Problems · by component

2020 Ford Mustang power train problems

26 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Mustang cite power train, 21% of all 122 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
26
21% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026Power trainODI 11773466
“Ford has several technical service bulletins on their 10 speed transmission. I have 28,000 miles on my vehicle and need a new transmission. My service manager says that the earlier 10 speeds have issues with some components that are not strong enough, and that current transmissions have been strengthened. He recommended a new transmission rather than a rebuild, because not all of the weaker parts would be replaced with a rebuild. Ford should at least have to pay part of the cost of a new transmission, since their product appears to be defective. Don't have an invoice yet. Transmission on order, but about $9,500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Power trainODI 11764473
“2020 Ford Mustang with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has a documented history of coolant loss with no visible external leak, consistent with the known coolant-intrusion defect in Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost engines where coolant leaks internally into the cylinders. The vehicle previously threw a cylinder misfire code (P0301) and now shows a crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation fault (P0017). A scan tool confirmed the exhaust camshaft is approximately 18–19 degrees out of correlation. A new variable valve timing oil control solenoid was installed and did NOT resolve the fault, confirming the problem is mechanical — a worn/stretched timing chain. This wear is consistent with the oil dilution and contamination caused by internal coolant intrusion. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center via scan data. The vehicle is available for inspection. Warning symptoms included the check engine light, a loud rattle on cold startup, and occasional hard/no-start conditions. This is a safety concern because internal coolant loss can cause overheating, cylinder head cracking, and potential engine failure or fire while driving. Repair cost quoted at…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 20, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11758368
“The 10-speed automatic transmission on my 2020 Mustang failed internally at approximately 18,073 miles. The vehicle began shifting harshly at low speeds with an intermittent clunk. While driving, the transmission would slip slightly and then either surge forward or hesitate with a dull thud before engaging. The behavior was unpredictable and worsened over time. No warning lamp ever appeared and no diagnostic trouble codes were stored, so the driver gets no advance notice of this condition. This is a safety hazard when pulling into traffic, turning across an intersection, or merging. When power arrives late, abruptly, or not at all, the driver cannot judge a gap in traffic reliably. An authorized Ford dealer verified the concern on a test drive, confirmed the vehicle failed the CDF clutch cylinder leak test, and documented an internal tapping noise in Drive and Reverse. Fluid level was in spec. The dealer performed Ford TSB 25-2475, which addresses harsh and delayed shifting on this transmission: the unit was removed, torn down on the bench, the CDF cylinder replaced, and the unit reassembled and reinstalled. It did not correct the concern. The dealer's written…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 3, 2026Power trainODI 11754618
“My car has always been a little rough on shifting since around 40k miles when I got it. I never really noticed after awhile and never had any problems. No lights flashing or codes no issues with anything under the hood. The other day my trans light popped on, but nothing was wrong the car was still driving fine. I took it in to get looked at the first shop said no codes were popping up and then I took it to another and they said the whole transmission now needs to be replaced. I went to look around and apparently a lot of people have issues with the transmission on the 2020.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 21, 2026Power trainODI 11739282
“IMRC actuator rod broke causing the air/fuel mix to be sporadic. Creating a misfire on random cylinders. Major loss of power and very jerky motions, causing the vehicle to loose control. Luckily it was on an open spacious road. Unfortunately this has been an ongoing problem and there is nobody selling updated parts the electronics will recognize and very difficult to find oe replacement parts, real costly. And may fix the issue for a short period of time. I have a brand new manifold off of a same totaled mustang since Dec 2025 and the same part broke.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 28, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11734247

Showing 6 of 26 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may broadcast an unintended faulted signal to the modules controlling the reverse camera, reverse light, and driver assist features, which may disable all of these functions.

Power trainReported May 27, 2022NHTSA 22V382000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.

Power trainReported May 9, 2020NHTSA 20V263000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

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

Other 2020 Mustang problem areas