Is a Used 2014 Ford Mustang Reliable?
Despite missing the major overhaul the 2015 model boasted, the 2014 Ford Mustang is still an excellent used sports car. 2014 marked the final year of the Mustang’s retro-styled body, amping its nostalgic appeal. And the GT version is also one of the most affordable V8-powered cars on the used market, available for around $20,000. But as with other older cars, reliability is always a concern. So, is a used 2014 Ford Mustang reliable, and what are its most common problems and repair costs?
A look around the 2014 model
The 2014 Ford Mustang has a V6 or V8 under the hood, with the former producing 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The GT’s V8 harnesses 420 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The V6 mates with the same transmission, though Ford also offered a six-speed automatic with manual shifting.
The 2014 Ford Mustang GT500 has a supercharged V8 with 662 hp on tap and a top speed of over 200 mph, per Edmunds. Most used 2014 Mustangs have a solid rear axle suspension and a limited-slip differential. While this setup is solid enough to keep the car sharp around turns, it also results in a somewhat unsettled ride quality.
The 2014 Ford Mustang’s engines are also quite noisy, but that’s part of the fun. New GT models could be optioned with two performance axles and Brembo brakes, plus different wheels and enhanced engine cooling equipment.
However, even the most expensive fifth-gen Mustang doesn’t have a fancy interior to match. Critics bemoan all the cheap plastics, but every seat option provides solid comfort. Buyers could also pay extra for heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The 2014 Mustang coupe’s trunk is spacious for its class, though that comes at the cost of a tiny second row.
Available tech upgrades included Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity software, and voice-activated navigation. A used GT model might also have the optional Shaker Pro sound system, which is standard on every GT500. Safety features were limited to Ford MyKey and parking sensors paired with an optional backup camera.
The 2014 Ford Mustang is very reliable
J.D. Power gives this Ford Mustang a 4 out of 5 dependability rating. That’s slightly better than the average Ford Mustang, with a reliability score of 3.5/5 on RepairPal. The site also finds that most 2014 Mustang drivers pay around $715 for yearly maintenance.
RepairPal data shows the Ford Mustang isn’t prone to major repairs, and its most common problems are relatively easy to fix. You might notice rough idling around 46,000 miles, usually attributed to an O-ring gasket leak. A new intake manifold gasket usually costs $500 to $600.
This model year’s A/C performance can become erratic over time, warranting a new control unit. The 2014 Ford Mustang is the only one known for having worn tie rods at low mileage (around 20,000). Fortunately, this issue is rare and often costs less than $100 to fix.
Watch out for these 2014 Ford Mustang recalls
The 2014 Ford Mustang was among the many vehicles involved in the widespread Takata airbag fiasco. The inflator could explode once the airbags deploy, leaving the driver and passengers vulnerable to sharp metal fragments. So far, Ford has issued three recalls to address this problem.
To see if a used Mustang has been serviced, you can run its VIN through the RepairPal recall checker. As long as all repair problems are addressed, a 2014 Ford Mustang should provide at least 200,000 miles of thrills.
