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2013 Ford Mustang engine problems

severe Owners of the 2013 Ford Mustang have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 52,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
engine complaints on the Ford Mustang, by model year
Model yearengine complaints
2010 Mustang 6
2011 Mustang 26
2012 Mustang 10
2013 Mustang (this page) 9
2014 Mustang 8
2015 Mustang 22
2016 Mustang 62
2017 Mustang 27
1fire

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin SSM 52334 Mar 2024

Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150°F (65°C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPM. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise tick rate can be faster or slower and is not detrimental to the engine function or durability and has no short or long t

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin SSM 49761 Apr 2021

Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65Å’C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPMs. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise is not detrimental to the engine function or durability and has no short or long term effects on the engine. This an operating characteristi

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin SSM 47830 Feb 2019

Some 5.0L 4V engines may exhibit a tick/tap/rattle or knock immediately after secondary timing chain tensioner installation. In some cases the secondary timing chain tensioners are not fully released during installation.To confirm, remove both valve covers and inspect the secondary timing chains and tensioners. If the chain is loose fitting and the tensioner does not appear to be extended, using your hand depress the chain/guide and tensioner several times or until the tensioner releases taking up the slack in the chain. If the chain does not have slack, follow Workshop Manual Section 303-00 to diagnose. The Workshop Manual section 303-01C has been updated to reflect the installation releasi

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin SSM 47830 Feb 2019

Some 5.0L 4V engines may exhibit a tick/tap/rattle or knock immediately after secondary timing chain tensioner installation. In some cases the secondary timing chain tensioners are not fully released during installation.To confirm, remove both valve covers and inspect the secondary timing chains and tensioners. If the chain is loose fitting and the tensioner does not appear to be extended, using your hand depress the chain/guide and tensioner several times or until the tensioner releases taking up the slack in the chain. If the chain does not have slack, follow Workshop Manual Section 303-00 to diagnose. The Workshop Manual section 303-01C has been updated to reflect the installation releasi

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin SSM 47797 Feb 2019

Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cells 54/55 to obtain the se

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had engine trouble with your 2013 Ford Mustang? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Ford Mustang?

It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 29,000 and 73,000 miles, with the median around 52,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 73,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Mustang. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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