Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2023 Ford Mustang
The 2023 Ford Mustang is a solid option, but check the electrical and steering systems due to multiple owner complaints. Ensure the brakes operate normally and verify collision avoidance features, as these have reported issues. Buyers are advised to prioritize a thorough inspection and test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2023 Ford Mustang has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 15 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 #25V689000 Low Brake Fluid Warning Inoperative/FMVSS 135 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V096000 Steering Wheel May Turn Unintentionally NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V493000 Steering Wheel May Turn Unintentionally NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V727000 Low Brake Fluid Warning Inoperative/FMVSS 135 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V070000 Loose Bolt in Transmission May Cause Rollaway NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 5 complaints
- Steering 5 complaints
- Service Brakes 4 complaints
- Unknown or Other 3 complaints
- Engine 2 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 2 complaints
Of the 15 complaints on file, 5 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
System malfunctions
How to check: Test all electronic functions and accessories.
Unexpected steering issues
How to check: Turn the wheel, check for resistance or noise.
Brake performance problems
How to check: Press the brake pedal, check for softness or pulsing.
Collision avoidance faults
How to check: Test the system on a clear road segment.
Performance issues
How to check: Listen for unusual noises during idle and acceleration.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Smooth start and all warning lights off.
Red flag: Lights stay on or engine hesitates.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocks or persistent vibrations.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Steering response and feel stability.
Red flag: Steering wheel shakes or hesitates.
- 04
Braking
What to check: Smooth, quiet, and even braking feel.
Red flag: Grinding or car pulls to one side.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Engine response and power consistency.
Red flag: Sudden power loss or jerking.
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Listen to steering and brakes in tight turns.
Red flag: Cracking noise or abnormal resistance.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the electrical system been inspected?
- Are there any steering-related issues?
- Have the brakes been serviced or replaced?
- Any unresolved recalls or complaints?
- How does the collision avoidance system perform?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recent inspection report
- Service records for the brakes
- Electrical system diagnostic report
- Recall clearance certificate
- Warranty details and coverage
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2023 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2023 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.