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Ford Mustang Reliability Grade

B-Overall

Average reliability

EngineB-
TransmissionC+

Grade a specific Ford Mustang

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Ford Mustang earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a C+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 5 sports cars we grade. Its engine (B-) and transmission (C+) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 2,293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Ford Mustang reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

Best years: 2002, 2004 and 2023

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Ford Mustang last?

170,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Ford Mustang problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Ford Mustang, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Mustang problems

Ford Mustang vs. other sports cars

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Dodge Charger A- B+ A-
Dodge Challenger A- A- A-
Chevrolet Camaro A- B- B+
Subaru WRX B B B
Ford Mustang B- C+ B-

Most reliable sports cars →

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Ford Mustang reliability FAQ

Is the Ford Mustang reliable?

Average reliability. The Ford Mustang earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a C+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 5 sports cars we grade. Its engine (B-) and transmission (C+) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 2,293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Ford Mustang last?

We estimate a well-maintained Ford Mustang lasts around 170,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Ford Mustang?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Ford Mustang model years are 2002, 2004 and 2023.

What Ford Mustang years should I avoid?

No Ford Mustang model year stands out as a problem year in NHTSA owner complaints.

Is the Ford Mustang transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Mustang transmission a C+ (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Ford Mustang engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Mustang engine a B- (average reliability).