Wrench.Pro

2018 Ford Mustang Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Ford Mustang carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering turbo/supercharger and software. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “10R80 transmission hard shifting and CDF drum failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Campaign #18E035000 · May 24, 2018

Issue: Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain aftermarket supercharger kits, part number R1318-6006P1-AA, sold for installation on 2018 Ford Mustangs. The hose barb fittings on the supercharger kits may be manufactured incorrectly, possibly causing damage to the fuel lines and resulting in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Roush will notify the known owners and replace the defective fuel rail subassemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874. Roush's number for this recall is REMay2018.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #17V814000 · Dec 18, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #18V213000 · Apr 4, 2018

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.

Risk: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #25V572000 · Apr 9, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Ford Mustang.

Reported to NHTSA

10R80 transmission hard shifting and CDF drum failure

POWER TRAIN

28 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2026-08

“My 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the 10R80 automatic transmission began experiencing hesitation, delayed engagement, and harsh jerking during low-speed acceleration (15-20 mph), especially when cold”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752476
“I have a 2018 Mustang GT with the 10R80 transmission. The transmission started giving me problems like slamming and slipping while shifting and sometimes jumping in and out of gear when drinking in the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679886
“transmission solenoid malfunction (p0757). car came to an abrupt stop in the middle of a speeding boulevard for no external reason at all”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602736

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door unlatching and opening while driving

STRUCTURE

23 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2025-10

“Passenger door unlatches and opens on its own at highway speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637345
“Passenger side door is unlatched by itself while driving on highway. It was empty so i am sure it opened itself”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582847
“An issue occurred with the passenger door latch. The passenger door of my vehicle unlatched to a secondary latching position at a speed of 70 mph, causing wind to rush in around the closed window and the door open indicator light and chime to activate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592676

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rearview camera failure under recall 25V572000

BACK OVER PREVENTION

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the dealer inspected the rear-view camera, and the camera was found to be functional”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726770
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705443
“Backup camera fails frequently. Screen turns blue and error message of backup camera not available is displayed on the screen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657679

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and infotainment screen going black

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster remained blank”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11504980
“Purchased a used 2018 Ford Mustang 3 weeks ago, just now able to get it registered, and the entire electronic instrument panel cluster (e.g., speedometer, warning lights, etc.) all went fuzzy for a few minutes and then totally failed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430181
“Touchscreen went completely black. Unable to operate radio, temperature control is only available in the buttons below the screen. Tried resetting it, tried unhooking the battery, nothing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418470

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Piston slap and cylinder wall scoring noise at cold start

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2025-07

“CAR HAS A LOUD TICKING SOUND ONCE WARMED UP AND AT IDLE. ALSO OCCURS WHEN RPMS ARE BETWEEN 1500-2000. DEALER TOLD ME IT'S THE NEW DIRECT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192330
“AT CERTAIN RPM RANGES THE PISTON CAN BE HEARD SLAPPING THE CYLINDER WALLS, CYLINDER WALL SCORING IS PRESENT AND MAY CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11181188
“SIGNIFICANT ENGINE RATTLE BETWEEN 2000-2500 RPM UNDER LIGHT LOAD. RATTLE IS LOUDEST IN THIRD GEAR AT 2200 RPM. SERVICE TECHNICIAN DUPLICATED THE ENGINE RATTLE AND FOUND DAMAGE TO CYLINDERS 5-8 AND SUBMITTED HIS REPORT ALONG WITH PHOTOS TO FORD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11092220

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant intrusion into cylinders causing engine failure

ENGINE

33 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine sputtered with the check engine warning light illuminated. There was heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746432
“Random/multiple misfires and cyl 3 misfire (P0300 and P0303). Mechanic used a borescope and found coolant on the walls; visible coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Coolant has gotten to low levels. Very rough cold start. Mechanic highly recommends to get the engine replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710053
“Coolant leaking in 3rd cylinder causing engine misfires. The vehicle has less than 50K miles on it and shouldn't be having these issues. The shop quoted nearly $5,000 to fix. Many other mustang owners are having this same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543587

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle rollaway from Park despite parking brake set

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2022-10

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT ROLLED AWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104536
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated when he had parked his vehicle at his residence driveway and returned later, the vehicle had rolled forward 200 feet into a neighboring parking lot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461841
“My 2018 Ford Mustang with Automatic Transmisson recently(Sept) started having issues with the gear shift being placed in Park, but the instrument panel is not illuminated in Park”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11490045

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

40 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Ford Mustang reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →