2018 Ford Mustang Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Updated on April 28th, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

Since what feels like the beginning of time, the Ford Mustang has been an American icon. The 2018 Ford Mustang arrived and enthusiasts couldn’t wait to drive it. After all, the modern Mustang is believed to have “unparalleled performance.” It didn’t take long for owners to realize that this model was a lemon. From the faulty electrical system to the defective engine and malfunctioning powertrain, this vehicle is dangerous to drive.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019  2020  2021 

NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Ford Mustang

Problems with the Electrical System

In today’s vehicles, the electrical system is responsible for everything from starting the car to running the equipment. When something fails, it isn’t just a nuisance, but also changes the way an owner operates the vehicle.

One such example can be found with this Edmunds review. “My LCD panel on my 2018 Mustang GT went out in February. Purchased my vehicle in December.Ford told me part is on backorder and will not be available until April.  I was given Ford Edge as my loaner – go figure.  asked if I could get comparable Mustang GT while it will take two months to get my brand new GT back and was told they couldn’t do this. I have escalated to Ford Executive Offices because this just isn’t right. I’m a first time Ford owner of this vehicle and needless to say this will be the last time I purchase a Ford. I am so unhappy with all that has transpired.”

In conjunction with this faulty display system, there is a recall that owners might not be aware of. NHTSA Campaign Number 17V81400 states that when the 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster isn’t properly illuminating the PRNDL gear position, that it is possible for owners to turn off the car and get out of it without it being in Park. Because of this situation, the Mustang can just roll away at will. In this situation, it’s clear that Ford was right to label this model “unparalleled,” but only because it’s a massive failure.

Problems with the Engine

While the car must have a functioning electrical system, this means nothing without a strong engine. This Mustang model failed on the motor front as well.

One Edmunds user said, “With under 2,000 miles the engine blew. When I got it back the transmission started to give me problems as well as the car had various interior rattles. With under 3,000 miles that piece of garbage had more problems than a 200,000 mile Toyota. Ford was AWFUL during the experience.  I urge you as a consumer to research it yourself and you’ll find this isn’t unique to the Mustang. It is prevalent throughout Fords entire lineup and their customer service failures are as common as their vehicles dependability issues.”

Again, there is another recall issued that showcases the lack of integrity of this model. NHTSA Campaign Number 18E035000 says that Roush Performance aftermarket supercharger kits often installed on the Mustang might have hose barb fittings that can damage the fuel lines and cause a leak. With the evidence of a leak, it’s possible for the vehicle to also start on fire. It’s not typical for aftermarket parts to cause a vehicle recall, but this was dangerous enough to warrant the action. From what is illustrated thus far, it’s clear that the Mustang is simply attempting to destroy itself; either by rolling away or spontaneously starting on fire.

Problems with the Transmission

Customers have just as much to say about the powertrain on the Mustang as the other defective parts.

Here is one NHTSA complaint. “The transmission gets stuck in gear when you accelerate hard, you can’t take the car out of gear and the clutch does not work. The engine continually revs/speeds up when no one is touching the accelerator. This is very dangerous and needs to be addressed right away. This was driving in Sport Mode, this has not happened in Normal Mode.”

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that there is a recall for the powertrain components as well. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V213000 states that a missing roll pin can cause owners to believe the car is in Park when in fact it isn’t. Again, this problem leads to the Mustang simply rolling away. If the Ford Mustang offers such unparalleled performance, why does it continue to pull a disappearing act on customers? They just don’t make them like they once did, and the Mustang is the perfect example.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Ford pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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