Ford Mustang Common Problems

The sixth-generation S550 Mustang was the first Mustang built in right-hand drive at the factory, and Ford Australia sold it from late 2015 until 2023 as a fastback or convertible. It came with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo four or, in the GT, the 5.0-litre Coyote V8, with a six-speed MT82 manual or a six-speed 6R80 automatic. The 2018 update brought the ten-speed 10R80 automatic, a V8 with both direct and port injection, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Special editions included the Bullitt, R-Spec and Mach 1. The seventh-generation S650 followed from 2024 with EcoBoost, GT and Dark Horse versions. Most reported problems involve electrical faults, a long run of recalls and automatic shift quality.

Harsh or erratic shifts from the ten-speed automatic (10R80, 2018 to 2025)

Owners of later S550 and S650 automatics describe jerky low-speed shifts, clunks, hesitation picking a gear in suburban traffic and harshness in Sport mode. In the United States, class actions have been filed alleging harsh and erratic shifting in the 10R80; check their current status. Owners report that many cars improve after a dealer software update and an adaptive relearn, so ask what has been done. If the problem is mechanical, a valve body or internal repair out of warranty can run into several thousand dollars. See also the 2018 Ford Mustang problems page.

Reversing camera and boot wiring faults (S550, 2015 to 2020)

In 2023 Ford recalled Mustangs built from 2014 to 2017 because of a manufacturing defect in the boot lid wiring harness. The reversing camera can work only intermittently, and the boot release, boot light and other functions on that harness can also fail. A second recall covered cars built from 2018 to 2020, where the reversing camera display, reverse lamps and some driver assist features may not work as intended, and further camera recalls followed in 2025. The repairs are free at a Ford dealer. A camera that flickers or drops out after the boot has been opened is the giveaway.

Fuel pump and fuel line faults (S550, 2021 to 2023)

S550 Mustangs built in 2021 and 2022 were recalled because the fuel pump impeller may not work as intended. That can starve the engine of fuel and cause a sudden loss of power while driving. A separate, smaller recall covered 2021 to 2023 cars whose low-pressure fuel delivery line may not meet specification; Ford says that one is an evaporative emissions problem, not a safety hazard. Both are fixed free. Stumbling, hesitation or a cut-out on a late S550 is a reason to check the fuel pump recall first.

Driveline vibration and a clunk into Drive (S550, 2015 to 2017)

Some early S550s are reported to develop a vibration at highway speeds (around 70 to 100 km/h), felt through the floor, seat or steering wheel and heard as a hum or rumble. The usual workshop approach is to check the universal joints and tyre balance, then balance the tailshaft on the car, and some earlier cars had the tailshaft replaced. Some owners also report a clank when selecting Drive, reportedly addressed by replacing the front transmission flange. Some early manual cars are reported to refuse to crank because of a damaged clutch pedal position switch. Balancing is a modest bill. A new tailshaft out of warranty is roughly $1,000 to $2,000.

Electrical faults and water in the body control module (S650, 2024 to 2026)

The S650 has had a long list of electrical and software recalls, and the Mustang was reported as Australia's most recalled vehicle in 2025. Water can get into the body control module and knock out the tail-lights, side markers and number plate lights. A grounding eyelet in the engine bay wiring harness can be damaged, which can affect headlights, wipers and engine power. Other campaigns covered an instrument cluster that can fail to show warnings, speed and fuel level, a washer and wiper fault, and an EGR valve that can fail on 2024 to 2025 EcoBoost cars. All are free, but some cars need several dealer visits.

Recalls and safety

Beyond the faults above, Mustang recalls cover a possible engine bay fire on 2015 to 2016 V8s, body control software that may not light the brake fluid warning when the level is low (2019 to 2023 cars, with a 2026 follow-up for cars given an incorrect update) and, on 2025 cars, a valve body that could stop the car reversing. Safety ratings are a known weak point. ANCAP gave the early S550 two stars in 2017, when it lacked AEB and other active safety equipment. The 2018 update added AEB and lane departure warning, and Euro NCAP's retest of that version gave three stars. Have a Ford dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see Carify's recalls page.

Buying a used Ford Mustang? What to check

• Automatic behaviour: Drive a ten-speed in stop-start traffic and at low speed. Notice clunks, flare between gears or slow kickdown, and ask whether software updates have been done.
• Manual gearbox and clutch: Shift through every gear cold and warm, and feel for clutch slip in a high gear at low revs. A burnt smell or a clutch that bites at the top points to hard launches.
• Reversing camera and boot: Open and close the boot several times, then check the camera, boot release and boot light still work.
• Exterior lights: On an S650, walk around with the lights on and check the tail-lights, side markers and number plate lights.
• Recall work: Ask a Ford dealer for the recall history on the VIN, including the camera, fuel pump and brake warning software campaigns.
• Tyres and alignment: Look for worn inner edges on the front tyres and heavy rear tyre wear from burnouts. A full set for a GT is a real cost.
• Modifications: Ask about tunes, superchargers, exhausts and track days, and get the paperwork. Heavy modification can affect warranty and insurance.
• Paint and panels: Some owners report wiper arms scratching the bonnet and uneven panel gaps, so check the paint closely in good light.

Run a Carify VIN check to see the car's history, and use the Ford Mustang buying checklist when you inspect it.

The verdict

A 2018 to 2023 S550 is the pick for most buyers: it has AEB, the stronger dual-injection V8 and the ten-speed automatic, though you should drive the auto long enough to be sure its shifts suit you. Earlier 2015 to 2017 cars are cheaper and simpler but rate two stars and need the camera recall checked. The S650 is the newest and best equipped, but has had many electrical recalls, so buy one with every campaign completed. Whatever the year, avoid heavily modified or tracked cars without records.