NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 122 owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Mustang. Most complaints involve electrical system (26) and power train (26). The EPA rates it 17–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Mustang model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 304 |
| 1997 | 230 |
| 1998 | 320 |
| 1999 | 297 |
| 2000 | 446 |
| 2001 | 280 |
| 2002 | 209 |
| 2003 | 271 |
| 2004 | 130 |
| 2005 | 868 |
| 2006 | 575 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 261 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 359 |
| 2015 | 439 |
| 2016 | 380 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 196 |
| 2019 | 152 |
| 2020 | 122 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 85 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 8 |
“Mechanic confirmed internal steering rack failure. Mechanic also confirmed every front suspension component is loose/makes noise. Mechanic informed me that this specific vehicle model and year is known for this steering rack problem. I did further research after getting an over $10,000 bill and realized that this problem has been recalled but our vehicle is not included because it was only for 2022-2023 (we own a 2020). I also found MANY other people complaining online about the same problem and some of which has exact scenarios as us (all of different model years). One person had a distorted backup camera and the failing steering rack which is what is going on with us. The backup camera was recalled. I have reason to believe there is an electrical problem with the car because most issues we have are electrical. The steering rack is not hydraulic it’s electrical. We have also had the cars internal tire pressure meter reading low/high when it is not. I am concerned about driving the vehicle because the steering could lock up. It is currently making an very loud noise when turning the wheel. I am also concerned about this potentially ruining the suspension. The…”
“2020 Ford mustang with the 10 tr80 transmission, failed at 44,600 miles. Just out of the power train warranty of 6 years. I was driving down the road fork in the road I went to the right letting up off the gas and when I went to step on the gas again there was no transmission.”
“Vehicle has 396 miles on the odometer. While preparing to back up, with the engine idling , the engine shut off without warning and I had no control of the steering and would not restart when I attempted to do so. This could have put anyone behind me at sever risk or maybe caused an accident should I have been on the highway. The car was towed to my Ford Dealer (Varsity Ford, Ann Arbor, MI) and after inspection they informed the engine had a failure and needed to be replaced and gave me a price of $19,900. No other warning lights or messages prior to complete engine failure.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 32 | 25 | $2,550 | 354 |
| Mustang Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,700 | 364 |
| Mustang Convertible Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Mustang Convertible Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Mustang HO Convertible Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Mustang HO Coupe Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Mustang HO Coupe Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 389 |
| Mustang HO Convertible Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 406 |
| Mustang Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,400 | 472 |
| Mustang Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,550 | 493 |
| Mustang Convertible Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,550 | 484 |
| Mustang Bullitt Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 23 | 17 | $3,800 | 514 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
8 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.
Owners filed 122 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (26), power train (26), engine (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Ford Mustang at 17–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Ford Mustang 5 out of 5 stars overall.