RoadVitals

2013 Ford Mustang Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
271
Latest May 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
18

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Mustang, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

145
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another driver failed to yield while entering the roadway, abruptly cutting in front of the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the rear driver's side passenger door of the other vehicle. The driver's side air bag did deploy but failed to inflate, which the contact related to the injuries he sustained as a result of the accident. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact did not immediately seek medical attention but later transported himself to an area hospital and was treated for a concussion, neck pain, and back pain. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ID 11683199 · filed Aug 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V319000 (Air Bags) and 19V001000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer declined to perform the recall repairs. The contact was informed that, because of the installation of an aftermarket steering wheel, the recall repairs could not be performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11678859 · filed Aug 6, 2025
All 145 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have a 2013 ford mustang with 6R80 transmission as my wife was driving down the high way the suddenly shift down to 1 or second at 65 miles per hour and the car skidded out of control almost killing her and the people in the other lain I checked on recalls for this problem and I am getting conflicting answer. It says that some mustang have been recalled for the TCM and most all 6R80 transmission in the f150 and a couple other Ford vehicals that support the same transmission. My question is why would my 2013 ford mustang not be in the recall when clearly when I resurch it there is many issues out there with this car and TCM. Is this a wait until someone gets killed by the grace of God no one was hurt in my wife's situation and the car has to be parked until something is done to it so it doesn't happen again but like any dealer ship they want a very large amount of money to repair or replace the TCM. AKA lead frame is what I am told. I would like an answer on why this has been over looked please. Thank you God bless.

NHTSA ID 11735968 · filed May 6, 2026

Car has delayed shifting and is still down shifting when the car has already stopped. 2011-2012 mustangs have some extended coverage for this problem. 16N02. My 2013 was manufactured at flat rock in 2012 but not covered.

NHTSA ID 11733618 · filed Apr 24, 2026
All 46 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unexpected downshift to first while driving between 40 mph to 65 mph can lead to complete loss of cruise control, accompanied by a wrench symbol and an error code. Additionally, the speedometer fails to display a reading and may abruptly drop to first gear without any prior warning. signaling low fuel levels

NHTSA ID 11626958 · filed Nov 23, 2024

2013 Mustang V6, 6R80 Automatic Transmission. Lead frame is failing, I am getting code P0720. My vin falls outside of the recall, so I have to spend $850 to get lead frame fixed. Airbag light turns on, dashes through my odometer, and car stays stuck in 5th gear until I cycle key.

NHTSA ID 11625139 · filed Nov 14, 2024
All 23 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT RANDOMLY SHIFTS INTO FIRST GEAR ALMOST CAUSING AND ACCIDENT/.

NHTSA ID 11650177 · filed Mar 24, 2025

The coolant reservoir on my vehicle has been replaced now 4 times with the first time being under 5000 on vehicle. The vehicle now has 96000. The same issue happens each time with a crack in the reservoir.

NHTSA ID 11581789 · filed Apr 8, 2024
All 23 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unexpected downshift to first while driving between 40 mph to 65 mph can lead to complete loss of cruise control, accompanied by a wrench symbol and an error code. Additionally, the speedometer fails to display a reading and may abruptly drop to first gear without any prior warning. signaling low fuel levels

NHTSA ID 11626958 · filed Nov 23, 2024

While driving on the interstate the steering control module stopped working resulting in total loss of no power steering assist. Vehicle only has 1,4711 miles. Second time this incident has occurred. Major hazardous malfunction of control module possible resulting in a accident. No warning was give on dashboard indicator. This vehicle is a hazard on roadways and putting other drivers and citizens at risk of serious bodily injury. Vehicle should not this problem with the current miles. Contacted Ford Motors Corp. refuse to acknowledge my safety concerns and refuse reimbursement for repairs. This will happen to other Ford and will result in possible injuries or deaths.

NHTSA ID 11581514 · filed Apr 6, 2024
All 18 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the “Check Fuel Inlet” message was displayed, and the emissions warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ID 11531870 · filed Jul 12, 2023

I WAS PARKED WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR AND SAW THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME UP. THE CAR IS ABOUT 68000 MILES AND IT'S HAVING A HIGHER GAS CONSUMPTION AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CODE ' P0456' EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK. AND PASSENGER FROM SEAT BELT BROKE. THE PART THAT HOLDS THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE.

NHTSA ID 11352407 · filed Aug 31, 2020
All 11 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving on the interstate the steering control module stopped working resulting in total loss of no power steering assist. Vehicle only has 1,4711 miles. Second time this incident has occurred. Major hazardous malfunction of control module possible resulting in a accident. No warning was give on dashboard indicator. This vehicle is a hazard on roadways and putting other drivers and citizens at risk of serious bodily injury. Vehicle should not this problem with the current miles. Contacted Ford Motors Corp. refuse to acknowledge my safety concerns and refuse reimbursement for repairs. This will happen to other Ford and will result in possible injuries or deaths.

NHTSA ID 11581514 · filed Apr 6, 2024

When starting the vehicle when cold, power steering assist fault appears on the gauge cluster. There is no power steering at this point. Once the vehicle is warmed up, and the engine is turned off and restarted, the problem goes away. The problem has been reproduced by an independent service center. The service center inspected the steering components and found no obvious visible fault with the components.

NHTSA ID 11553138 · filed Nov 2, 2023
All 10 reports naming steering

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HOOD PAINT CORROSION. LIKE A LARGE AMOUNT OF OTHER PEOPLE, MY HOOD PAINT IS BUBBLING WITH 87K MILES ON MY CAR. I MAINTAIN MY CAR VERY WELL AND IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. I CONTACTED FORD AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THEIR CLAIMS DEPARTMENT AND I HAVE NO HEARD BACK. IT'S BEEN SERVAL MONTHS. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT WON'T COVER THEIR MANUFACTURING MESS UP.

NHTSA ID 11234672 · filed Jul 24, 2019

CLEAR COAT FINISH ON TRUNK PANEL BEGAN PEELING WHEN CAR 3 1/2 YEARS OLD. ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION AT ALMOST 5 YEARS OLD PAINT IS BUBBLING AT THE FRONT EDGE OF ALUMINUM HOOD. APPARENTLY WHEN BEING PAINTED THE ALUMINUM HOOD WAS CONTAMINATED WITH STEEL PARTICLES WHICH FORD KNEW AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE WOULD CAUSE CORROSION AND PAINT PEELING BUT DID NOTHING TO TRY TO CORRECT THE METAL CONTAMINATION WHEN VEHICLES WERE PAINTED SO NOW AT 24,800 MILES THE HOOD IS CORRODING AND PAINT IS BUBBLING AND PEELING. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR MUSTANG V6 PONY PACKAGE AND TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH HOOD CORROSION AND PEELING PAINT ON THIS CAR IS RIDICULOUS AND SHAMEFUL THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER THIS DAMAGE. I HAVE BOUGHT FORD VEHICLES MY WHOLE LIFE BUT I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A FORD VEHICLE AGAIN.

NHTSA ID 11111864 · filed Jul 17, 2018
All 8 reports naming body & structure

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

n 2019, I bought a used car from a well-known dealer in Puerto Rico. I recently took it to a mechanic for some repairs, and the mechanic informed me that the vehicle's internal odometer didn't match the odometer on the car's dashboard. There was a difference of 48,971 miles. I was deceived by this dealer.

NHTSA ID 11651981 · filed Apr 1, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BALL JOINTS IN THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,008.

NHTSA ID 10928362 · filed Nov 28, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD Mustang. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. MOST RECENTLY, THE SPEEDOMETER DECREASED TO ZERO, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND LOST ELECTRICAL DATA SUCH AS THE MILEAGE AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11417483 · filed May 17, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ID 10652633 · filed Nov 5, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS PARKED WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR AND SAW THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME UP. THE CAR IS ABOUT 68000 MILES AND IT'S HAVING A HIGHER GAS CONSUMPTION AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CODE ' P0456' EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK. AND PASSENGER FROM SEAT BELT BROKE. THE PART THAT HOLDS THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE.

NHTSA ID 11352407 · filed Aug 31, 2020

ANCHORS FOR CAR SEATS ARE UNUSABLE. ONLY ONE ANCHOR IS INSTALLED PER SIDE FOR CAR SEATS IN THE BACK SEAT MAKING THEM UNUSABLE. IN ADDITION THE ANCHOR AT THE TOP IS UNUSABLE AS THE HEADREST PREVENTS TIGHTENING OF THE UPPER STRAP. CALLED FORD AND THEY HAD NO SOLUTION. THE OWNERS MANUAL PROVIDES INACCURATE INFORMATION.

NHTSA ID 10947411 · filed Jan 24, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS CAR GAS ONLY 10,486 MILES. STARTED EXPERIENCING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AT 55 MPH AND ABOVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO LONESTAR FORD SERVICE DEPT. AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT ROTATED PROPERLY, BEFORE IT WAS SOLD. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANTHING ELSE. I TOOK THE CAR TO NTB AND THEY CHECKED THE BALANCE AND FOUND RADIAL CORD SEPERATION ON ALL THE TIRES.

NHTSA ID 10783865 · filed Oct 21, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED AND THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

NHTSA ID 10643825 · filed Oct 10, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ALL 4 TIRES ON MY 2013 FORD MUSTANG MILEAGE 18598 HAS SLIPPED BELTS PER BOB RIDINGS FORD DECATUR IL & NEAL TIRES DECATUR ILL.SENT PAPER WOOK IN TO PIPELLI TIRE. I REPLACED WITH NEW TIRES AT MY EXPENCE. THIS TIRE A P 235/ZR18 97W & IS ON THE RECALL LIST ALL 4 TIRES ARE BAD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10644363 · filed Oct 13, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED AND THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

NHTSA ID 10643825 · filed Oct 10, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The transmission warning light, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) and the lead frame control module were defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ID 11549430 · filed Oct 11, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CLUTCH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. AFTER THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO GEAR AND RELEASED THE CLUTCH, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO IDLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

NHTSA ID 10622236 · filed Aug 14, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE STEREO PANEL GLASS IS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IT CAN NOT HOLD UP TO SIMPLE CLEANING SOLUTIONS I.E. WINDEX TYPE GLASS CLEANERS.

NHTSA ID 10915074 · filed Oct 10, 2016

ALL 2013 MUSTANGS COME EQUIPPED WITH LED DRL LAMPS THAT ILLUMINATE FULL TIME WHENEVER THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THESE ARE TWO WHITE STRIPS ALONGSIDE EACH HEADLAMP. IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, THEY ARE BARELY NOTICEABLE; LESS UP CLOSE. ON OVERCAST DAYS, THEY ARE SLIGHTLY VISIBLE BUT SO DIM, THEY OFFER NO "ADDED" SAFETY EFFECT FOR HAVING THEM ON, VS OTHER VEHICLES WITH DRL'S. I'VE SEEN OTHER MUSTANGS SAME YEAR AS MINE & THEY ARE ALL THE SAME. NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM. AT NIGHT, THEY ARE LIT WITH SAME BRIGHTNESS LEVEL, WHICH IS JUST ABOUT RIGHT (AT NIGHT). WHY DO THEY ADVERTISE HAVING THEM SINCE THEY DO ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD? IN FACT, THEY CAN GIVE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR A FALSE SENSE OF "ADDED SECURITY", THINKING YOU ARE SEEN MORE EASILY BY OTHER DRIVERS? *TR

NHTSA ID 10683460 · filed Feb 14, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought this car through carvana. They mentioned it had no issues, after 6 months of driving I noticed the car is literally flooded inside and the electrical does not work well at all. I spent alot of money trying to fix the electrical including the wipers and AC yet both keep getting destroyed. Sometimes my traction system will go off and on and it's just so annoying how the water damage is eating away at a car I'm stuck overpaying for. It is a nightmare

NHTSA ID 11517659 · filed Apr 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .