Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:09 am
Since the beginning of the Mustang series’ production in 1964, Ford’s been pushing out countless breathtaking models with motorheads on the edge of their seats. Mustangs have a lot to give. They’re built with stunning designs along with durable and impressive parts. It’s a no-brainer that Mustangs are some of the most highly sought-after cars.
Now, whether you’re thinking of getting a Mustang yourself or are just a curious cat- a question might have popped up in your head.
Ford Mustang Reliability: Are Ford Mustangs Reliable?
The Ford Mustang is known for its reliability, and the latest study confirms this. The car has a 4-star reliability rating, and it continues to be one of the best-selling cars in the world.
The car is the best choice for those who are looking for a high-performance sports car at an affordable price. The yearly reliability score of the Mustang is also an excellent indicator of the quality of the car.
The Ford Mustang 3.7 V6 has an excellent reliability rating, but the 2010-2013 models have a lower overall score because of their body integrity. However, the 3.7-liter V6 is a solid choice for those who want to maximize their MPG.
The 3.7L V6 engine is more reliable than the 3.5L version, and it produces 201-305 horsepower. The Ford Mustang 3.7-liter engine is also the best choice for those looking for better MPG. The 3.8-liter EcoBoost makes a Mustang even more reliable, but it’s not for everyone.
The Ford Mustang’s reliability is above average, according to a variety of consumer surveys.
According to the website RepairPal, the Mustang’s reliability score is 3.5 out of 5, and it ranks 20th out of 24 midsize cars.
The 2015 and 2016 Mustangs received 1 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports, while the 2017 and 2018 models got 2 stars. The 2015 model had seven recalls.
JD Power gave the Mustang a 4-star reliability rating and Consumer Reports gave it a 3-star rating.
The 2020 Ford Mustang has two minor recalls, one for the pre-collision assist feature, and one for the system that warns the driver when the car is out of park. Overall, the Ford Mustang has excellent reliability and has consistently improved quality over the years. It is the number one sports car in the world, and the best seller.
The 2017 and 2018 models also scored well in terms of reliability. The car has a long-lifetime warranty, which is important for those who own a sports car. The 2020 model has a great reputation for reliability.
The new 2020 model was designed to be marketed worldwide. The base model is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Its optional features include adaptive cruise control and an automatic parking sensor.
The Ford Mustang has a reputation for reliability. While the car has a reputation for being expensive, it is still more affordable than many other sports cars.
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How long do Ford Mustangs last?
To put it shortly, they last a long time. You can rack up 200,000 miles on a Mustang without ever needing any major repairs or conditioning.
On average, a car is driven around 12,000 miles per year. So it would take approximately 14 to 16 years for a Ford Mustang to tire out. If the car is taken care of properly, and there aren’t any issues with the manufacturer’s parts, there’s not much to worry about.
A 1996 Ford Mustang GT owner notched up a hefty 300,000 miles before a minor issue with the clutch appeared. Another Mustang owner got 400,000 miles on it without needing major repairs of any kind!
You still need to take it to the shop for servicing every once in a while. Proper maintenance is mandatory if you want to lengthen your Mustang’s lifespan!
How Long Does Ford Mustang Last Compared to Similar Cars?
You need to be careful and attentive to the specs before deciding on a car; it’s a given since that car you choose will be with you for a while. Besides, a sports car like a Mustang is no small deal. So, take a look at the comparison tables we’ve put down below to help you make up your mind!
Comparison Chart Between 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E and 2021 Tesla Model Y
| Model | Price (MSRP) | Warranty (Basic) | Charging time | Fuel economy | Pros | Cons | Overall rating |
| 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E | $59,900 | 3 yr./36000 mi | 10.3 hrs | 40 KWh/100 mi | – Large center touch screen looks amazing and is easy to use
– Snazzy handling and acceleration. | -Brakes are hard to use for consistently stopping smoothly. -Limited number of front seat adjustments. | 4.3/5 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | $62,990 | 4 yr./50000 mi | 11.8 hrs | 30 KWh/100 mi | – Roomy sitting front and rear.
– Convenient supercharger network for long-distance driving. | -No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration.
-Optional third row of seats is barely usable. | 3.8/5 |
Comparison Chart Between 2021 Ford Mustang And 2022 Chevrolet Camaro
| Model | Price (MSRP) | Warranty (Basic) | Fuel capacity | Engine power | Pros | Cons | Overall rating |
| 2021 Ford Mustang | $27,155 | 3 yr./36000 mi | 15.5 gal. | 310 hp at 5500 rpm | -Strong power from both the 4-cylinders and V8 engines. -civilized ride with minimal noise. | -Long, hefty doors and uncomfortable cabin entry -Inconvenient backseat | 3.9/5 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Camaro | $25,000 | 3 yr./36000 mi | 19.0 gal. | 275 hp at 5600 rpm | -V6 and V8 engines provide strong acceleration. -Handling around curves is surprisingly crisp and agile. | -Difficult to see out of -The back seat is too tiny, so it’s practically useless. | 3.7/5 |
Comparison Chart Between 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 And 2021 BMW M4
| Model | Price (MSRP) | Warranty (Basic) | Fuel capacity | Engine power | Pros | Cons | Overall rating |
| 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | $70,300 | 3 yr./36000 mi | 13 gal. | 760 hp at 7300 rpm | -Huge power from supercharged V8 engine -High-speed handling aided by aerodynamics | -Thick seat bolsters make entry and exit difficult -Disappointing quality from standard audio system | 4/5 |
| 2021 BMW M4 | $71,800 | 4 yr./50000 mi | 15.6 gal. | 473 hp at 6250 rpm | -Muscular acceleration -Grippy handling with lots of available driver-seat adjustments | -Some drive settings are needlessly complex. -Polarizing grille design | 3.9/5 |
Some Problems You Might Face with a Mustang
It’s easy to say Ford Mustangs do have highs and lows. Maintenance is important. It can prolong your car’s life and improve performance. Without proper maintenance, a car can easily get majorly damaged sooner than expected.
A Mustang can go about 10-12 years of usage before it falls victim to a car’s greatest enemy- rust. Users confirmed that the rear axle and the hood usually get covered in rust before starting to spread. Ford unfortunately doesn’t apply undercoating to their vehicles, which lets the rust form.
Corrosion on the hood of Mustangs has been an issue for Ford Mustangs from previous model years. The most notable cases are from the paint blistering seen on some 2007 and 2010 Ford Mustangs. This is why Ford used aluminum hoods but failed to properly insulate them from the previous model year’s iron-based connecting and supporting parts.
Other problems include worn tie rod ends, camshaft position sensor issues and body paint problems.
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Best and Worst Years & Models for the Ford Mustang
Like any other car, the Ford Mustang has had its fair share of good and bad years.
Best Years
The Ford S197 (2005-2014) Mustangs are regarded as the highest grade and are said to be the greatest generation of Mustang. Don’t underestimate it; it delivers well. It’s visually pleasing, along with having 4 wheel disc brakes; the Super Snake version has an 850 hp engine for speedster— and almost every component can be modified or replaced!
The first generation of the Ford Mustang reached peak sales of 2.98 million units. The second generation sold more than a million examples. The fourth generation broke this record in 2000, when it sold a record 166,500 units. The current sixth generation has only sold 122,349 examples.
This article will focus on the best years of the Ford Mustang. This article is not a comprehensive list of the best years of the Mustang, but it will give you a good idea of which model you should buy.
The original Mustang, which was introduced four months early, was called the 1964 1/2 model. This model had VIN numbers of 1965, making it an econo car. But clever marketing and design helped this car become a huge hit.
The first year of production saw the Mustang sell more than 300,000 units. By the end of the year, the Ford Mustang had surpassed its original sales target and was built at a million cars.
The second best year of the Mustang was 1966, when the company sold 607,500 units. The number of Mustangs sold that year exceeded the projected sales of the sixth-generation Mustang for the years 2014-2020.
The third best year of the Ford was 1967, with 472,000 units. No other model year of the Mustang has sold more than 400,000 units. So which years are the best? Read on to find out!
Worst Years
The worst model by far is the 2010 Ford Mustang. It had multiple problems considering design flaws, corrosion forming on the body, and the paint bubbling up easily. It’s generally disliked among motorheads.
In the worst years of the Ford Mustang, there were many problems that were common across the lineup, including bad fuel economy, steering issues, and an unnecessarily high price. Then came the emergence of the 1976 model, which was designed to compete with Japanese sports cars and their fuel efficiency.
The result was the infamous “Mustang E”, or the “Mustang Economy.” This was a misstep, and it became the most famous of all the problems that arose with the car over the years.
The Cobra II Mustang is the most infamous year of the first generation, as it has little performance and a pathetic power plant. It has divided Mustang enthusiasts since it was introduced and has since largely gone out of production. Some claim it is the worst Mustang ever built, while others defend it as the model that helped keep the brand alive during the oil crisis and emergence of emissions regulations. The Cobra II is a small, light, and cheap vehicle with a manual transmission and double wishbone front suspension.
The S550 is one of the worst Mustangs ever, and the redesign made it even worse. It was a huge mistake to replace the Fox body with a vulcanized shell, and it caused even more division among Mustang fans. The S550 also introduced a new generation of powertrain problems. A new generation of Ford Mustangs meant a new generation of problems. The powertrain was now a clunky mess, which caused jerking driving, and caused numerous accidents.
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So, How Can I Properly Maintain My Ford Mustang?
- Start your car at least once a day to keep it active.
- Buy and use higher-grade tires for a better driving experience and to reduce harm to the car itself.
- Wax it every once in a while. It’ll protect the body of your car while also making it look brand new.
- Exposure to sunlight speeds up paint blistering, so make sure you keep it in an indoor garage for protection!
- Speaking of harsh environments, keep it out of damp places. The water will get in between crevices and damage inner components! Don’t be lazy and leave it out in the snow either.
- Do regular oil changes.
- Take it to the shop routinely to get it serviced.
- Check fluids, change oil and make sure nothing dries out and sticks.
- Apply undercoating to prevent rust.
Regularly maintain the health of your car like this with minor repairs here and there, then you can use your wonderful Mustang tension-free for a long, long time without major issues.
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