Research · Subcompact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2019 Ford MustangRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 152 owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Mustang. Most complaints involve engine (54) and electrical system (32). The EPA rates it 18–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
18–25mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Jun 2026
Owner complaints
152
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Electrical system: instrument cluster

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 19V076. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Electrical systemReported Jun 9, 2026NHTSA 26V372000

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: software

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Back over preventionReported Jun 27, 2025NHTSA 25V442000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

152 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2019 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine54
  2. Electrical system32
  3. Power train28
  4. Engine and engine cooling11
  5. Structure9
  6. Steering6
  7. Latches/locks/linkages6
  8. Wheels6
  9. Service brakes5

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
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
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

Engine

54 reports
“A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings. Gas pedal doesn't act and doesn't even effect the car's engine. And suddenly it catches up and jerks.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026EngineODI 11774190

Electrical system

32 reports
“Upon start up the digital cluster remains blank. This happens often now. Th cluster remains blank when this happens until the car is off for over an hour or disconnecting the negative battery (soft reset). While this is going on the vehicle isn't safe to drive. No speed, gear, emergency alerts, nothing is visible.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Electrical systemODI 11760033

Power train

28 reports
“Head gasket blew, and car overheated immediately on the freeway, with no warning signs, and at only 43,000 miles when a failure like this should not occur. Had to find a place to pull over and be towed to avoid more engine damage. Both independent mechanic and Ford dealership has confirmed this. Official diagnosis is "Remove and replace cylinder head assembly and replace head gasket – coolant intrusion cylinder 1, P0316, P0301.” Apparently it's a known issue with this particular engine and has a pending lawsuit.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11764158
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 5.0L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S10) · 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 (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
213225$2,550355
Mustang
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
213125$2,550359
Mustang Convertible
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800389
Mustang Convertible
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800385
Mustang Performance Package
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800386
Mustang Performance Package
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202723$2,800385
Mustang
Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162519$3,400471
Mustang
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152418$3,550490
Mustang Bullitt
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152418$3,550490
Mustang Convertible
Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152418$3,550491
  • Mustang
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    21 city · 32 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    21 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Convertible
    Auto (S10), 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
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Performance Package
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Performance Package
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    16 city · 25 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 24 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Bullitt
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 24 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Convertible
    Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 24 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    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

3 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 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
9.3%
Overall
— / 5
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 GT350R 2 DR RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 13250Vehicle 13249Vehicle 13251
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

2019 Mustang questions

How many recalls does the 2019 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 2019 Ford Mustang problems?

Owners filed 152 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (54), electrical system (32), power train (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Ford Mustang get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Ford Mustang at 18–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Ford Mustang?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Ford Mustang 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026