S52.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Camera Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Mustang vehicles equipped a forward-looking camera. The camera may be misaligned to the vehicle and features that are dependent on the camera such as Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Driver Alert, and Auto High Beam Control may not function as intended.
Risk: If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not operating effectively, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will perform the Lane Departure Warning System camera alignment procedure, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S26.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.
Is the 2020 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 DVSA25C83 Mustang - Powertrain Control Module Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 20C06 may not have been delivered properly and the underlying condition may still exist. The condition may cause the Gear Shift Indication to recommend gear changes at intervals that do not meet the specification.
Fix: Update the Powertrain Control Module software and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly.
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 DVSAFrozen Rearview Camera Screen
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a potential software issue causing the rear-view camera not to function as intended.
Fix: Update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software to the latest level.
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 DVSASome Mustang vehicles have a brake system warning lamp in the vehicle s instrument cluster which may not illuminate if the brake fluid is…Some Mustang vehicles have a brake system warning lamp in the vehicle s instrument cluster which may not illuminate if the brake fluid is depleted from the brake fluid reservoir.
Risk: Some Mustang vehicles have a brake system warning lamp in the vehicle's instrument cluster which may not illuminate if the brake fluid is depleted from the brake fluid reservoir.
Fix: Software update
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.
EU Safety GateThe wrong software for the power steering control module (PSCM) may have been installed.The steering wheel can perform autonomous movements when the driver attempts to steer, as the electric power steering (EPAS) provides unintended steering assistance. Unintended steering assistance may lead to loss of control over the vehicle while driving and thus to an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
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 brake-pedal support bracket may not be sufficiently robust and could break in the event of very hard emergency braking.This may lead to a loss of braking performance, increasing the risk of an accident.
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: Unknown
How often does the 2020 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 2020, 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 2020 Ford Mustang owners report?
12 of the 120 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.
Ford has several technical service bulletins on their 10 speed transmission. I have 28,000 miles on my vehicle and need a new transmission. My service manager says that the earlier 10 speeds have issues with some components that are not strong enough, and that current transmissions have been strengthened. He recommended a new transmission rather than a rebuild, because not all of the weaker parts would be replaced with a rebuild. Ford should at least have to pay part of the cost of a new transmission, since their product appears to be defective. Don't have an invoice yet. Transmission on…
Vehicle has 396 miles on the odometer. While preparing to back up, with the engine idling , the engine shut off without warning and I had no control of the steering and would not restart when I attempted to do so. This could have put anyone behind me at sever risk or maybe caused an accident should I have been on the highway. The car was towed to my Ford Dealer (Varsity Ford, Ann Arbor, MI) and after inspection they informed the engine had a failure and needed to be replaced and gave me a price of $19,900. No other warning lights or messages prior to complete engine failure.
2020 Ford Mustang with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has a documented history of coolant loss with no visible external leak, consistent with the known coolant-intrusion defect in Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost engines where coolant leaks internally into the cylinders. The vehicle previously threw a cylinder misfire code (P0301) and now shows a crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation fault (P0017). A scan tool confirmed the exhaust camshaft is approximately 18–19 degrees out of correlation. A new variable valve timing oil control solenoid was installed and did NOT resolve the fault, confirming the…
I suspect an electrical problem/short is causing my passenger side window to open and close about half an inch uncontrollably. This has been a minor inconvenience but last time it happened, it triggered the passenger door to open when driving. I had to pull over to manually secure the door. Very troubling safety issue.
The 10-speed automatic transmission on my 2020 Mustang failed internally at approximately 18,073 miles. The vehicle began shifting harshly at low speeds with an intermittent clunk. While driving, the transmission would slip slightly and then either surge forward or hesitate with a dull thud before engaging. The behavior was unpredictable and worsened over time. No warning lamp ever appeared and no diagnostic trouble codes were stored, so the driver gets no advance notice of this condition. This is a safety hazard when pulling into traffic, turning across an intersection, or merging. When power…
I own a 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with approximately 75,000 miles. My vehicle developed a check engine light with diagnostic codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). I also began experiencing white smoke from the exhaust during cold starts. An independent repair shop suspects coolant is entering cylinder 1 due to a possible head gasket failure. They have recommended removing the cylinder head to inspect for cracks, check for warping, pressure test the head, inspect the cylinder walls, and replace the head gasket and related components if no further engine damage is found…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire was about three inches from the back of the engine, close to the fire wall. The contact used a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that upon further inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed brake fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, however the diagnostic test had not been…
Check engine light came on, car lost power on highway. Car continues to have the same issue after repairs have been made. Ford App says engine misfire, after every repair. Ford mechanics fix spark plugs, coils, electrical. None of which has fixed the issue of stalling on the highway which poses risk of me the driver and others driving on the highway. The only light that comes on is engine light.
My husband was notified via the Ford app that there was an issue with his airbag system. He called the dealership and set up an appointment. We brought in the car to German Ford dealership in Beavercreek on 4 May, where they confirmed that the airbag was bad and needed to be replaced. They confirmed it was the airbag on the drivers side knee. The airbag light did come on, but we were under the impression airbags usually last the lifetime of the vehicle. Thankfully the car warranty covered the replacement, and we just had to pay the deductible. However, had my husband been in a crash that…
Went to Clay Cooley Ford in Arlington TX off of highway 360 to have rearview camera issues fixed after being sent a recall notice to take it in to be repaired. The vehicle doesn’t show a black screen all of the time but it is at times distorted or black. Upon arriving my husband was told that one they don’t have the camera for the vehicle mind you an appointment was made I didn’t just show up and two because at this present moment the screen wasn’t showing distorted or black screen they were not able to repair the recall we were given a paper to contact a man who works at the dealership the…
My wife was pulling into her head-in parking space at work and the brakes did not slow the car down. She pressed the brakes hard. The car went over a curb and hit a fire hydrant. The fire hydrant broke off and the car rolled over it. The car went into the street and she steered it to keep it out of traffic and stopped by using the parking brake. There were no warning lights. The airbag(s) did not deploy. There were no personal injuries. The car was inspected by a repair shop and deemed a total loss. A brake line was damaged during the crash. The repair shop personnel did not think the brakes…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trunk wing spoiler detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised that the trunk and the wing spoiler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. In addition, the contact stated that during a previous failure, the trunk and the wing spoiler were both replaced. The first two failure occurrence and the trunk and the wing spoiler, were both repaired. The manufacturer was made…
2020 Ford Mustang: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Ford Mustang reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Mustang; the most common categories were electrical system (25, 20.8%), engine (25, 20.8%), power train (25, 20.8%). There are 8 safety recalls. 13 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Mustang?
Across 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (20.8% of complaints), engine (20.8% of complaints), power train (20.8% of complaints), service brakes (14.2% of complaints), back over prevention (10% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2020 Ford Mustang; the most recent (campaign 25V695000, 2025-10-13) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ford Mustang?
12 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (10%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "I own a 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with approximately 75,000 miles. My vehicle developed a check engine light with diagnostic codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire)." (NHTSA complaint 11751742, July 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 2020 Ford Mustang idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
10 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (8.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "I own a 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with approximately 75,000 miles. My vehicle developed a check engine light with diagnostic codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire)." (NHTSA complaint 11751742, July 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 the backup camera not work on my 2020 Ford Mustang?
9 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (7.5%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 25V695000 (back over prevention: sensing system: camera). The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "My backup camera on my 2020 mustang ecoboost goes blank when backing up at times and shows distorted images when it does work." (NHTSA complaint 11686979, September 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Ford Mustang stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (6.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Check engine light came on, car lost power on highway. Car continues to have the same issue after repairs have been made. Ford App says engine misfire, after every repair. Ford mechanics fix spark plugs, coils, electrical." (NHTSA complaint 11736216, May 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 2020 Ford Mustang had engine failures?
8 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (6.7%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Vehicle has 396 miles on the odometer. While preparing to back up, with the engine idling , the engine shut off without warning and I had no control of the steering and would not restart when I attempted to do so." (NHTSA complaint 11763386, September 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 2020 Ford Mustang transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
6 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (5%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "I had parked my car in a spot at an office building. As I was about to put the vehicle in park it lurched forward going over a standard curb across a sidewalk and then into the brick wall of the building. The air bag did not deploy." (NHTSA complaint 11726181, March 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 2020 Ford Mustang overheat?
5 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (4.2%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "2020 Ford Mustang with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has a documented history of coolant loss with no visible external leak, consistent with the known coolant-intrusion defect in Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost engines where coolant leaks internally into the…" (NHTSA complaint 11758368, 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.
Has the 2020 Ford Mustang had transmission failures?
5 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (4.2%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 22V382000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)). The fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Ford has several technical service bulletins on their 10 speed transmission. I have 28,000 miles on my vehicle and need a new transmission." (NHTSA complaint 11764473, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Ford Mustang smell of burning or smoke?
4 of the 120 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Mustang (3.3%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "I own a 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with approximately 75,000 miles. My vehicle developed a check engine light with diagnostic codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire)." (NHTSA complaint 11751742, July 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.
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 2020 only; combines NHTSA's entries for MUSTANG and MUSTANG GT350R. How these reports are made.