Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Ford Mustang
The 2018 Ford Mustang has several notable issues, primarily involving the engine, power train, and electrical system. Potential buyers should be cautious of the rearview camera distortion and transmission problems. With a significant number of engine-related complaints, thorough inspections are essential for a reliable purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Ford Mustang has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 196 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 #25V572000 Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18E035000 Hose Barb Fittings may Damage Fuel Lines NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V213000 Missing Roll Pin Causing Loss of Park Function NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V814000 Vehicle May Roll Away/FMVSS 102, 114 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 59 complaints
- Power Train 46 complaints
- Electrical System 31 complaints
- Unknown or Other 23 complaints
- Structure 15 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 12 complaints
Of the 196 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 196 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Possible fuel leak
How to check: Inspect undercarriage for fuel leaks or fuel smell.
Loss of Park function
How to check: Ensure transmission holds in Park on incline.
PRNDL display malfunction
How to check: Turn ignition off; check PRNDL display visibility.
Camera image distortion
How to check: Shift to reverse; check rearview camera image.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for knocking noises from the engine.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any warning lights on dashboard.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights.
- 03
Neighborhood drive
What to check: Check smoothness of gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting.
- 04
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check rearview camera function and clarity.
Red flag: Distorted or no camera image.
- 05
Stop and go traffic
What to check: Observe engine temperature gauge.
Red flag: Gauge indicating overheating.
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for engine hesitations.
Red flag: Hesitation or loss of power.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission roll pin been fixed?
- Any recurring issues with the engine?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Is there a record of oil changes?
- Any electrical problems experienced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Transmission service history
- Engine maintenance logs
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 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.