Research · Subcompact Cars

2017 Ford MustangRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 268 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Mustang. Most complaints involve back over prevention (64) and structure (41). The EPA rates it 17–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–24mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Sep 2025
Owner complaints
268
Top: back over prevention
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: pretensioner

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles. Water and road salt may corrode the front seat belt anchor pretensioner cables.

Seat beltsReported Sep 13, 2025NHTSA 25V614000

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Back over preventionReported Sep 4, 2025NHTSA 25V572000

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera wiring may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.

Back over preventionReported Feb 16, 2022NHTSA 22V082000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

268 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2016 – Oct 2026
  1. Back over prevention64
  2. Structure41
  3. Electrical system34
  4. Latches/locks/linkages29
  5. Engine27
  6. Power train22
  7. Seat belts16
  8. Steering11
  9. Air bags10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Mustang model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996304
1997230
1998320
1999297
2000446
2001280
2002209
2003271
2004130
2005868
2006575
2007615
2008347
2009181
2010261
2011466
2012469
2013271
2014359
2015439
2016380
2017268
2018196
2019152
2020122
202155
202250
202315
202485
202520
20268
Crashes reported
14
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
11
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Back over prevention

64 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Back over preventionODI 11761116

Structure

41 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026StructureODI 11772041

Electrical system

34 reports1 crash4 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2026Electrical system, SeatsFire reportedODI 11752554
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 3.7L 6-cyl · 5.0L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Mustang
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
213024$2,700370
Mustang
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
213024$2,700370
Mustang Performance Package
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212824$2,700370
Mustang Convertible
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800386
Mustang Convertible
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212723$2,800386
Mustang Performance Package
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800386
Mustang
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182721$3,050423
Mustang
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182721$3,050428
Mustang
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152418$3,550493
Mustang
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152518$3,550494
Mustang Convertible
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152318$3,550492
Mustang Convertible
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142317$3,800523
  • Mustang
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Performance Package
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    21 city · 28 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Convertible
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    21 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Performance Package
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 24 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 25 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Convertible
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 23 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    14 city · 23 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
—/ 5
Not rated
Ford Mustang C RWD
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
Not rated
Side pole
Not rated
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
8.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
8.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 11206Vehicle 11205
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Mustang questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Mustang have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Ford Mustang problems?

Owners filed 268 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are back over prevention (64), structure (41), electrical system (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Ford Mustang get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Ford Mustang at 17–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Ford Mustang?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Ford Mustang 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026