Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Ford Mustang
The 2019 Ford Mustang has a few recurring issues, particularly with its electronics and transmission system. It has experienced recalls for rearview camera malfunctions, transmission miscommunications, and blank instrument clusters. However, with diligent checks, many potential problems can be identified and rectified, making it a viable used purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Ford Mustang has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 152 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 #26V372000 Instrument Cluster May Go Blank on Start-Up/FMVSS 101 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V572000 Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V382000 Powertrain Control Module Malfunction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V263000 Out Of Park Warning Message and Chime Too Short NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V076000 Instrument Cluster May Go Blank on Start-Up NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 54 complaints
- Electrical System 32 complaints
- Power Train 28 complaints
- Unknown or Other 19 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 11 complaints
- Structure 9 complaints
Of the 152 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 152 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Rearview camera distortions
How to check: Shift into reverse and check camera clarity.
Faulty transmission signals
How to check: Verify PRNDL display correctness during gear shifts.
Blank instrument cluster
How to check: Observe the display upon vehicle startup.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or tapping
- 02
Shift into reverse
What to check: Check rearview camera display clarity.
Red flag: Camera is blank or distorted
- 03
Slow acceleration
What to check: Note any transmission hesitations.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed response
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check instrument cluster functionality.
Red flag: Display is blank or unresponsive
- 05
Parking
What to check: Observe parking sensor and camera function.
Red flag: No audio or visual feedback
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the rearview camera been repaired?
- Any history of transmission issues?
- Is the instrument panel display working?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Are there maintenance records for the vehicle?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full maintenance records
- Recall repair receipts
- Current vehicle registration
- Title for the vehicle
- Warranty documents, if available
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 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.