Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Ford Mustang
The 2013 Ford Mustang has several notable concerns, primarily around airbag recalls and powertrain issues, resulting in numerous complaints. While safety concerns are primarily related to airbags, powertrain and electrical system issues also warrant attention. Despite these concerns, the limited recall data indicates some issues may not be widespread.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Ford Mustang has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 271 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21E013000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V046000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V319000 Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V190000 "PRNDL" ILLUMINATION AND BACKUP LAMP ACTIVATION NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 145 complaints
- Power Train 48 complaints
- Engine 22 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 19 complaints
- Electrical System 18 complaints
- Unknown or Other 14 complaints
Of the 271 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 271 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Check recall status for airbag inflator replacement
Transmission control issues
How to check: Test shifting and check for error codes
Engine reliability concerns
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights
Red flag: Persistent check engine light
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Note any transmission hesitation
Red flag: Severe lag or jerking
- 04
City driving
What to check: Observe steering ease and response
Red flag: Unstable or loose steering
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Assess smoothness of gear shifts
Red flag: Rough or abrupt shifting
- 06
Hard braking
What to check: Assess brake response and noise
Red flag: Squealing or grinding noise
- 07
Parking maneuver
What to check: Check for steering alignments
Red flag: Steering requires excessive correction
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag inflator been replaced?
- Any transmission repairs done recently?
- Are there any warning lights?
- Has it passed recent inspections?
- Any accident history known?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance history
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Ford Mustang? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.