The Lemon Index2023 Ford Mustang.
The 2023 Ford Mustang has too few complaints to score: 15 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about steering, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 18 to 25 mpg combined. The best Ford Mustang year is 2010.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2015–2023 Ford Mustang, 69.7M views. The 2023 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical777K views
DIY - 2017/2016 Ford Mustang - How to change SmartKey Key fob Battery on Ford MustangKey Fob Rob · 506K views · 2 videos - Timing chain & engine289K views
Watch This Guide BEFORE You Buy A 2020 Ford Mustang!TFLnow · 289K views - Windows, doors & mirrors202K views
2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible Soft Top Open CloseLoonyGarage · 202K views
Before you buy, watch
Should You Buy a 2018 Mustang GT Over a 2013 Mustang GT? - Which is Better? (In Depth Comparison)ThatDudeinBlue · 576K views
Ford Mustang coupe 2015-2018 review - CarbuyerCarbuyer · 331K views
Ford Mustang V8 Sports Car 2018 review | Mat Watson Reviewscarwow · 2.0M viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 15 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Mustang year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Recalls 6
- electrical 2025
The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low.
- back over prevention 2025
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- steering 2025
The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver's intentions.
Show all 6 recalls
- steering 2024
The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver's intentions.
- electrical 2023
The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK.".
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 72 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Noise when the brakes are applied
- During replacement of the electronic power assist system (EPAS) steering gear assembly on…
- Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2023 F-150/Bronco, 2022-2023…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang Convertible C RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Ford Mustang Coupe 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
While backing up back up camera suddenly went to a blue screen unable to see anything.
2023 Ford Mustang owner · NHTSA complaint 11728230
More owner reports
I was driving and my steering wheel turned to the right all of a sudden and I hit a curb. The curb caused my tire to blow, messed up my wheel, and who knows how bad anything else was that was messed up from this incident.
NHTSA complaint 11599447
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Ford Mustang reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 15 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2023 Ford Mustang problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (33%), electrical (33%) and brakes (27%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Mustang have?
6 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Ford Mustang get?
18 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Ford Mustang safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2023 Ford Mustang have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Ford Mustang cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Ford Mustang have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
What Ford Mustang year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2021 and 2022.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works