Research · Subcompact Cars

2024 Ford MustangRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 85 owner complaints for the 2024 Ford Mustang. Most complaints involve electrical system (41) and engine (11). The EPA rates it 17–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–26mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
12campaigns
Latest Aug 2026
Owner complaints
85
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Service brakes

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles. The brake pedal assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loose brake pedal.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Nov 28, 2023NHTSA 23V800000

Electrical system: wiring

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness ground connections may fracture and result in a loss of drive power, or a loss of function in the windshield washing system, headlights, air conditioning, or engine cooling fan. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Electrical systemReported Aug 25, 2026NHTSA 26V547000

Visibility: windshield wiper

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD vehicles. During certain cold temperature conditions, the windshield wipers may function only at their high-speed setting and the washing system may fail to function properly.

VisibilityReported Jun 30, 2026NHTSA 26V418000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

85 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system41
  2. Engine11
  3. Power train10
  4. Exterior lighting8
  5. Air bags7
  6. Structure6
  7. Service brakes6
  8. Forward collision avoidance5
  9. Steering4

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
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
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

Electrical system

41 reports
“I own a 2024 Ford Mustang (VIN above) subject to safety recall 26V547 / Ford 26C40 for engine wiring-harness ground eyelets that can fracture and cause loss of motive power. As of Oct 10, 2026, Ford's VIN lookup still shows the recall incomplete with no remedy or parts available and no dealer able to schedule the repair. Ford anticipates parts around Dec 21, 2026, while NHTSA's filing points to remedy owner letters around March 2027 — months after the Aug 25, 2026 campaign. I attempted to open a Ford Customer Relationship Center case via Ford's online chat on Oct 9 (evening) and again Oct 10, 2026 at 9:21 AM ET; both times only an AI assistant responded, live agents were unavailable, and no case number was issued. The vehicle is unlisted from rental use until the safety repair is completed, resulting in documented loss of use (about $3,276 in 2026 rental earnings before the grounding, roughly $150 per trip). I am reporting the extended remedy delay and requesting NHTSA record it; I am separately pursuing a case number, written remedy timeline, and goodwill/loss-of-use review with Ford CRC by phone at 1-800-392-3673.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11770513

Engine

11 reports
“I purchased this vehicle CPO and shortly after purchase the vehicle experienced a major mechanical failure involving the clutch/transmission. The vehicle had a prior safety recall (Recall #24S36) listed as “completed” before I purchased it. However, the issue has now reoccurred despite that recall being marked as repaired. The dealership is now claiming the failure is due to “wear and tear,” but the failure occurred after only approximately 1,000 miles of driving since purchase, which raises concern that the defect existed prior to sale or that the recall repair was not properly completed. The vehicle is currently unsafe to drive due to the risk of sudden loss of power and drivability issues. I do not feel safe operating the vehicle. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a potential recall-related defect or improper recall repair, as it poses a safety risk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11732865

Power train

10 reports
“COMPONENT / SYSTEM FAILED: The Electronic Power Steering Assist / Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) and vehicle electrical ground system failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. RISK TO SAFETY & NEAR-MISS INCIDENT: While driving on the highway at 62 mph in light rain, the electronic power steering assist cut out completely without warning. The steering wheel instantly became extremely stiff and heavy, giving the immediate sensation of locked steering. Because power assist cut out without warning, the vehicle drifted toward a concrete side wall and adjacent highway lanes with heavy semi-truck traffic. I had to exert significant manual force to keep the car straight, gradually decelerate, and bring the vehicle to a safe stop. This failure created an imminent risk of a high-speed rollover or collision with surrounding tractor-trailers. DIAGNOSIS & INSPECTION STATUS: The incident occurred over the weekend on October 10, 2026, while the dealership service center was closed. The vehicle has not yet been inspected or reproduced by a dealer, service center, or law enforcement, but will be presented to the dealer as soon as they open. WARNING…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 11, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11770396
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 5.0L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 10-spd · 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 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Rear-Wheel Drive
223326$2,450341
Mustang Performance Package
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212924$2,700368
Mustang
Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, with Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive
162419$3,400467
Mustang
Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152418$3,550492
Mustang
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L, with Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive
152318$3,550494
Mustang
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142317$3,800515
Mustang Dark Horse
Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142217$3,800524
Mustang Dark Horse
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142217$3,800535
  • Mustang
    Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI
    22 city · 33 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Performance Package
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    21 city · 29 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, with Stop-Start
    16 city · 24 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 24 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L, with Stop-Start
    15 city · 23 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    14 city · 23 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Dark Horse
    Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    14 city · 22 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Mustang Dark Horse
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    14 city · 22 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
7.9%
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
7.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 19150Vehicle 19149
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

2024 Mustang questions

How many recalls does the 2024 Ford Mustang have?

12 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 2024 Ford Mustang problems?

Owners filed 85 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (41), engine (11), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2024 Ford Mustang get?

The EPA rates the 2024 Ford Mustang at 17–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

How safe is the 2024 Ford Mustang?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2024 Ford Mustang 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026