Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2018 Ford Mustang
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).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $7,500–$12,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2018 Ford Mustang has an average reliability, with recalls primarily focusing on the rearview camera and transmission-related issues. While some owners report engine and power train complaints, the non-fuel costs remain predictable over five years.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 40,000–70,000 miles | $600–$1,200 | common |
| transmission | 60,000–90,000 miles | $1,000–$3,000 | occasional |
| electrical system | 50,000–80,000 miles | $200–$600 | occasional |
| rearview camera | 30,000–60,000 miles | $150–$400 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change
- Brake inspection
- Transmission fluid check
- Tire rotation and alignment
- Coolant system check
- Battery test and replacement
- Drive belt inspection
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Unusual engine noises
- Transmission slipping
- Dashboard warning lights
- Camera malfunctions
- Fuel odor in cabin
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.