Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Ford Mustang
The 2016 Ford Mustang has notable issues with seat belts and back over prevention systems, highlighted by several recalls. Engine and electrical complaints are significant, warranting thorough inspection. Verify any recall repairs and ensure good condition, as these issues affect safety and usability.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Ford Mustang has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 380 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 #16V779000 Oil Leak from Engine Cooler Hose NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V707000 Restraint Components may be Damaged/FMVSS/209/225 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 76 complaints
- Electrical System 73 complaints
- Unknown or Other 70 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 52 complaints
- Power Train 29 complaints
- Structure 28 complaints
Of the 380 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 380 complaints, owners report 11 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Seat belt corrosion risk
How to check: Inspect seat belt anchors for corrosion or wear.
Rearview camera failures
How to check: Check for clear rear camera image.
Oil cooler hose leaks
How to check: Look for oil leaks under the vehicle.
Frequent electrical glitches
How to check: Test all electronic features for consistency.
Unresolved engine complaints
How to check: Listen for idle or acceleration irregularities.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure smooth start and idle at startup.
Red flag: Rough idle noises.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights stay off.
Red flag: Warning lights activate unexpectedly.
- 03
Neighborhood driving
What to check: Test brakes react firmly and quietly.
Red flag: Vibrations or noise when braking.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Verify smooth and quick acceleration.
Red flag: Lag or shudder under acceleration.
- 05
Cruising at highway speed
What to check: Listen for unusual engine or wind noise.
Red flag: Grinding or whistling sounds.
- 06
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Turn wheel fully left and right smoothly.
Red flag: Steering wheel resistance or noise.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the rearview camera been fixed?
- Any recent engine repairs?
- Are all recalls addressed?
- Do electronics function reliably?
- Issues with brakes or steering?
- Service records showing all maintenance?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair records
- Full service history
- Title and registration
- Warranty details (if applicable)
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 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.