2020 FORD MUSTANG

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    backup camera

    14 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    18
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while attempting to park the back-up camera failed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wires had been cut and damaged. The dealer replaced…"~56,671 mi, complaint #1991537
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the back over prevention screen was blank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not re…"~79,900 mi, complaint #2109892
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle became inoperable. The message “Camera Unavailable - Contact Dealer” was displayed. Prior to the message being displayed, the camera image was distorted. The contact ass…"~90,000 mi, complaint #2175673
  2. #2

    brake hydraulics

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 6,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I MADE A SAFE DRIVING TRAINING WITH MY NEW 2020 FORD MUSTANG GT (EU MODEL) (AS I DO FOR EVERY NEW CAR I BOUGHT). DURING THE FIRST BREAK TRAINING (EMERGENCY BRAKING FROM 50KM/H (~31MPH) TO 0 ) THE BREAK PEDAL BROKE. LUCKILY JUST RIGHT BEFORE THE VEHICLE STOPS…"~2,400 mi, complaint #1688624
    • "BRAKE PEDAL BRACKETS THAT BROKE DURING EMERGENCY BREAKING"~5,000 mi, complaint #1703698
    • "ON 8/29/2020 A FORD AGENCY LOCATED IN MIAMI, FL SOLD ME MY 2020 FORD MUSTANG VEHICLE WITH A FACTORY DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND THEY DID NOT MAKE THE PARTICIPATION IN TIME TO CORRECT THE MECHANICAL DEFECT OF MY VEHICLE ACCORDING TO TO NHTSA. THE TRUTH IS…"~6,700 mi, complaint #1713844
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTU…"~6,740 mi, complaint #1721321
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire was about three in…"~41,331 mi, complaint #2223669
  3. #3

    transmission automatic

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and shaking uncontrollably. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that…"~23,600 mi, complaint #1787765
  4. #4

    other

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "MANUFACTURER RECALL 20S52 AND NHTSA RECALL 20V573 NOTIFIED WALKER FORD, FL, NO ACTION BEING TAKEN."~10,000 mi, complaint #1702651
    • "RENTING VEHICLE FOR LONG TERM USE. DRIVE AS MOSTLY SINGLE WOMAN AND COMMUTE UP TO 2 HRS. SIDE LIGHTS ARE ATTENTION GRABBER FOR NIGHT TIME USE. EX DRIVING ON 8 AND STOPPING AT REST STOP OR FOR GAS DREW MUCH UNWANTED ATTENTION. MY CELL PHONE SLID UNDER PASSENGER…"~24,400 mi, complaint #1739683
  5. #5

    airbag system

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owned a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, in the center lane a tractor-trailer side swipe and hit the contact front passenger side door which caused the contact vehicle to spin around and hit a median wall, and spin ou…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1783225
  6. #6

    engine head gasket

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine overheated while driving. The contact was able to pull over and the vehicle was towed to the local dea…"~86,000 mi, complaint #2038438
  7. #7

    engine internal

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Engine tick after first oil change.transmission shifts hard"complaint #1889204
    • "Drive assist/hill assist malfunctions Timing issue when shifting gears resulting in spark knock Loud high pitch squeal when vehicle is off coming from front right of engine area Due to sporadic malfunctions dealerships are unable to diagnose to fix issues"complaint #1907414
    • "A 2020 Ford Mustang eco boost premium 2.3L L4 DOHC 16 valve 6-speed manual with push button start convertible top burst into flames on [XXX] at about [XXX]. The entire car and the black box were consumed by flames that spread to my carport, shed and mobile h…"complaint #2017571
    • "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 o…"complaint #2201178
  8. #8

    engine cooling

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engi…"~66,500 mi, complaint #1975023
  9. #9

    transmission manual clutch

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE ACTUAL GETRAG DEFECTIVE AND FAULTY MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON FORD MUSTANG 2020 STILL CAUSING SERIOUS PERSONAL SAFETY ISSUES NOWADAYS. IN MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES, DOWNSHIFTING GEARS ON A RELIABLE, EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION 'PART', IT'S A SERIO…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1692782
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact state that the while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, the vehicle failed to shift into 2nd gear and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspecting u…"~18,923 mi, complaint #1915997
  10. #10

    control module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the reverse light, the rearview camera, the Cross Traffic System, the blind spot detector, the Lane Assist System, and other unknown features had ceased to work. The contact received notification of…"~2,700 mi, complaint #1890135
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the APIM and FCIM had failed and needed t…"~30,698 mi, complaint #2018710
  11. #11

    engine stall or no start

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I rented a 2020 Ford Mustang on 01/16/2024. I drove it home and didn't use it until 01/28/2024 for short trip to the grocery store. I waited in the car and kept it running while my daughter shopped. The car shut itself off twice, but there were no red warni…"complaint #1977509
    • "Check engine light came on, car lost power on highway. Car continues to have the same issue after repairs have been made. Ford App says engine misfire, after every repair. Ford mechanics fix spark plugs, coils, electrical. None of which has fixed the issue of…"complaint #2204157
  12. #12

    evap system

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a Fuel Inlet warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, however; the…"~50,000 mi, complaint #2014272
  13. #13

    instrument cluster

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES BLANK WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING IT UP AFTER IT'S BEEN RUNNING. IT TAKES BETWEEN 10-30 MINUTES TO COME BACK ON. DEALER DOING WARRANTY WORK HAS RUN THROUGH ALL FORD RECOMMENDED TESTS AND REINSTALLATION OF AS BUILD DAT…"complaint #1695049
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH in inclement weather, the instrument panel went black for approximately 5 seconds and then started operating as designed. The contact stated that the failure reocc…"complaint #2149780
  14. #14

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear window failed to roll up completely. The contact also stated that the front passenger's side window would continuously roll up and down upon starting the vehicle and while…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1838086
  15. #15

    steering electric assist

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Periodically receive indication of 1) Steering assist fault service required 2) Hill start assist not available 3) advancetrac unavailable. While these messages appear on the dash, the electric power steering system fails. This happens frequently, where there…"complaint #1751321
    • "When trying to start got steering lock malfunction service now. Car would not start stranded for 10 hrs."complaint #1866291
  16. #16

    throttle and pedal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "DRIVING AT POSTED SPEED, WENT TO PASS A VEHICLE AND THE ACCELERATOR STUCK IN FULL OPEN (DOWN) POSITION. CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND LUCKLY I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT ON NEUTRAL, PULL OVER AND MANUALLY UN-STICK THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL."complaint #1804357
    • "Intermittent loss of throttle with wrench light. Engine goes into derate, have to shut off car, let sit for 3-5 minutes, restart then ok until it occurs again. Loss of throttle at any time is unsafe. Two Ford dealers have tried to repair with no luck. They hav…"complaint #1920520
  17. #17

    unintended acceleration

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2020 FORD MUSTANG. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING ACCELERATOR SAFETY INCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. *JS"complaint #1741460
    • "Caught in stop and go traffic at night for 45 minutes. Car started moving forward even though my foot was only on the brake pedal. My first thought was I'd accidentally pressed both the brake and gas pedals, but I could see my foot on the brake pedal since the…"complaint #1832559
  18. #18

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Pre-Collision Assist Not available, Hill Start assist warning messages multiple times since 12/24/22. Both errors happened after having the 10R80 Transmission worked on and recalls associated with VIN corrected from 10/06-12/22. Warning messages popped up on m…"complaint #1869327
  19. #19

    adas lane keeping

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The Hill Start Assist System has detected a failure."complaint #1994492
  20. #20

    battery and charging

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING. THE CONTACT STATE…"~20,318 mi, complaint #1738278
  21. #21

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal clicking sound. The contact drove the vehicle around the block. The contact noticed that the clicking sound had contin…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1972760
  22. #22

    catalytic converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor and active grill shutter assembly needed to be…"~86,000 mi, complaint #2010817
  23. #23

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving at about 75mph the passenger door unlocked and opened by itself. We got an door not closed warning light on the dash and the warning chime in addition the horn was blowing in intervals of 2 quick beeps and repeated until we were able to pull over…"complaint #1986289
  24. #24

    engine oil consumption

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that after adding oil to the engine, the contact became aware that a significant amount of the engine oil had leaked out onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mecha…"~72,000 mi, complaint #2028998
  25. #25

    engine turbo supercharger

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The vehicle has ongoing engine and turbocharger problems, including loss of power, knocking, and worsening performance. It also has brake‑booster/vacuum issues that cause reduced braking assist and a hard brake pedal. Electrical and software malfunctions occur…"complaint #2183777
  26. #26

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WASHING MY CAR AROUND THE EXHAUST PIPES I CUT MY FINGER TO THE BONE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE CUT MYSELF ON THESE PIPES. AFRAID MY SON OR ANOTHER PERSON WILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE."~4,000 mi, complaint #1679992
  27. #27

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " Transmission issue. Transmission is leaking fluid. Vehicle is currently at my home waiting to go to dealership during normal business hours. Car started smoking and running hot while getting off the interstate. I was in a travel lane when this happened. Hug…"complaint #1921820
  28. #28

    fuel pump

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My 2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost has a (P008A) AND (PO18B/PO18C) The fuel pressure fuel system you low and fuel pressure Sensor B is a well documented defects and has a customer satisfaction program 21N10 (or related TSBs). The dealer said there are no recalls un…"complaint #2198145
  29. #29

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The gas tank was only getting 10 gallons of gas and not 16 gallons like it was suppose to. We ended up running out of gas on a road trip with our two young daughters in the middle of the night on I-75. The gas tank said you had 100 miles to go before emp…"complaint #1893120
  30. #30

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On July 26, 2021, I had a head on collision ( driver side to driver side ) where I felt like the vehicle didn’t want to stop. Even when I applied the brake, the vehicle kept going forward. In that collision, even though I was wearing my seatbelt, my head went…"complaint #1773556
  31. #31

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual whining sound. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the steering rack column was unusually loose.…"~37,000 mi, complaint #2085361
  32. #32

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 cyli…"complaint #2237617
  33. #33

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Tire size: 255/40 ZR19 Our vehicle only has 14,757 miles and these tires lack good traction under normal driving conditions. In more than one occasion, the vehicle would start fishtailing when entering a highway from a side street. So far, we have been lucky a…"complaint #1860570
  34. #34

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trunk wing spoiler detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised that the trunk and the wing spoiler needed…"~5,000 mi, complaint #2092716
  35. #35

    unknown

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "APIM: Failure at 47,,047' Very well known problem! Ford needs to discount or fully replace these components that keep failing."complaint #2054736
  36. #36

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "3 lug nuts on the front passenger side wheel snapped and broke off while driving in highway. "complaint #1901235
  37. #37

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I drove my car for 22 miles, parked, and after less than one hour we heard a loud noise from the house and upon checking, we noticed the car was on fire. The fire and smoke was coming from underneath the hood (left side). The car had recent software update and…"complaint #1954341

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD MUSTANG directly.