2016 Ford Mustang reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2016 Ford Mustang — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 485
- 251 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- ENGINE
- 73 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 5
- see below
- Reported harm
- 23 reported crashes · 22 injuries · 6 deaths · 9 fires
How this record compares
raw NHTSA counts, not defect ratesComplaint rank
#1,069
of 4,194 vehicle records
Vs Ford median
+148
median 338 across 514 Ford records
Vs 2014-2018
+188
median 298 complaints in 596 records
Top component share
15%
Engine: 73 complaints
What owners report fails — 2016 Ford Mustang
- ENGINE 73
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 68
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 67
- BACK OVER PREVENTION 30
- POWER TRAIN 29
5 recalls on record for the 2016 Ford Mustang
- NHTSA 25V572000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CA A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle,
- NHTSA 25V614000 · 2025 · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER A corroded cable can break, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant, and increasing the risk of i
- NHTSA 22V082000 · 2022 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CA A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a c
- NHTSA 16V779000 · 2017 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM A sudden loss of engine oil may cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, an oil leak, in the
- NHTSA 15V707000 · 2015 · CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP If the restraint components do not function as intended, the occupants may not be properly restrained in the event of a
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2016 Ford Mustang
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2016 Ford Mustang units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Ford Mustang reliable?
NHTSA has 485 consumer complaints on record for the 2016 Ford Mustang and 5 recalls. The most-reported problem area is engine (73 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2016 Ford Mustang units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Mustang?
Owners most often report problems with: engine (73), electrical system (68), unknown or other (67), back over prevention (30). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2016 Ford Mustang?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.