Best and worst Ford Mustang years — which to avoid

Although the Ford Mustang features reliable engines in all of its model years, making a purchase decision gets way easier when you know which years to avoid. No matter which generation you aim for, our team wanted to give you some details on the best years to buy and worst Ford Mustang years to avoid based on known complaints and driver reports.

That’s why our experts examined the list of known problems by looking at Ford Mustang recalls to see why certain models should be avoided. We also checked the ratings and complaints of former and current owners, as well as NHTSA reports to give you double-checked information, so let’s take a closer look.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Ford Mustang years

To deliver this guide on the best and worst Mustang years, our team had a lot of research to do. So, we wanted to give you both perspectives and our experts went through the experiences and complaints of Mustang owners while we also scanned the databases of prominent automotive organizations and agencies.

We also wanted to include detailed information from as many sources as possible, which led us to Mustang ratings on renowned platforms like Kelley Blue Book. Finally, we also reviewed Ford Mustang forums to hear about the issues directly from the owners.

We used all of the assembled pieces of information coupled with details on Ford Mustang recalls to rate the Mustang model years from best to worst, so let’s take a closer look.

Most common Ford Mustang problems

In such a long production history, it would be impossible for any car not to have some problems during certain production years. Since the Mustang is one of the longest-running Ford models, we had to go over various sources like Car Complaints on the most common problems, so here’s an overview of each:

1. Transmission problems

Transmission problems have more or less been present for Mustang vehicles ever since the introduction of automatic gearboxes in Ford’s sporty models. There are various problems regarding the transmission matter that deserve your attention as a buyer.

First, we scanned the driver reports and complaints and found out about the fourth-gen Mustang situation where the car shook towards the front end after braking. While the owners initially took it as a braking system fault, it was later established that it was due to transmission problems.

Sadly, there’s more – Ford issued an official recall in 2018 and it should have dealt with the problematic shaft that prevented the gearbox from properly achieving the park position.

2. Engine-related issues

Luckily, Ford Mustang owners rarely reported engine seizing and similar difficulties with their cars. While that’s a good thing, it’s impossible for a model that’s been produced for so long to come without any engine-related flaws. So, the first thing that comes to mind is the oil leaking from the valve cover gasket, and drivers have reported problems even with the reliable 5.0-liter Coyote V8 when it comes to oil leaks.

Also, there have been numerous reports of rough idling and electronic throttle issues, as well as oil-covered spark plugs. All of these are characteristic even for the Mustang GT models, so we want to make sure you are advised on this.

3. Problems with the brakes

Unfortunately, some Mustang models aren’t short of braking system issues, but the good news is – we’ll tell you about all these issues and help you avoid the problematic model years. Braking system faults mostly include issues with unlubricated caliper guide pins and the brake pedal bracket damage.

Braking system problems are safety issues, and it’s a good thing that Ford recognized these and initiated official recalls. These recalls in 2015 and 2020 mostly dealt with existing brake problems and it’s at least important to buy a unit that’s been recalled with the brakes revised.

4. Airbag system faults

Over the years, Ford acknowledged a lot of different airbag faults in their models including the Mustang. Some of the biggest issues were faulty modules that caused concern about the airbags not inflating in situations of need, as well as faulty inflator bags. The faulty inflators came with increased deployment pressure which led to explosions and metal fragments flying around the cabin.

You can assume that this is a dangerous situation, so Ford initiated a few recalls regarding the airbags for the Mustang model. The most notable ones were in 2015 and 2017, as well as a 2021 recall that dealt with potential inflator explosions for the 2005-2014 Mustang.

Worst Ford Mustang years to avoid

Well, along with a few reports of broken door handles and peeling paint, the mentioned issues aren’t that much considering how long this model has been in production. Even so, we had to give you a detailed overview of years to avoid according to driver reports and reviews, NHTSA complaint listings, and recalls.

So, these are the worst-rated Ford Mustang years from the fourth generation onward:

• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2015
• 2016

To ensure that you make the right call when buying a used Ford Mustang, we’ll delve deeper into the reports for each of these model years and briefly discuss the main issues.

Fourth-generation Mustang (1998-2000 model years)

Drivers have reported issues with the automatic transmission for this model and this is most visible while braking, just before coming to a complete stop. The transmission caused that harsh shaking and the vehicle leaned forward while braking as we mentioned before. The worst year to avoid in this generation is 1999, while the 1998 model also had severe transmission problems.

Besides, drivers have also complained about the electric systems in the car and the peeling paint. Also, cracking manifolds and oil leaks were pretty common for 2000′ Mustang drivers, so that’s another thing to be aware of.

Fifth-generation Mustang (2005-2007 model years)

The fifth generation of Ford Mustang earned quite a bit of praise when it comes to design and the introduction of the well-renowned Coyote V8 engine in the GT trim. However, 2005 was one of the worst model years and the 2006-2007 models didn’t mark any sufficient progress toward resolving the main issues.

During these production years, the Mustang suffered from faulty transmissions, poor paint quality, and hood-area corrosion, as well as frequent battery discharge issues. This is also when certain engine-related issues we talked about started appearing and oil leaks were the most frequent issues of this kind. The worst-rated year is by far 2006 with over 700 complaints, most notably including engine and transmission issues.

Sixth-generation Mustang (2015-2016 model years)

In terms of mechanical issues, the initial 2015-2016 production years of the sixth-generation Mustang were the ones to avoid. Among over 600 reports that this model received, problems with the engine and brakes were the most common ones.

Instead, we found numerous driver complaints about driving performance issues and stalling while driving caused by the faulty throttle body. On top of that, drivers have complained about damaged brakes, faulty A/C evaporators, and even paint job problems. Once again, the standard rust forming under the hood has remained a big issue and owners complained about vibrations and noises while driving.

What are the best Ford Mustang years to buy?

After hearing about all these Mustang years you’ll want to avoid, it’s time we get into the best model years so far. Of course, there are much more reliable Mustang model years than those that are not considered reliable. So, are you wondering which Ford Mustang years are the best? The best Ford Mustang years are 1992, 1997, and 2020, but here’s a complete overview of all the best-rated years:

• 1994 Ford Mustang
• 1995 Ford Mustang
• 1996 Ford Mustang
• 1997 Ford Mustang
• 2001 Ford Mustang
• 2002 Ford Mustang
• 2003 Ford Mustang
• 2004 Ford Mustang
• 2008 Ford Mustang
• 2009 Ford Mustang
• 2010 Ford Mustang
• 2013 Ford Mustang
• 2014 Ford Mustang
• 2017 Ford Mustang
• 2018 Ford Mustang
• 2019 Ford Mustang
• 2020 Ford Mustang
• 2021 Ford Mustang

For early Mustang models, it’s enough to go past the 1969′ and 1974′ and you’ll have the chance to get a reliable base car worth investing in and making it your own old-school Mustang after improvements. For more recent models, we’ll discuss the best model years in more detail below:

2001 Ford Mustang

The 2001 is one of the most reliable Mustang models with a low amount of complaints compared with other Mustang models of the fourth generation. It earned a 4.5/5 rating on Edmunds and Consumer Reports, also making it one of the best-rated Mustang models by drivers.

Among the few mentioned problem reports, the most complaints by far were filed concerning body and paint issues, which isn’t that bad since at least it’s not a serious issue for driving safety.

2009 Ford Mustang

When it comes to fifth-gen Mustang models, the 2009 earns the status of the best-rated year. According to NHTSA and Car Complaints, the most common 2009 Mustang problems are related to seatbelt retention and brakes.

Luckily, recalls were issued to fix both of these and there were no major issues reported on this model concerning the vehicle’s mechanics. The 2009 Mustang earned a 4.7/5 rating on Edmunds as one of the best Mustang models.

2020 Ford Mustang

Finally, the 2020 Mustang is by far the best-rated sixth-gen model with just around 60 complaints on Car Complaints and a low number of NHTSA reports. It received the least reports so far regarding Mustang models from 1998 onwards, and the only issues reported were related to transmission jerking and wheel hubs.

This Mustang model earned a 7.9/10 score on Edmunds, but you have to consider that it has the least reviews by drivers out of all the Mustang models we’ve discussed in this guide, so that might have influenced the rating.

Is the Ford Mustang worth buying?

In the end, the answer to this important question is a resounding yes, since the Mustang is one of the best muscle cars and sporty coupes in recent automotive history. We have to say that the problems listed in this guide aren’t that serious considering how long the car has been in production.

So, at least the list of Mustang years to avoid will help you pick a perfect model year for full restoration regarding old Mustangs, or get the best modern GT model without much investment needed.

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