2018 Ford Mustang Fuel system Problems

I own a 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle initially developed a check-engine light and was diagnosed with P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire), P0316 (startup misfire), and P018C (fuel pressure sensor circuit low). On August 24, 2026, all four spark plugs and one ignition coil were replaced, and a fuel/induction cleaning service was performed. The P018C repair was declined at that time. On September 10, 2026, the vehicle started with an extremely rough idle and produced a very large cloud of white, sweet-smelling exhaust smoke. The check-engine light came on. The original codes, including the misfire codes, were present along with additional codes. The vehicle underwent approximately three hours of diagnostics and road testing. The codes were cleared, and afterward only P018C returned. Testing reportedly did not identify a head-gasket leak, but visible white smoke was still coming from the exhaust when I left the repair facility. Possible coolant intrusion involving the turbocharger was discussed, but the source was not confirmed. Later that day, the vehicle would not crank in Park but started in Neutral. While driving home, the engine began idling so violently at a traffic light that the entire vehicle shook and the tachometer fluctuated significantly. Before September 10, the vehicle had never produced white exhaust smoke, never shaken violently at idle, and always started. The repair facility attempted to inspect the cylinders with a borescope, but both of its borescopes were not functioning. I am concerned about possible coolant intrusion or another engine defect because of the Cylinder 3/startup misfire history, heavy white sweet-smelling exhaust, and severe intermittent rough running. The cause has not yet been confirmed, and I am concerned about possible engine failure or loss of power while driving.

NHTSA ID

11763539

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

While completing a turn at a T-intersection, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power for several seconds, leaving the car stationary in the path of oncoming traffic. The transmission (10R80) failed to engage, a known symptom of internal CDF Drum sleeve failure (TSB 24-2254). This follows a 'Green' inspection by a dealer on March 23rd where an axle seal leak and shifting issues were overlooked. The failure to engage gear during a turn creates an unreasonable risk of a T-bone collision.

NHTSA ID

11732274

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

The vehicle jolts when placed from park or reverse to Drive after being driven 30 or more minutes or driving 10+ miles. I had previously sent it to 3 different dealerships and only one was able to temporarily resolve the issue. They had to adjust the issue through a computer system. However, after 6-12 months, it is happening again. I feel that is a property or safety issue for drivers because, the transmission or shift change makes the vehicle jump forward and if not carefully could possibly hit another vehicle or person that passes through the front side of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11687193

Incident

Sep 14, 2025

Car jerking,Rpm needle jumps alot,feel like im going to run into someone or something, not getting gas mileage like before.

NHTSA ID

11654386

Incident

Mar 13, 2025

Gas tank does not fill properly. Gas back feeds up the tube and all over the car. To fill gas tank it takes about 30min pumping a few cents at a time.

NHTSA ID

11637343

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

My digital dashboard has not been working for a year now, it’s a black screen. I am also having problems with my fuel pump. I can’t fill my car all the way up with gas or else my car will not start.

NHTSA ID

11423490

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

ENGINE SHUTS DOWN REPEATEDLY AND SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY, CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. COMMENTS FOUND ON INTERNET INDICATE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR MANY PRODUCTION YEARS. SURPRISINGLY, NO RECALLS FROM FORD OR ACTION TAKEN BY NHTSA.

NHTSA ID

11204523

Incident

Oct 25, 2018

Mileage

600 mi

I PURCHASED A NEW 2018 FORD MUSTANG 2 DR 4 CYL ECOBOOST ON JULY 9TH 2018. ON AUGUST 15, AFTER HAVING DINNER WITH PARENTS AT THE HOUSE, I WENT TO VISIT SOME FRIENDS IN DAVIE AND IT WAS APROX 7:45 PM WHILE DRIVING ON A 4 LANE ROAD DIVIDED BY A MEDIAN. ROAD HAS FREQUENT SPEEDBUMPS AND THE MEDIAN HAS MATURE TREES. WHILE TRAVELING ON THIS ROAD - I FELT NAUSEOUS AND PLACED BOTH HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUDDENLY THE ROAD BECAME BLURRY AND I LOST CONCIOUSNESS AND STRUCK A TREE IN THE MEDIAN. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND ACCORDING TO A POLICE OFFICER, HE TRIED TO REVIVE ME AND TO HELP ME GET OUT, HOWEVER MY LEGS WERE BROKEN AND INJURED. MY RIGHT LEG WAS BROKEN AND MY LEFT LEG WAS BADLY INJURED. I WAS WEARING A HIGH BOOT ON THE LEFT FOOT AND NO BOOT ON THE RIGHT FOOT IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE COMFORTABLY. SECONDS AFTER THE POLICE OFFICER REMOVED ME FROM THE CAR, THE CAR EXPLODED. I BELIEVE THAT I WAS SOLD A DEFECTIVE CAR THAT LEAKED POISENOUS GASES WHICH CAUSED ME TO PASS OUT AND CRASH I TO A TREE. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE POLICE OFFICER, I WOULD HAVE DIED TRAPPED IN THE BURNING CAR.

NHTSA ID

11121499

Incident

Aug 15, 2018

Mileage

1,500 mi