For over half a century, the Ford Mustang has been an enduring symbol of American muscle, delivering thrilling performance to generations of car enthusiasts. While some competitors have come and gone, the Mustang firmly holds its ground as a beloved sports car. However, like many performance vehicles, the Mustang isn’t universally known for stellar reliability. If you’re considering a pre-owned Mustang, knowing the most reliable Ford Mustang year is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore recent Mustang generations to pinpoint the best Ford Mustang year for reliability and highlight models you might want to avoid.
2005-2014 Ford Mustang (5th Generation): A Blend of Retro Style and Modern Muscle
Unless vintage is your priority, the fifth-generation Mustang (2005-2014) offers a compelling blend of classic design and contemporary performance in the used car market. The 2005 model year marked a significant redesign, celebrated for its improved comfort, updated styling, and enhanced performance.
Buy: 2005 Ford Mustang – A Solid Start to a Generation
Debut models of new vehicle generations can sometimes be plagued with initial issues. Fortunately, the 2005 Ford Mustang largely bucked this trend, establishing itself as a generally reliable sports car despite some reported problems.
CarComplaints.com indicates over 1,000 complaints and nine recalls for the 2005 Mustang. The primary concern reported by owners is the transmission system. Around the 60,000-mile mark, some 2005 Mustangs experienced transmission failure, often signaled by gear slippage beforehand. Additionally, over 20 complaints detail paint oxidation beneath the surface, particularly on the hood, which can detract from the car’s appearance.
Despite these issues, the 2005 Mustang remains a dependable option if you’re seeking an affordable and fun used sports car. Thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the transmission and paint, is advisable.
Avoid: 2006 Ford Mustang – A Year Marred by Issues
The 2006 model year is less recommendable. The NHTSA records a significant 560 user complaints for the 2006 Mustang. A large portion of these complaints relate to the widespread Takata airbag recalls. Furthermore, the 2006 Mustang continued to suffer from the paint oxidation and hood rust issues seen in the 2005 model, making it a less desirable choice. Steering clear of the 2006 Ford Mustang can save you potential headaches down the road.
Buy: 2008 Ford Mustang – A Fifth Generation Standout
The 2008 year stands out as arguably the Best Year Of The Mustang within the fifth generation and is a strong contender for the most reliable Ford Mustang year overall in this era. Consumer Reports awarded the 2008 Mustang a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0. This exceptional score covered critical areas including the engine, drive system, electrical components, and brakes.
While the bubbling paint issue persisted as a potential concern, it was less frequently reported than in earlier years of this generation. Prior to purchasing a 2008 model, carefully inspect for any paint imperfections.
Avoid: 2010-2012 Ford Mustang – Paint Corrosion Concerns
The 2010 through 2012 Mustang models aren’t plagued by major mechanical failures, but they are the most susceptible within this generation to body and paint problems. The 2010 Ford Mustang, for instance, attracted 27 complaints specifically about hood corrosion. One owner from Glen Mills shared their experience:
“I have a 2010 Ford Mustang, original owner. This car only has 21,800 miles on it and has been very well-kept and is in new condition EXCEPT the paint is now bubbling on my hood! After doing some research on this, I found out that this is apparently a known Ford defect for many different Ford models and many different Ford years!”
If you want to avoid potential cosmetic issues and rust concerns, it’s best to bypass these model years.
Buy: 2014 Ford Mustang – The Pinnacle of the S197 Generation
The 2014 Ford Mustang is highly desirable as the final model year of the S197 fifth generation. It’s an excellent sports car, offering powerful V6 and V8 engine options and extensive customization possibilities. Crucially, it boasts an outstanding reliability record. Consumer Reports again awarded the 2014 Ford Mustang a top-tier reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0. While some reports of bubbling paint on the hood still exist, it’s less common in this model year compared to earlier ones.
2015-2023 Ford Mustang (6th Generation): Modern Performance and Mostly Solid Reliability
The sixth-generation Mustang (2015-2023) brought a sharp styling evolution and introduced a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to the lineup. Overall reliability is strong in this generation, although certain model years warrant caution.
Avoid: 2015-2016 Ford Mustang – Early Sixth Generation Hiccups
The 2015 and 2016 Mustangs are not inherently unreliable, and they feature robust engines delivering impressive performance. However, they experienced a higher number of minor reliability issues that might deter some buyers.
Paint peeling was a notable concern for the 2015 Mustang, frequently reported around the 30,000-mile mark, particularly on surfaces exposed to sunlight. Additionally, some Mustangs equipped with the EcoBoost engine encountered shaking and stalling problems, often resolved by replacing the crankcase ventilation valve (PCV).
Buy: 2018-2019 Ford Mustang – Sixth Generation Reliability Leaders
For a blend of performance, value, and reliability in the sixth generation, the 2018 and 2019 Ford Mustangs are excellent choices. Benefiting from an independent rear suspension, these models offer superb handling and ride quality alongside potent powertrains. Ford also significantly improved the reliability of these Mustang iterations.
CarComplaints.com indicates only around 130 complaints and three recalls for the 2018 Mustang. The 2019 Ford Mustang shows even fewer complaints and the same number of recalls. Issues reported for these years are primarily electrical or technology-related, notably absent are the persistent paint problems seen in other Mustang years.
Consumer Reports corroborated these findings, granting both the 2018 and 2019 models a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 Reliability Verdict and a 4.0 out of 5.0 Owner Satisfaction rating. Consumer Reports suggests these Mustang years are more reliable than the average sports car. While the 2018 model had slightly lower scores in transmission and suspension reliability from Consumer Reports, these areas improved in the 2019 model.
FAQs: Determining the Most Reliable Ford Mustang Years
Q: Which Ford Mustang years stand out for their reliability?
A: For buyers seeking a used Ford Mustang known for reliability, the 2005, 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2019 models are excellent choices. These years consistently receive positive reviews for performance, styling, and a lower incidence of reported problems.
Q: Why is the 2006 Ford Mustang a year to potentially avoid?
A: The 2006 model year experienced a surge in complaints, primarily linked to the Takata airbag recalls and recurring paint oxidation issues, particularly on the hood. These problems, especially the cosmetic paint issues, can detract from the overall ownership experience.
Q: Are there specific years between 2010 and 2012 I should be wary of?
A: Yes, the 2010 to 2012 Ford Mustang models are more prone to body and paint issues. The 2010 model, in particular, received numerous complaints regarding hood corrosion. While offering the Mustang driving experience, these years come with a higher risk of cosmetic and rust-related problems.
Q: What makes the 2014 Ford Mustang a recommended model?
A: The 2014 Mustang, marking the end of the S197 generation, is highly sought after for its robust engine options, customization potential, and strong reliability reputation. Consumer Reports awarded it a top reliability score, making it a highly recommended choice despite some lingering, less prevalent paint bubbling concerns.
Q: Which newer Mustang years are considered reliable?
A: The 2018 and 2019 Ford Mustang models from the sixth generation are considered particularly reliable. They received high scores from Consumer Reports and have fewer complaints compared to earlier years in the sixth generation, making them solid choices for a more recent used Mustang.
Find Your Ideal Used Car with CoPilot
The CoPilot car shopping app simplifies the used car buying process. Just tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll scan dealership inventories in your area to create a curated list of top car listings tailored to your needs.
CoPilot uses the same advanced technology dealerships rely on for inventory management, giving you access to more in-depth vehicle information than other platforms. Because CoPilot operates independently of dealerships, you receive unbiased recommendations without sponsored listings or hidden agendas – just comprehensive information to help you find the best car. Visit our About Us page to learn more about how CoPilot works.
