2017 Ford Mustang Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 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
- Driver assistance7123.3%
- Body & structure4213.8%
- Interior & seats3611.8%
- Engine3411.1%
- Electrical3310.8%
- Powertrain (other)227.2%
- Seat belts165.2%
- Steering113.6%
- Airbags103.3%
- Visibility72.3%
- Fuel system62.0%
- Brakes62.0%
- Other / unspecified51.6%
- Suspension31.0%
- Tires & wheels20.7%
- Transmission10.3%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost unintended downshift; potential relevance to Ford Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237 and Investigation EA26001 I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint concerning a sudden, unintended downshift in my 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost while traveling on Interstate 10 with my wife and son. I request that Ford investigate my vehicle and that NHTSA evaluate whether the lead-frame safety concern addressed by Recall 26S28 / 26V237 may also affect Mustang vehicles and other Ford models equipped with related 6R80 transmission components. On 9/26/2026, while driving on interstate I-10 in New Orleans approximately 60–70 mph, my vehicle suddenly and erratically downshifted to what appeared to be first or second gear. I could not independently verify the precise gear during the emergency. As I attempted to reach the shoulder, the vehicle remained in a low gear, which I understood to be second, and eventually entered limp mode. The abrupt change in speed and inability to accelerate normally created a near-collision situation with other vehicles traveling at interstate speeds. My wife, son, and I were placed in immediate danger. Before this event, I had noticed no signs of transmission trouble. I brought the vehicle to Supreme Ford of Slidell for diagnosis. After the dealership had the vehicle for more than a week, a service representative told me that it needed a replacement transmission costing more than $10,000. Based on my subsequent discussions with the dealership, I understood that the recommendation relied on a diagnostic scan showing a Shift Solenoid A fault. I was not provided with an explanation of additional testing establishing why replacement of the complete transmission was necessary. I returned the vehicle to my garage for further investigation. I tested all existing transmission solenoids, and all passed the testing I performed. Based on those results and my subsequent repair outcome, I identified the molded lead frame as the source.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the third brake light failed to function as intended. In addition, the rear-view camera flashed on and off. The contact replaced the third brake light housing, but the failure reoccurred. The contact purchased and replaced the third brake light three times; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V082000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible front door unlatched to the secondary safety position while driving at highway speeds. This became a huge issue on October 13, 2026 while taking a long-distance trip. The passenger door unlatched at least 10 times. During this trip, my car exceded the 150,000 mile limit to Ford customer satisfication program 21N10. When I contacted both my local dealer and the Ford customer service team, both said their is nothing they can do to help me. I am quite frustrated that Ford rejected my safety concerns on this known issue and was unwilling to recognize the extunuating circumstances of when this happened.
I have experienced a concerning issue twice while driving. On both occasions, I was traveling at approximately 72 mph with all doors closed and locked when the vehicle indicated that the passenger door was ajar. Although the door did not fully open, it appears that the latch may not have remained securely engaged. My concern is that if I have a passenger in the vehicle and this occurs again, it could create a serious safety risk. I would like to know what may be causing this issue and what can be done to correct it. Could this be related to a defective door latch, sensor, or another component?
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving, all the sudden I heard a pop and a little bit of smoke and the smell of burning plastic came from under passenger seat. Pulled over, noticed it was coming from electrical harness under seat that controls the heated and cooled seats. Disconnected plug and saw that it had burnt out & caught fire. Have left it unplugged with no incident since.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger's side door unlatched unintendedly, and became ajar. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V168000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have attached a complaint which sets for the odometer fraud resulting in severe damage to my engine. I have also attached mileage discrepancies and the documentation created and maintained by AutoNation Ford Valencia which records my odometer at 26,250 in September 2022 and after taking my vehicle in for service of the air condition, I received it back with an odometer reading of 25,134 which appear on the odometer. Please review my complaint and supporting documentation.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine timing cover replacement. The contact believed the engine was damaged while being serviced. Upon retrieval, the check engine light was illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The vehicle had misfired. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving, all the sudden I heard a pop and a little bit of smoke and the smell of burning plastic came from under passenger seat. Pulled over, noticed it was coming from electrical harness under seat that controls the heated and cooled seats. Disconnected plug and saw that it had burnt out & caught fire. Have left it unplugged with no incident since.
Horn when first pushed does not work....Push it 3-4 times rapidly and it works fine...Intermittent....Yesterday a kid not paying attn pulled out in front of me on a bicycle....I hit the horn, horn did not work, came sooooo close to hitting him......With a horn operating properly it would not have been as nearly deadly as it was......Took it to my dealer, was told it is a common known problem, about $1000.00 to troubleshoot and fix....This is a extremely dangerous defect, known to everyone and should be a recall.....The expense to fix is ridiculous to the point that very few are getting it fixed and it is a continuing deadly issue.....
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost unintended downshift; potential relevance to Ford Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237 and Investigation EA26001 I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint concerning a sudden, unintended downshift in my 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost while traveling on Interstate 10 with my wife and son. I request that Ford investigate my vehicle and that NHTSA evaluate whether the lead-frame safety concern addressed by Recall 26S28 / 26V237 may also affect Mustang vehicles and other Ford models equipped with related 6R80 transmission components. On 9/26/2026, while driving on interstate I-10 in New Orleans approximately 60–70 mph, my vehicle suddenly and erratically downshifted to what appeared to be first or second gear. I could not independently verify the precise gear during the emergency. As I attempted to reach the shoulder, the vehicle remained in a low gear, which I understood to be second, and eventually entered limp mode. The abrupt change in speed and inability to accelerate normally created a near-collision situation with other vehicles traveling at interstate speeds. My wife, son, and I were placed in immediate danger. Before this event, I had noticed no signs of transmission trouble. I brought the vehicle to Supreme Ford of Slidell for diagnosis. After the dealership had the vehicle for more than a week, a service representative told me that it needed a replacement transmission costing more than $10,000. Based on my subsequent discussions with the dealership, I understood that the recommendation relied on a diagnostic scan showing a Shift Solenoid A fault. I was not provided with an explanation of additional testing establishing why replacement of the complete transmission was necessary. I returned the vehicle to my garage for further investigation. I tested all existing transmission solenoids, and all passed the testing I performed. Based on those results and my subsequent repair outcome, I identified the molded lead frame as the source.
I am bringing in my 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium due to a serious transmission problem. The vehicle’s 10R60 / 10R80 automatic transmission becomes stuck in Drive/Sport mode and fails to shift properly, which is a significant safety concern since it prevents me from reliably selecting Park or Neutral when needed. I am aware of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and updates related to this transmission family, including but not limited to: - TSB MC-10236680 (May 30, 2023) – 10R60 / 10R80 Automatic Transmission – Harsh/Delayed Engagement And/Or Harsh/Delayed Shift - Identifies PCM/TCM software issues, solenoid strategy concerns, sticking valves in the main control valve body, and axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve. - Calls for PCM/TCM reprogramming, adaptive learning drive cycles, and in some cases valve body or clutch component replacement. - TSB 23-2250 (2023) – 10R60/10R80 Harsh/Delayed Shifts / Engagement - Describes corrective procedures including Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break-In routine, adaptive learning cycles, and parts replacement if necessary. - TSB 18-2079 (2018) – 10R80 Harsh/Delayed Shifts, DTC P0711 - Calls for PCM reprogramming to correct transmission shift concerns. Given these official Ford bulletins acknowledge issues with this transmission design, I am requesting that the dealership: 1. Check for and apply all available PCM/TCM software updates as outlined in the above TSBs. 2. Perform adaptive learning drive cycles or Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break-In procedures where applicable. 3. Inspect for valve body or CDF clutch cylinder defects if symptoms persist. 4. Confirm whether this VIN is covered for these repairs under TSB or goodwill consideration, given the clear overlap between my symptoms and Ford’s published bulletins. Because this is a safety issue (vehicle stuck in gear, inability to properly engage Park/Neutral)
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side seat belts were seizing. The occupants were concerned about being stuck inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The mechanic removed the inside panels of the seat belts and greased and cleaned the parts. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V614000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an inspection was performed, and it was confirmed that the seat belts were working as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Recall performed and tech stated parts were bad and needed desperately and parts were ordered. I have a repair invoice to prove it in my vehicle history. I rescheduled appointment for recall completion and service manager was very rude and stated recall doesn’t even have parts out until 11/2026. When I questioned if recall was performed improperly per TSB she placed me on hold for a while and she said parts department doesn’t have parts for me /never ordered anything and I can’t get the recall done.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving at 70mph and the steering wheel locked without any error showing on the dashboard. Ford could not find a fault when it was connected to a computer. Later after a test drive they confirmed it was the Electronic power assisted gear assembly fault.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was loose. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was hanging off the steering column. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under a recall for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a crack in the metal weld of the vehicle by both top corners of the windshield. This crack has allowed water into the interior of the car and soaked the side airbag in between the driver door and windshield.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn the contact crashed into a vehicle going straight through the intersection. The contact's entire front end crashed into the other vehicle's driver-side front fender by the driver's front wheel. The contact's vehicle spun 180 degrees and the air bags deployed, however, the bags ignited and set the contact's clothes on fire. The vehicle stopped in the roadway. The contact exited and the police arrived on the scene and filed a report. The contact was offered medical attention but instead was taken to the ER by her mother. The contact suffered second-degree burns on her left forearm and elbow, additional burns left side of the abdomen and both shins, also a large cut on her left shin. The contact's only passenger had bruises on his right hip, and no burns or lacerations. The passenger refused medical attention on scene and also did not follow up for medical attention. The vehicle was taken to an impound lot. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a 2017 Ford mustang eco-boost which has a faulty rear view camera. The camera glitches with distorted image with moving horizontal lines. For this exact same issue ford issued a manufacturer Recall Number22S06/22V082, but with a catch. In the recall report they mentioned that camera replacement will apply only for 2015 models. But this issue exists in 2017 models as well and ford need to consider to recall those as well.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated when the HVAC system was engaged to clear the windshield due to overnight condensation, the HVAC system failed to operate as designed and the windshield was not cleared. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact also noted that the air conditioning system was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the evaporator and compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel tank leaking from fuel tank fitting. The tank has been inspected by the ford service department. Car is unsafe to drive. The symptoms are a fuel leak when the tank is full, and a gasoline Oder, again when full. This item was discovered around the first of the year, Ford not able to see the car until March 3rd.
Few months ago, suddendly I got a bad gasoline smell coming from the aft of the car. The smell is strong when I refill the tank. Brought the car to FORD service, they found a very small crack on top of the tank. I'm very surprised how a 5 years car got this kind of safety issue, FORD wants charge me 2000$ to fix it. FYI: I'm not been caught in any kind of accident.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving and the traction control light came on car started shaking, pulled over got out to look and the car was on fire. Fire started in the right rear of the trunk Where the backup camera wire harness is located. It has not been inspected. Car is currently at an impound lot but is available for inspection.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the brake fluid was depleting abnormally. The contact was adding brake fluid constantly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while the dealer was replacing the tires, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The dealer was able to replace the tires; however, the lug nuts were not replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that goodwill assistance could not be provided and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
My wheel lug nuts are damaged and distorted with normal removal and replacement during tire changes. The standard socket no longer fits the nuts unless the socket is hammered onto the nuts.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car makes noises when stealing, really rough on freeway and noisy, stealing shakes. Not acceptable for a car at this price range and claimed quality.
SUSPENSION MAKE A NOISE
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
235 / 55 R 17 At less than 20,000 miles - left rear driverside tire constantly failed to hold air. I have recent photographs at 29k miles showing date stamp of pic, psi levels, tires themselves, and receipts for replacement tires. Also, on several occasions, while driving in light rain, on a side street, between 20-30 miles an hour, I experienced loss of traction, steering, and experienced pitching. Very scary.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Eagle F1, Tire Size: 235/50/R18, DOT Number: M61PKX1R0719. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a loud sound coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and noticed that the rear driver’s side tire had exploded without warning. The spare tire was placed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 29,040.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving home on the freeway, the weld where the clutch pedal joins the pedal assembly failed. This gave the pedal excessive lateral play and created a situation where I was intermittently unable to disengage the clutch and change gears due to the pedal binding or obstruction along its travel.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .