Should I buy a 2017 Ford Mustang with documented engine problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented engine issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2017 Ford Mustang engine problems

severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage

Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$3,100

1fire

2injuries

When does it fail?

Of the 27 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Mustang, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.

0-25k

0 (0%)

25-50k

1 (100%)

50-75k

0 (0%)

75-100k

0 (0%)

100-125k

0 (0%)

125-150k

0 (0%)

150k+

0 (0%)

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

No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 16V779000 October 26, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles manufactured February 24, 2015, to August 30, 2016

A sudden loss of engine oil may cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, an oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil cooler tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 23, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S40.

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 150Â°F (65Â°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 52335 Mar 2024

For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin TSB 22-2140 Apr 2022

Some 2015-2020 Mustang Shelby GT350/GT350R vehicles may exhibit a hesitation or surge in the vehicle with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present. This may be accompanied by an inoperative cruise control system. This may be due to a transmission output shaft flange nut that has come loose, allowing the output shaft tone ring to move in relation to the output shaft causing an erroneous signal. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the output shaft flange nut.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin SSM 49821 May 2021

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.

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 (65ÃÂÃ¢ÂÂC) 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 ↗

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

The failure pattern owners describe

The dominant failure across these 2017 Mustang complaints is coolant leaking into engine cylinders from a failed head gasket or internal cooling passages. Owners describe rough idle and shaking on cold start, check-engine lights with cylinder-specific misfires (#1 and #2 documented), and white/milky engine oil. Low coolant reservoir levels, white smoke from the engine, and overheating warnings follow. Dealers consistently diagnose this as a known issue with 2.3L EcoBoost and six-cylinder engines, requiring full engine replacement at $8,100–$10,000.

Failures occur as early as 3,000 miles and continue through 115,000 miles. One owner with only 20,000 miles experienced an engine fire. A troubling pattern: many owners fall outside NHTSA Campaign 16V779000 despite matching symptoms and manufacturing dates, leaving them unprotected by recall. Dealers refuse warranty coverage, referring owners to NHTSA instead.

Secondary issues include valve-cover gasket leaks producing burnt-oil smoke as early as 6,000 miles, rod-bearing defects causing engine knock, oil-cooler hose leaks, and one report of black mold from an A/C refrigerant leak. One owner reports repeated engine failures even after replacement, with bearing defects appearing in the new engine at just 300 miles.

Spark plug and ignition-coil replacements sometimes precede the correct coolant-intrusion diagnosis, adding repair costs before the real problem emerges.

Same Ford Mustang engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020

Failure modes owners describe

Coolant intrusion into cylinders / head gasket failure

Coolant leaks into engine cylinders from head gasket or internal cooling passages, leading to coolant in the oil, engine misfire, and eventual overheating. Owners report white/milky appearance of engine oil, check-engine lights for cylinder-specific misfires (cylinders #1, #2 documented), rough idle, and stalling. This defect requires engine replacement in most cases.

When: Occurs early to mid-life: 3,000 to 115,288 miles reported; many failures under 85,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle and engine shaking on cold start; Check engine light illumination; Engine misfire (cylinders #1, #2 cited); White/milky engine oil appearance; Low coolant reservoir level; White smoke from engine compartment; Overheating warning messages ('Limited Power Due to Overheating', 'High Temperature - Pull Over'); Engine stalling or loss of motive power; Abnormal coolant odor

Codes mentioned: P0300 series (misfire), Coolant intrusion confirmed at dealer diagnosis

Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement (long block): $8,100–$10,000 cited. Some owners had spark plugs, ignition coils replaced unsuccessfully before correct diagnosis. Dealers report this is a 'known issue' with 2.3L EcoBoost engines and 6-cylinder models.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners reference NHTSA Campaign 16V779000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); many vehicles were NOT included in recall despite matching symptoms and manufacturing dates. Manufacturer refers owners to NHTSA Hotline instead of issuing warranty coverage. TSB 18-2256 listed by one owner regarding Freon/coolant leak issues.

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket

Valve cover gasket fails, allowing engine oil to escape. Oil leaks from the gasket and headers, producing smoke and burnt-oil odor. One owner reports dealership refused warranty repair unless oil was actively 'running' rather than seeping.

When: As early as 6,000 miles; 25,000 miles reported

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Burnt-oil odor; Visible oil leaking from valve cover and headers

Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover gasket replacement needed. One dealership delayed repair citing parts backorder; another refused warranty coverage. No repair cost cited.

Rod bearing defects

Engine rod bearings are defective or improperly installed, resulting in bearing play. Produces a lower engine tapping/knocking sound during acceleration. One owner experienced this failure in the original engine at 1,600 miles and again in the replacement engine at 300 miles, now pending a third engine replacement.

When: 1,600 miles (original engine), 300 miles (first replacement)

Symptoms owners cite: Lower engine tapping/knocking sound during acceleration; Engine bearing play

Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Owner pending third engine replacement.

Engine fire

One owner reports engine caught fire while driving at low mileage. No prior warnings, smells, or visible leaks. Classified as stalling and fire event.

When: Less than 20,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling; Engine fire while driving; No prior warning signs

Repairs/costs cited: Owner has fire report and documentation. No repair attempt made.

Oil cooler hose leak

Engine oil leaks from the engine cooler hose. Smoke with burnt-oil odor emits from the driver-side engine bay, typically after the vehicle operates and comes to a stop or is parked.

When: Occurred after vehicle operation; 6,000–31,000 miles range

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke with burnt-oil odor from engine bay; Oil leak from engine cooler hose

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes specific VIN not included in recall 16S40, despite matching model year (2016 manufacture) and fall within recall dates.

Surging, hesitation, and loss of motive power / air compressor and belt malfunction

Vehicle intermittently surges and hesitates, losing power at various speeds. In one case, dealer diagnosed failed air compressor and battery causing two engine belts to malfunction. Stalling occurred. Failure persisted after repair.

When: 13,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent surging and hesitation; Loss of motive power; Engine stalling; Vehicle jerking

Repairs/costs cited: Air compressor and battery replaced; belts serviced. Repair completed but failure persisted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered.

Purge valve failure

Vehicle stalls at stop signs and red lights after fueling. Check engine light illuminates. Independent mechanic diagnosed purge valve malfunction.

When: 55,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Stalling at stops after fueling; Check engine light illumination

Repairs/costs cited: Purge valve replacement recommended by independent mechanic. Not repaired; no dealer service attempted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; VIN not included in recall.

Freon leak causing black mold contamination

A/C refrigerant (Freon) leaks, causing black mold growth throughout vehicle interior and air system. Owner reports mold odor and symptoms consistent with mold exposure: brain fog, digestion issues, sinus/throat issues, fatigue, recurring infections over 2 years, including hospitalization. Owner lost job due to illness. Repair shop identified Freon leak but could not locate source.

When: Years of operation; severe health impact in 2+ years prior to complaint

Symptoms owners cite: Freon/coolant leak (musky, moldy odor); Black mold growth in air system and vehicle interior; Owner and child: brain fog, digestion issues, sinus/throat mucus, fatigue, overall malaise

Codes mentioned: TSB 18-2256 (Freon/coolant leak, noted by owner)

Repairs/costs cited: Repair shop unable to locate leak source. Vehicle not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford not acknowledging problem. TSB 18-2256 listed online by owner; NHTSA ID 10144920.

Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

engine · filed 12/14/2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ford mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v779000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool…

engine · 41,200 mi · filed 11/28/2018

My vehicle, manufactured june 2016, is having an oil leak from the engine cooler hose. My specific VIN was not recalled but this issue started last week and falls under both model year and manufactur dates for this recall Ford # (16s40). This occurs after vehicle operation on any street, typically after the vehicle comes to a stop at a light or the vehicle is parked, smoke with the odor of burnt…

Had engine trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Ford Mustang?

It's a meaningful issue. 27 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 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 15,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 41,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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/2017/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.