Electrical system, engine and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
When it comes to pony cars, enthusiasts were thrilled to learn more about the 2019 Ford Mustang lineup. There were a lot of new options that allowed owners to “customize your view.” Sadly, the hype wasn’t worth the wait as this sports car suffers from a faulty electrical system, defective engine, malfunctioning powertrain and shoddy wheels.
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The modern vehicle electrical system runs everything from the start of the engine to the radio equipment. When something malfunctions, it can cause glitches to every system involved.
Here is one relevant NHTSA complaint. “Passenger power window rolls down without any buttons being pushed (uncommanded). When rolled up by either passenger or driver’s button, will roll down by itself again within 30-60 seconds, sometimes immediately. Only way to keep window up is by constantly holding either button in the up position. Does this at any speed and road condition every time it is driven. Took to [dealer], they will replace the passenger window electric motor. Should not be happening on a car bought on October 19 with less than 6k miles.”
This vehicle wanted to be a convertible instead and is hoping to bring more fresh air into the cabin. However, these aren’t the only electrical-system concerns. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V076000 states that the instrument cluster can go blank and refuse to start up at all. This leaves drivers without access to temperature levels, fuel level, vehicle speed and safety system warnings. Apparently, the Mustang wants you to “customize your view,” unless that requires access to important operating data
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Structure:body | |
| Wheels | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | |
| Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | |
| Service Brakes |
The Ford Mustang lineup has been an iconic symbol of sports car tradition, thanks to many years of having a powerful engine. Unfortunately, the 2019 Ford Mustang can’t boast of the same condition.
Here is a review left on Edmunds. “Engine and Trans started making ticking noise at 6k mikes dealer saying it’s normal.”
Sadly, dealers are telling people that engine noises are normal. Service Bulletin #TSB19-2144 states that it could make a moderate knocking noise while idling, which is completely normal and doesn’t hurt the engine. The automaker directs technicians to do nothing for repair and to leave it alone. Meanwhile, Mustang drivers are stuck driving their hot rod with this annoying engine sound that causes panic. It wouldn’t be shocking if long-term Mustang fans switched brands after driving the 2019 model.
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The same can be seen with the defective powertrain. It creates a driving experience that no one wants to have.
Here is yet another Edmunds review. “It lunges a little at low speeds and the shifts when on part throttle are a little unrefined, Mushy and harsher shifts than other well sorted cars.”
Ford states that the vehicle might hesitate or surge forward because of an inoperative cruise control system. Service Bulletin #TSB 19-2135 states the issue comes from a loose transmission output shaft flange nut that creates trouble. At this point, it would seem that none of the major systems on the Mustang are operating as they should. Sure, owners might be able to customize the view, but what if the sports car doesn’t move. Oh well, at least the view looks good as the owner waits for the tow truck.
What’s one of the first things that’s noticed on a high-quality sports car? Often, it’s the stylish wheels and large tires, but this Mustang has severe issues.
There is an NHTSA complaint that discusses wheel-related issues. “Wheel whining noise shows on or above 40 mph (like wheel hub bearing humming sound). Dash and rear driver rattling noises. Front end bushings squeaking noises (especially can be heard while passing a car on parking bumps).”
There are also concerns about the tires. Service Bulletin #SSM 47978 states that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that come on some models might appear to be wearing out prematurely. However, the automaker wants to assure technicians and owners that this is just the unique tread design which is shallower than most tires. Instead of replacing the tires, people are supposed to get educated about what the tires should look like. That is, of course, until one blows out because it’s excessively worn.
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.
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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I own an ecoboost 2019, the 10speed auto does feel rough under low throttle input, the problem doesn’t exist when driving in sport+ and track, might be something to do with the fact that the transmission is built for around 700hp, when it has enough power getting sent to it, the transmission is ultra smooth tho, you can ear it shift quick and leave some air noises coming from under the car when shifting, cool noises.
I do love this car BUT the transmission has been hesitating or lunging forward after a few months of owning it. I am halfway through my warranty and it has been in the shop for this issue several times with no fix. Not what I was expecting from a brand new car. I brought the car in for this in May and was told they need it for a few days but they had no loaner cars, so I was put on a list. I was never called back…………………..