Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Ford Mustang
The 2015 Ford Mustang has notable issues with seat belt pretensioners, camera display, and brake system susceptibility to corrosion. Potential buyers should be aware of body latch issues and engine cooling hose leaks, as these have prompted recalls. Despite these points, with diligent inspection and awareness, a well-maintained Mustang can still offer an enjoyable driving experience.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Ford Mustang has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 439 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V614000 Seat Belt Anchor Pretensioner Cables May Corrode and Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V572000 Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V082000 Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V011000 Brake Light Malfunction and Possible Rollaway Risk NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V331000 Doors May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V779000 Oil Leak from Engine Cooler Hose NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V643000 Doors may Unexpectedly Open NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V832000 Rear Brake Caliper Guide Pins may be Loose NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V339000 Fuel Tank or Vapor Lines may Degrade from Heat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V774000 Fuel Pressure Sensor May Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V649000 Passenger Safety Belt Tension Sensor/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 75 complaints
- Electrical System 68 complaints
- Engine 51 complaints
- Service Brakes 46 complaints
- Structure 45 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 42 complaints
Of the 439 complaints on file, 26 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 439 complaints, owners report 19 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Seat belt pretensioner may corrode
How to check: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner for signs of corrosion.
Rearview camera may fail
How to check: Shift into reverse and check camera display for clarity.
Brake pedal bumper may corrode
How to check: Check brake pedal for any sticky feeling or corrosion.
Door latch may not secure
How to check: Test all doors to ensure they latch securely.
Engine oil hose may leak
How to check: Inspect under the vehicle for any oil leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises or ticking.
Red flag: Persistent unusual noises
- 02
Reverse gear
What to check: Ensure rearview camera displays properly.
Red flag: Distorted or no camera view
- 03
First brake application
What to check: Check brake responsiveness and any noise.
Red flag: Delayed brake response
- 04
Low-speed turning
What to check: Listen for steering noises or stiffness.
Red flag: Grinding or excessive stiffness
- 05
First acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth and consistent acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Feel for shifts and power delivery.
Red flag: Gear slipping or power loss
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the oil hose recall been addressed?
- Any issues with the door latches?
- Have the brake components been replaced?
- Is the camera display working consistently?
- Has there been any history of engine leaks?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of recall repairs
- Service history records
- Title and registration
- Insurance records
- Any warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 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.