Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Mustang electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Ford Mustang have filed 67 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 33,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
67
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Mustang | 15 |
| 2013 Mustang | 11 |
| 2014 Mustang | 7 |
| 2015 Mustang | 58 |
| 2016 Mustang (this page) | 67 |
| 2017 Mustang | 31 |
| 2018 Mustang | 28 |
| 2019 Mustang | 28 |
| 2020 Mustang | 20 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 67 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Mustang, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 67 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Ford Mustang in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 F-Super Duty and 2015-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles may require replacement of the powertrain control module (PCM) for various reasons. While performing a programmable module installation (PMI) using the Integrated Diagnostic Service (IDS) scan tool, an error message may state: Configuration Failed, Would You Like To Retry? This may be due to improper module replacement steps. Make sure that the original module is installed in the vehicle, delete the vehicle session, then start a new vehicle session. Once the session starts, run the PCM PMI and install the new PCM only when the scan tool instructs. Finish the PMI by following the prompts given by IDS. If the original PCM is not
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a 2016 Mustang with widespread electrical system problems that Ford has struggled to fix. The most serious issue is engine stall: one owner lost all power and acceleration on the highway multiple times despite throttle body replacement, nearly causing fatal rear-end collisions. Another lost total electrical power while driving, freezing the steering wheel.
Backup camera wiring fails chronically. The factory harness is constrained by zip ties at the trunk junction, stripping wire insulation as the trunk opens and closes. Owners find melted connectors and destroyed coaxial cables. Even after recall repairs, the exact same failure recurs; dealers refuse a second fix and quote $400 to $1,000.
Heated seat connectors burn underneath the passenger seat—owners report visible smoke, melted pins, and charred ground connectors despite indicator lights showing the seats are on. Two owners describe uncontrolled electrical cabin fires: one in a door panel after a minor collision, another igniting in the glove box area with flames shooting from vents. Both vehicles became total losses.
AC evaporator coils leak at remarkably low mileage (7,000 to 47,000 miles), causing loss of cooling and refrigerant vapor entering the cabin. Repairs cost $1,700 to $3,000 because the evaporator sits behind the dash. Battery terminals corrode severely and rapidly; corrosion recurs within weeks of replacement, suggesting an alternator or charging fault the dealer hasn't diagnosed. Windows roll down on their own, doors lock themselves while running with occupants inside, and SYNC/infotainment screens flicker or go black even after replacement parts are installed.
Same Ford Mustang electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stall and power loss while driving
Engine loses power and stalls suddenly while vehicle is in motion, creating a critical safety hazard. One owner reported multiple instances of throttle body malfunction causing complete loss of acceleration on the highway with near-fatal consequences. Another reported total electrical power loss while driving, causing engine stall and loss of steering control.
When: Various mileages; one throttle issue reported within first year of ownership (purchased 4-16, first failure by mid-2016)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Complete loss of acceleration capability; Steering wheel freezes; Electrical power cuts out while engine running; Vehicle loses all power on highway
Codes mentioned: Throttle body malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body reprogramming and replacement attempted multiple times with recurring failures; one owner reports three separate repair attempts without resolution
Backup camera wiring harness failure
Wiring harness for backup camera degrades due to factory design flaw. The harness is excessively restrained by zip ties at trunk junction, causing wire stripping and coaxial cable damage as trunk opens and closes. Failures present even after recall repairs; multiple owners report the camera failing again with identical symptoms.
When: As early as 8 months after purchase; failures at 20,000 to 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Camera cuts out intermittently or completely; Image becomes static or blurry; Camera goes to black screen; Camera does not work after recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Zip ties must be removed and harness rewired; dealer quotes $500-$1,000; homeowner fix approximately $100. One owner found melted connector requiring wiring harness replacement at $700-$1,100.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22V082000 (back over prevention) and 22S06 (decklid wiring fretting corrosion) issued but repairs delayed and sometimes incomplete or unavailable
Rear window spontaneous shattering
Rear window glass shatters spontaneously, possibly triggered by heated rear window coils overheating during extreme cold. Visible burn pattern observed on the window glass. Multiple instances across different Mustang models (same owner and family member both experienced this).
When: During or after remote start in cold conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Window shatters spontaneously with loud noise resembling gunshot; Visible burn pattern on window glass; Wiring appears burned and melted
Heated and ventilated seat connector burning
Electrical connector for heated/cooled seat control module burns and melts under the passenger seat. Multiple owners report burned pins, melted connectors, and visible smoke. Indicator lights show seats are on but no function occurs. Creates fire hazard risk in passenger compartment.
When: Various; one reported burning smell while seats on at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell when activating seat heater; Seats stop providing heat or cooling despite indicator lights on; Visible burn damage to connector pins; Smoke emitting from under seats
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required; dealer quoted $600-$1,100; one owner's repair involved replacing seat harness and cleaning pins on HVAC module (part MBEU5Z14A699C)
AC evaporator coil failure
AC evaporator coil leaks refrigerant, causing loss of cabin cooling and potential toxic chemical exposure. Failures occur at low mileage (as early as 7,000-37,000 miles). Multiple owners report identical issue. Ford subsequently changed evaporator manufacturers due to widespread failure.
When: Low mileage; failures reported at 7,000, 16,000, 33,000, 35,600, 37,000, 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: AC blows hot air or no cold air; Refrigerant leaks into passenger cabin (white smoke or vapor smell); Windows fog up inside vehicle; Reduced visibility while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Evaporator coil replacement required; quoted $1,700-$3,000 due to location behind dash requiring full removal. One owner cited repair cost of $1,700 and noted dealership initially blamed alternator.
Third brake light and backup light wiring harness failure
Wiring harness for third brake light fails, causing light to not function and vehicle to fail state safety inspection. Related to poor workmanship and design flaw. One owner also experienced backup light electrical failure after repair of third brake light harness.
When: Failures documented at 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Third brake light non-functional; Vehicle fails state inspection; Backup light not working
Repairs/costs cited: Harness replacement; owner paid approximately $278 in March 2020
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report attempting to obtain warranty coverage through Ford Customer Service but dealership (Wynne Ford) has not submitted required paperwork despite multiple requests
SYNC system and infotainment screen malfunction
SYNC system, touchscreen display, and related functions fail intermittently or repeatedly. Screen flickers on and off or goes completely black. Phone connectivity, backup camera display, and stereo fail. Some failures persist even after recall repairs and replacement components.
When: Various mileages from early ownership through years of service
Symptoms owners cite: SYNC system shuts down intermittently; Phone function drops; Backup camera display fails on SYNC screen; Stereo stops working; MyTouch screen flickers on and off continuously; Display screen goes black
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple component replacements attempted: APIN, screen, FDCIN; one owner's vehicle still flickered after first repair and required additional parts replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22a06a and TSB 19-2273 applied but repairs incomplete in some cases
Door lock and power lock electrical failure
Door locks fail to function properly. Doors will not unlock at all or require multiple unlock attempts before granting access. Vehicle automatically locked while running with driver's young child inside. One owner locked themselves in vehicle.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; locking incident reported shortly after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Doors will not unlock on first attempt; Multiple unlock attempts required to gain access; Door locks malfunction intermittently; Vehicle locks while running with occupants inside
Electrical fire in cabin
Uncontrolled electrical fires occur in the vehicle cabin. One fire started in the left door panel after a 25 mph frontal collision; another fire ignited in the glove compartment area with flames coming from air vents and harness area. Fires reignited repeatedly when extinguished, indicating electrical source. Vehicles became total losses.
When: Fire from door panel after collision; unprovoked fire in parked vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke billowing from windows and cabin; Flames leaping from compartment; Flames coming from air vents; Glove box and dash melted to floorboard
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles became total losses
Battery terminal corrosion and overcharging
Positive battery terminal corrodes excessively and rapidly, causing terminal connector to crumble and become inoperably hot. Corroded terminal bolt falls off upon touch. Terminal bolts become so hot they bubble during corrosion. Issue recurs quickly after battery replacement, suggesting underlying electrical system problem causing battery overcharge.
When: Early failures within 5-15 days of prior incident; second occurrence within two weeks of battery replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive corrosion on positive battery terminal; Terminal connector crumbles; Battery terminal extremely hot and bubbling; Orange liquid (battery acid) under vehicle; Vehicle will not start; Clicking sound when attempting to start
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement; dealer quoted $209 for battery; issue recurs suggesting alternator or charging system fault
Water intrusion and moisture damage
Water accumulates inside vehicle cabin. One owner had water inside after windows rolled down on their own. Another experienced water damage related to door issues.
When: Timing varies; one instance after windows rolled down inadvertently
Symptoms owners cite: Water inside vehicle after rainfall; Windows roll down without driver input; Battery drains from water intrusion
Power window failure
Windows roll down by themselves without driver input or warning. One owner's windows rolled down after a recent rain, allowing water intrusion. Vehicle had to be jump-started afterward.
When: No pattern given; one incident after recent rain
Symptoms owners cite: Windows roll down without driver activation; No warning before failure; Multiple windows affected
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to determine cause
Engine stall during shift
Engine stalls intermittently while shifting or coming to a stop, especially when clutch is pressed in. Multiple owners report this occurring on S550 Mustang forums, suggesting pattern across multiple model years.
When: Recurring; one owner experienced twice within one month
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during clutch depression; Occurs intermittently; No warning lights
Alternator failure
Alternator fails, preventing vehicle from starting and charging battery properly.
When: At 60,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls; Vehicle will not start
Steering lock malfunction
Steering becomes locked and vehicle will not start. Error message displays on instrument panel.
When: Multiple incidents reported
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked; Vehicle will not start; Error message: Steering Lock Malfunction
Codes mentioned: Steering Lock Malfunction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA bulletin provided correction (though originally listed for 2020 models)
Synthesized from 67 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Noticed seat heaters stopped working then noticed a smell coming from passenger seat. Found harness that plugs into the seat heater control module was melted.
While coming to a stop with the clutch pressed in the car will randomly turn off intermittently. This has now just began happening, although it has now happened to me twice in 1 months time. I have also been reading on s550 mustang forums (years 2015 - present) that I am not the only one experiencing this. It seems like an electrical issue or something as there are people with completely stock…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford mustang. While starting the vehicle with the air conditioner on, vapors entered the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to (fairway Ford, 2323 laurens road, greenville, sc 29607) where it was diagnosed that the evaporator coil failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist.…
Seat warmer quit working. Upon inspection by mechanic, it was determined that the seat heater module shorted at module; melted connector. (owner also reported could smell an 'electrical burn' scent after using remote start where the seat warmer is automatically set.)
Smoke came up from under both seats within a few weeks of each other, found burned harness and plug at both heated/ cooled seat control modules mounted under seats. Researched and found a fix that will cost hundreds of $$ per seat but no recalls. I would think smoke and burning electrical in the interior of nearly ALL Ford products with heated/ cooled seats would be a safety recall?
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Ford Mustang?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 67 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 20,000 and 47,000 miles, with the median around 33,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 47,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2016/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.