Model Hub47 model years analyzed

Ford Mustang ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (19672025)

Side-by-side AutoScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Ford Mustang we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Mustang across generations.

Average AutoScore

76/100

Best Year

2022 Ford Mustang

Score 88

Weakest Year

1980 Ford Mustang

Score 55

Every Ford Mustang Ranked

Sorted by AutoScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.

88
2022 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B+

A highly enjoyable and largely dependable modern muscle car, provided you understand its minor digital and mechanical eccentricities.

Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical · 10R80 Automatic Transmission · 5.0L Coyote Engine - Oil Consumption/Valvetrain Noise

85
2011 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B+

A modern classic that delivers reliable power and performance, provided you mind the manual transmission and a few electrical quirks.

Top risks: Electrical System · Manual Transmission (MT82) · Interior & HVAC

85
2012 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B+

A powerful and generally dependable modern classic, watch out for the manual gearbox and prior owner neglect.

Top risks: Transmission (MT82 Manual) · Electrical/Infotainment (MyFord Touch/SYNC) · V6 Engine Timing Components

83
2013 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B

A powerful and generally reliable performance bargain, provided you select wisely and acknowledge its minor shortcomings.

Top risks: Transmission (MT82 Manual) · Electrical/Infotainment · Paint & Body

83
2014 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B

A well-sorted modern classic, offering strong reliability if the manual transmission is carefully evaluated.

Top risks: Manual Transmission (MT-82) · Rear Axle / Differential · Electrical / Infotainment (MyFord Touch/Sync)

83
2015 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B

A powerful and engaging performance car, the 2015 Mustang offers solid reliability with careful attention to its specific manual transmission and electrical systems.

Top risks: Manual Transmission (MT-82) · Electrical / Infotainment (SYNC 2) · EcoBoost Engine (Carbon Buildup)

83
2018 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B

A potent performance machine that offers admirable long-term reliability if you understand its specific weaknesses and maintain it proactively.

Top risks: Manual Transmission (MT82-D4) · EcoBoost Engine (2.3L) · Electrical Systems & Sensors

83
2020 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B

A high-performance machine that rewards proactive maintenance and careful component inspection with a largely dependable ownership experience.

Top risks: Manual Transmission (MT-82) · Electrical/Infotainment (SYNC 3) · Engine Oil Consumption (5.0L Coyote)

83
2023 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B

A reliable and thrilling modern muscle car, provided you account for its performance-oriented maintenance needs.

Top risks: Electrical / Infotainment · 10R80 Automatic Transmission · Rear Axle / Differential

83
2025 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade B

A spirited performance car with a solid mechanical base, but new model year electronics and early production quirks warrant close attention.

Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical Systems · Driveline & Differential (High-Performance Use) · Body Panel Alignment & Interior Rattles

82
2001 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B-

A durable, iconic American pony car that delivers thrills and remains dependable with a proactive maintenance approach.

Top risks: Engine Intake Manifold · Ignition System (4.6L V8) · HVAC Blend Door Actuator

82
2008 Ford MustangLOW RISKGrade B

A truly fun and surprisingly reliable modern classic, just be mindful of the V8's infamous spark plugs.

Top risks: Engine (4.6L 3V V8 Spark Plugs) · Automatic Transmission (5R55S) · Electrical (Window Regulators & Cluster)

82
2016 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade B

A potent performance car that offers strong value, but demands diligent maintenance and careful pre-purchase scrutiny, especially of the manual gearbox.

Top risks: MT82 Manual Transmission · Electrical System · Rear Axle/Differential

82
2019 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade B-

A high-performance icon that offers strong value, provided you carefully vet its powertrain history and address known weaknesses.

Top risks: 10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10R80) · 2.3L EcoBoost Engine (Internal) · Electrical / Infotainment (SYNC 3)

78
1985 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade B

A beloved classic that delivers driving enjoyment, provided you're prepared for the realities of maintaining a nearly 40-year-old vehicle.

Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Electrical System Integrity · Fuel System Components

78
1990 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A beloved classic offering raw performance and DIY accessibility, but its reliability hinges entirely on its specific history and owner vigilance.

Top risks: Electrical System · Rust and Body Integrity · Suspension & Steering

78
1997 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade B-

A fun, raw pony car that can be a reliable companion if diligently inspected and proactively maintained.

Top risks: Cooling System · Electrical System · Suspension & Steering

78
1998 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A fun, maintainable classic that needs a careful inspection but rewards with a strong powertrain and ample aftermarket support.

Top risks: Engine Intake Manifold · Power Window Regulators/Motors · Suspension Components

78
2000 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A classic muscle car experience with simple mechanics, but be prepared to address a few well-known age-related weaknesses and specific design flaws.

Top risks: Engine Cooling System (4.6L V8) · Electrical System · Transmission (Automatic)

78
2002 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A fun and affordable classic, but requires a diligent pre-purchase inspection and budget for common age-related repairs.

Top risks: Cooling System / Intake Manifold · Power Windows · Suspension Components

78
2003 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A fun, iconic car that needs careful vetting and ongoing care to remain a reliable performer.

Top risks: Suspension & Steering · Electrical System · Rust & Corrosion

78
2004 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A classic American muscle car that offers reliable fun, provided you address its common age-related quirks proactively.

Top risks: Electrical System · Suspension & Steering · Rust and Corrosion

78
2005 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A fun, affordable pony car that delivers thrills, but demands a keen eye for its notorious V6 and electrical weaknesses.

Top risks: Engine (4.0L V6 Timing Components) · Power Window Regulators · Electrical/Instrument Cluster

78
2006 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

An iconic muscle car that delivers driving pleasure, provided you’re prepared to address its well-documented age-related and design-specific shortcomings.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (5R55S) · Engine (4.6L V8 - Spark Plugs) · Interior & Electrical

78
2007 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A spirited American icon offering strong performance value, provided you carefully inspect for age-related weaknesses and potential rust.

Top risks: Manual Transmission (TR3650) · Rust and Corrosion · Electrical System & Interior Electronics

78
2009 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

An American icon that can deliver thrills, but some configurations carry significant mechanical risks.

Top risks: Engine (4.0L V6) · Electrical System · Body/Rust Protection

78
2010 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A fun and engaging pony car that holds up well, provided its automatic transmission is healthy and rust is kept at bay.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (5R55S) · Rust and Corrosion · HVAC Blend Door Actuator

78
2017 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade B-

A performance bargain that offers solid reliability, provided you're diligent about known trouble spots and maintenance.

Top risks: Electrical System · Manual Transmission (MT82) · Body & Paint

78
2021 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A potent American icon that delivers excitement, but demands an informed buyer to navigate its specific mechanical and electrical sensitivities.

Top risks: Electrical / Infotainment · Active Exhaust System (Optional) · Manual Transmission (MT82-D4)

78
2024 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A thrilling machine that demands informed ownership and a watchful eye on its cutting-edge technology.

Top risks: Electrical & Infotainment · Powertrain Initial Quality · Interior Trim & Fitment

75
1988 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A reliable classic for enthusiasts willing to perform consistent age-related maintenance, but not for the faint of heart.

Top risks: Electrical System · Suspension & Steering Components · Rust & Corrosion

75
1996 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

An exciting classic that demands attentive care to deliver reliable performance.

Top risks: Cooling System · Electrical System · Suspension Components

72
1987 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C-

An engaging classic that offers high reward for hands-on owners willing to address the inevitable wear and tear of time.

Top risks: Electrical System · Rust and Body Structure · Suspension and Steering

72
1989 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C-

A fun, iconic classic that requires consistent attention to age-related wear and corrosion to remain reliable.

Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Electrical System · Suspension & Steering Components

72
1991 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C-

A legendary V8 classic that offers immense fun, but demands thorough inspection and a budget for age-related restoration or repair.

Top risks: Rust & Structural Integrity · Electrical System · Suspension & Steering Components

72
1992 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A beloved classic with solid bones, but demands attention to age-related wear and potential rust.

Top risks: Body/Structure Corrosion · Ignition/Electrical System · Suspension & Steering

72
1993 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C-

A fun, iconic classic that requires dedicated care to remain reliable and safe.

Top risks: Structural Rust & Corrosion · Electrical System · Transmission Wear (Manual T-5 & Automatic AOD)

68
1967 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A timeless classic demanding diligent care, offering straightforward mechanics but requiring keen attention to rust and age-related wear.

Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Electrical System · Fuel & Carburetion

68
1984 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A fun, iconic classic that requires dedication and a repair budget to enjoy reliably.

Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Electrical System · Fuel System & Carburetor

68
1986 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

An iconic American muscle car that offers rewarding ownership for the prepared enthusiast, but demands vigilance against age-related failures.

Top risks: Electrical System · Rust & Corrosion · Fuel System

68
1994 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A beloved pony car that requires vigilance against age-related wear and electrical quirks, but rewards with classic muscle and DIY accessibility.

Top risks: Electrical System · Cooling System · Suspension & Steering

68
1995 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A beloved classic requiring a dedicated owner, capable of providing years of enjoyment if properly cared for.

Top risks: Electrical System · Cooling System · Suspension & Steering

68
1999 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C+

A fun, affordable classic for enthusiasts willing to invest in its upkeep, but not for the faint of heart.

Top risks: Engine Cooling & Intake · Suspension & Steering · Electrical System

65
1982 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C

A beloved classic requiring hands-on ownership and a keen eye for age-related decay.

Top risks: Body & Structure (Rust) · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Electrical System

62
1981 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C-

A beloved classic requiring commitment, as age-related issues will always be a factor.

Top risks: Body & Structure (Rust) · Fuel & Ignition Systems · Electrical System

58
1983 Ford MustangHIGH RISKGrade D+

A rewarding classic for the dedicated enthusiast, but a significant commitment of time and money is non-negotiable.

Top risks: Structural Rust & Body · Electrical System · Fuel System (Carbureted)

55
1980 Ford MustangMODERATEGrade C-

A rewarding classic for the dedicated enthusiast, demanding hands-on maintenance and a keen eye for its notorious weak spots.

Top risks: Rust and Body Integrity · Fuel & Ignition System (Carburetor) · Electrical System Degradation

Problems That Follow the Mustang Across Generations

Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.

Electrical System

Appears in 24 model years · 51% of generations

Suspension & Steering

Appears in 8 model years · 17% of generations

Body & Chassis Rust

Appears in 4 model years · 9% of generations

Cooling System

Appears in 4 model years · 9% of generations

Rust & Corrosion

Appears in 3 model years · 6% of generations

Suspension & Steering Components

Appears in 3 model years · 6% of generations

Suspension Components

Appears in 3 model years · 6% of generations

Rust and Corrosion

Appears in 3 model years · 6% of generations

Buying a Used Mustang?

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Mustang vs. the Competition

Head-to-head reliability comparisons with the Mustang's main rivals.

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