RoadVitals

2026 Ford Mustang

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
7
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Aug 25, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Ford Mustang, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and electrical categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 19 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes218.2%
  • Driver assistance218.2%
  • Electrical218.2%
  • Engine218.2%
  • Other / unspecified19.1%
  • Powertrain (other)19.1%
  • Visibility19.1%

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

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
26V548000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Aug 25, 2026
10,001 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S61View on NHTSA.gov
26V547000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Aug 25, 2026
148,663 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness ground connections may fracture and result in a loss of drive power, or a loss of function in the windshield washing system, headlights, air conditioning, or engine cooling fan. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
The risk: A loss of driver power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a loss of headlight function or windshield washing system function can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the engine compartment wiring harness ground terminals, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in March 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C40View on NHTSA.gov
26V418000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Jun 30, 2026
67,842 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD vehicles. During certain cold temperature conditions, the windshield wipers may function only at their high-speed setting and the washing system may fail to function properly.
The risk: Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 2, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C32View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 23, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

Recalls on 2024 Ford Mustangs: On 09/22/2026, at approximately 11:34AM, my Ford Mustang suffered a catastrophic malfunction. When I was braking on the offramp, the brakes did not engage and remained firm and unresponsive. The car immediately accelerated, despite my efforts on the brakes accompanied by the use of the emergency brake. The car continued to accelerate as I was trying to brake, navigating the terrain off the ramp on onto a grassy area. I maneuvered the car between two trees, trying in vain to use the brakes. The Mustang continued accelerating across 25a, until it hit a car on my passenger side, which spun me around- NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ! The car ended up going backwards hitting an i-beam that was supporting the street sign, bending it significantly. I hit my head on the side glass window.Thankfully, this stopped the propulsion of the runaway car and it finally came to a stop. Thank goodness I survived, as did everyone else in the vicinity of the malfunctioning out of control 2026 Ford Mustang.

NHTSA ID
11766530
Incident
Sep 22, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and pulling out of the driveway, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle quickly accelerated. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and opened the case. The failure mileage was 2,500.

NHTSA ID
11764133
Incident
Sep 13, 2026
Mileage
2,500 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 19, 2026

My Mustang prevented me out of nowhere from going over 80, no warning or driver assistance system were active when the incident happened, this car is brand new only 4k miles when it happened, i pulled over to gas station and restarted it, it didnt fix the issue until i let it sit for 20 mins near the gas station their is some kind of glitch in the system and it never happened since but its always in the back of my mind, other owners in 24/25 also reported same issue.

NHTSA ID
11751434
Incident
Apr 17, 2026
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 14, 2026

On XXX I purchased a new 2026 Ford Mustang GT from the dealership at [XXX] and [XXX] in [XXX] 40 Hrs. after the purchase I was traveling on [XXX] Headed west at about 78 MPH the speed limit was 70 MPH., when my driver side rear tire let go, I mean totally blew out. The car slammed to the ground and the rear of the car slide to the right and almost flipped with me in it. I could have very well been killed. I don't know why this happened, but I clearly believe this to be a serious safety issue that needs to be dealt with by the dealership and Ford Motor corporation, next time someone may be killed. I have the tire and pictures of the tire if anyone needs them. I have contacted the dealership and has been speaking to executive Manager [XXX]. When I asked him about inspections and tire pressures before the car was delivered to me, he cut off all communications. I wrote them an official and signed statement by me concerning the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11750303
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 15, 2026

Description On your vehicles engine, one or more of the clips that retain the engines pistons to their connecting rods may be mis-installed or missing. Safety Risk A mis-installed clip may result in an audible knocking noise that increases over time. Progression of this issue can lead to piston failure and engine damage, resulting in a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Parts are available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to inspect your vehicles engine for evidence of mis-installedmissing clips. If found, the engine long block assembly will be replaced free of charge. Recall service not available right now. We have a remedy but parts are not available right now. We will inform you when the service is available. Or, you can contact your dealer.

NHTSA ID
11744348
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Visibility
Filed Jun 14, 2026

9 days after I purchased this 2026 Mustang GT brand new. The first rain storm. After activating the wipers. Said wipers broke and went flying airborne over the vehicle into traffic. At which point I couldn’t see as it was raining heavy. This resulted in a near head on collision with oncoming traffic and the wiper arm damaged the windshield. Obviously Ford installed defective/faulty parts/wipers on the vehicle at the factory. Parts which Fords has claimed they are not responsible or liable for installing damaged. And which Ford refused to warranty. Or accept any responsibility for.

NHTSA ID
11743949
Incident
May 18, 2026
BrakesElectrical
Filed May 9, 2026
Crash reported

The 2026 Ford Mustang was off and rolled away out of the driveway colliding with tree, The incident was caught on my Ring Camera, the electrical system vehicle had acting strangely and kept giving warning the trunk was open and had to go open and close it multiple times. once i parked the vehicle at my house the car rolled away, according to Ford manual the vehicle is equipped this is a failure to the involves a critical safety system (Automatic Return to Park) that is explicitly designed to prevent exactly what happened, you should treat this as a serious safety defect. As of May 2026, Ford has already issued a major recall (Recall 25C69) for rollaway risks in other 2026 models like the Mustang Mach-E and Maverick due to a software fault in the "Integrated Park Module." While your gasoline Mustang (EcoBoost) was not explicitly named in that specific recall, it uses similar electronic shifting logic.

NHTSA ID
11736799
Incident
Mar 31, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 55118

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Some of the following vehicles: * 2023-2025 F-Super Duty built on or before 02-Feb-2025 * 2024-2026 Ranger/Bronco/Mustang * 2024-2025 F-150 built on or before 15-Jul-2025 * 2024-2025 Nautilus built on or before 16-Feb-2025 * 2025 Explorer/Aviator built on or before 01-Feb-2025 may exhibit all of the following symptoms: - "No Key Detected" message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). - Key fob does not work in the backup slot. - Remote keyless entry (RKE) (lock and unlock from the key fob) functionality will work to lock/unlock the vehicle. If the vehicle exhibits these symptoms, start the vehicle using both key fobs. If the no crank/no start condition with "No Key Detected" concern is present, reprogram both key fobs and retest. If the no crank/no start condition with "No Key Detected" is still present, replace the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and labor operation MT55118SSM up to 1.8 hours.

SSM 55072

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Some 2025-2026 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L or 2.3L engine and built on 15-Aug-2025 and through 01-Dec-2025 may exhibit various drivability symptoms and/or have diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) related to throttle/pedal position circuits. This may be caused by a spread terminal at the PCM connector. Inspect for loose fitting terminals at C1551B for 2.3L vehicles, and C175B on 5.0L vehicles. Refer to the appropriate Wiring Diagram Cells for circuit identification and wiring repair information. Wire terminal repair kit part DU2Z-14474-CA is recommended for this repair. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005 for repair procedures. For claiming, use causal part 14290 and labor operations 12651D, 12651D45 and 12651D45WR.

SSM 55061

STRUCTURE:BODY; VISIBILITY/WIPER

Some 2024-2026 Mustang vehicles built on or before 23-Apr-2026 may exhibit a sagging headliner appearance at the door openings which show the raw headliner edge untucked from the door glass run. An updated door glass run has been released for service (Left Side:PR3Z-6321597-B, Right side:PR3Z-6321596-B). Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 501-05.

SSM 55031

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operating properly with no charging related diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored. This may be due to someone using an aftermarket programmer to change the body control module (BCM) configuration to disable the auto start/stop system or perform other unsupported programming modifications. To correct this condition on F-150 and Bronco vehicles, download and run the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) application titled "BCM-Charging System Configuration Correction". Running this application will determine if the BCM configuration was modified by the customer and if so, provide the option to return the configuration back to factory settings. For other vehicle models exhibiting concerns related to unsupported aftermarket BCM programming, submit a Technical Support Request (TSR) requesting support to revert the BCM configuration

SSM 55021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Bronco Sport/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Maverick/Mustang/Mustang Mach-E/Ranger vehicles may exhibit a no audio/sound condition. This may be due to the software in the audio control module (ACM). To determine if it is a software concern, disconnect the vehicle's 12-volt battery cables for 10 minutes and reconnect. If the concern is still present, continue with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00 Information and Entertainment System > General Information > Diagnosis and Testing and repair as necessary outside of this article. If the no audio/sound concern is resolved, reprogram the ACM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). For claiming, use causal part 18C869 and labor operations 10654C, 12651D and 12651D4.

SSM 55008

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS; VISIBILITY/WIPER

Some 2021-2026 Ford vehicles may exhibit inoperative heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel and/or front/rear defrost features after a remote start is performed through the Ford mobile application or with the key fob. Customers may also experience heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel and/or front/rear defrost features turning on in unexpected conditions such as during warmer weather. These features will operate normally when commanded in the center display screen. This may be due to the customer not setting up their "Climate Settings" through the Ford mobile application. To correct this condition, inform the customer they should perform a remote start from the Ford mobile application and then adjust the "Climate Settings" in the Ford mobile application as desired. These settings only need to be set once and will persist through subsequent remote starts. Heated and cooled seats will be set to Level 2 when turned ON via "Climate Settings" in the Ford mobile application during a remote start event. This is normal operating characteristic. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and no a

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Mustang by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026Viewing750—
2025176056.9
20248012057.8
2023156062.6
2022499058.2
2021556058.6
20201208169.7
20191496056.0
20181934056.4
20172656163.1
20163775158.7
201543611363.1
20143594054.3
20132716051.8
20124697154.0
20114665153.0
20102616052.9
20091816055.6
20083478462.3
20076159462.7
20064249359.5
20057059358.2
20041166364.9
20031456366.8
20021186161.3
20011738162.6
20003119163.8
199921310163.9
199823614265.3
199717611261.3
199624612361.8
199560216466.0
199435613464.3
19931017168.6
1992695372.1
1991776269.6
1990855372.8
19891095472.0
19881085573.3
1987385673.3
1986302568.0
1985163470.8
1984184467.0
1983513—
1982114—
1981024—
1980422—
1979072—
1978350—
1977030—
1976230—
1975001—
1974010—
1973010—
1972010—
1971010—
1970020—
1969340—
1968120—
1967250—
1966410—
1965410—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.