The Ford Mustang has been a popular pick for muscle car enthusiasts for decades. These iconic pony cars boast impressive performance and advanced tech and safety features. However, are Mustangs reliable?

Are Mustangs reliable?

Yes and no. When it comes to answering the question of are Mustangs reliable, it comes down to the model year. not every pony car model year was created equally. Some model years are much better than others.

Some of the worst mode years include:

• 2016 Ford Mustang
• 2018 Ford Mustang
• 2019 Ford Mustang
• 2020 Ford Mustang
• 2022 Ford Mustang

A few of the best years include:

• 2008 Ford Mustang
• 2011 Ford Mustang
• 2014 Ford Mustang
• 2023 Ford Mustang

The 2016 Ford Mustang has a few issues

First up is the 2016 Ford Mustang. This model year has had major and minor engine problems. They tend to experience oil loss that can cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a collision.

Additionally, in the presence of an ignition source, oil leaks can increase the chance of a fire. According to RepairPal, annual repair costs for this Mustang model year average $829. That’s about $100 above average for a Mustang.

The 2018 Ford Mustang has engine and body hardware problems

Despite being newer, the 2018 Ford Mustang isn’t as reliable as you’d think. The main trouble spots are minor and major engine problems.

Owners have also reported issues with the body hardware. That includes power windows, locks, mirrors, seat controls, and the convertible top.

The 2019 Ford Mustang has common trouble spots

For the 2019 model year, two of this pony car’s most common trouble spots are the transmission and drive system. Additionally, the 2019 Ford Mustang has had three safety recalls due to its electrical system.

The 2020 Ford Mustang has 5 recalls

Common trouble spots in the 2020 Mustang concern the brakes and suspension, negatively affecting this model year’s reliability.

It also has five recalls, including one for reduced rearward visibility due to a distorted or inoperable rearview camera. That problem could increase the risk of accidents in over 600,000 2020 Mustangs.

The 2022 Ford Mustang is newer but not highly reliable

Unfortunately, newer isn’t always better. For example, the 2022 Ford Mustang has questionable reliability. It has already had three recalls filed with the NHTSA, and all could increase the risk of a crash.

The worst problem is a loose bolt in the transmission, which might cause rollaway in over a thousand potentially affected models.

Consider these generally reliable Mustang model years

If you’re a die-hard muscle car fanatic, don’t worry — plenty of options remain. When it comes to reliable used Ford Mustangs, the 2011 model boasts an 82/100 reliability score from J.D. Power. This Mustang year also received its most comprehensive powertrain update in over a decade.

Another used Mustang to consider is the 2008 model, which boasts an even higher J.D. Power reliability score of 87/100.

In addition, the 2014 Mustang also has an excellent 82/100 rating.