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moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 49,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Mustang | 8 |
| 2015 Mustang | 22 |
| 2016 Mustang | 62 |
| 2017 Mustang | 27 |
| 2018 Mustang (this page) | 51 |
| 2019 Mustang | 45 |
| 2020 Mustang | 13 |
| 2021 Mustang | 7 |
| 2022 Mustang | 3 |
Of the 51 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Ford Mustang, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
Among the 18 model years of Ford Mustang in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Engine accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
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 ↗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 ↗Some 2018-2023 Mustang vehicles (non-Shelby GT-350) may exhibit various concerns with the active exhaust system. These may include Exhaust Mode Selection Not Available messages, and/or illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostics trouble codes (DTCs) P26C5, P26C6, P26FE, P2BF9, P2BFB, P26C7, P2BF5, P2BF8, P2BFD and/or P2BFA. This may be due to an improperly seated exhaust system. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose the tailpipe actuator.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and a manual transmission may exhibit an inability to engage third and fourth gear. This may be due to a broken 3-4 shift fork. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the 3rd/4th shift fork, the 1st/2nd shift fork, the countershaft 3rd gear, and the 3rd/4th gear synchronizer hub and sleeve.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018-2019 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and a manual transmission may exhibit an inability to drive the vehicle in first and/or second gear. This may be due to a broken 1-2 shift fork. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the 1st/2nd shift fork, the mainshaft 2nd gear, and the 1st/2nd gear synchronizer hub and sleeve.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of 2018 Ford Mustangs describe two dominant engine failure modes: coolant intrusion into cylinders and piston slap/cylinder wall scoring.
Coolant intrusion appears in narratives from vehicles with 18,000 to 129,000 miles. Owners report check engine lights tied to cylinder misfires (P0300, P0301, P0316), low coolant levels requiring frequent top-offs, rough cold starts, loss of power while driving, and engine overheating. Borescope inspections confirm coolant pooling on cylinder walls. Owners report that dealer diagnostics often misdiagnose the problem as a spark plug or fuel injector issue before identifying coolant in the cylinder. Dealers consistently recommend long-block engine replacement, with quoted costs between $5,000 and $13,000. Some owners with remaining factory warranty coverage had repairs covered; most beyond warranty paid out of pocket. Owners cite multiple narratives indicating Ford made an engineering change to the engine block around February 2020 and provided relief to owners with other small EcoBoost engines having similar defects, but have not recalled the 2.3L engines in 2018 Mustangs.
Piston slap and cylinder wall scoring occurs at idle and between 1,500–2,500 RPM, producing a loud ticking or diesel-like knocking sound that worsens over time. Owners report the noise begins as early as 6,000 miles. One complaint included borescope-confirmed cylinder wall damage (cylinders 5–8) with Ford approving only a short-block replacement rather than full engine replacement. Dealers tell owners the ticking is normal; owners report the issue can progress to misfires and compression loss.
Sudden catastrophic failures including engine seizure, blown head gaskets, and block ruptures have occurred at low mileages (2,000–18,000 miles), creating safety hazards on highways. One owner reported violent engine shaking and smoke while traveling 60 mph on a freeway with only 2,000 miles on the vehicle.
Same Ford Mustang engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Coolant leaks into engine cylinders due to a block design defect where coolant channels placed between cylinders fail to seal properly. This causes coolant to mix with oil, triggering misfires and engine failure. Owners report the defect occurs across multiple cylinders and progresses despite repairs.
When: 18,000 to 129,000 miles; typically surfaces between 23,000–72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (persistent or intermittent); Cylinder misfires (especially cylinders 1, 2, 3); Rough idle and rough cold starts; Low coolant level requiring frequent refilling; Engine overheating warning light; Loss of power while driving; Engine stalling while driving; Smoke from exhaust or under hood; Coolant pooling visible on cylinder walls (borescope inspection)
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire), P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire), P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0316 (Misfire Detected on Startup)
Repairs/costs cited: Long-block engine replacement cost ranges $5,000–$13,200. Some narratives cite $8,200, $8,400, $9,500, $12,000, and $13,000+. Borescope inspection recommended to confirm coolant intrusion. Head gasket replacement alone noted as insufficient long-term fix. One narrative reports engine replacement covered under factory warranty; most owners bore full cost out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford made engineering changes to block design around February 2020. Ford provided relief to owners of other small EcoBoost engines with similar defects but has not recalled 2.3L EcoBoost engines in 2018 Mustangs. Class action lawsuits are pending. Dealers sometimes refuse diagnosis without escalation to Regional Field Service Engineer (per narrative #17). Some dealers advise owners that the engine model is no longer produced.
Engine produces loud, persistent ticking or knocking noise caused by excessive clearance between pistons and cylinder walls. Borescope inspections confirm cylinder wall scoring. Noise typically appears shortly after first oil change and worsens over time. Dealers claim noise is normal operation.
When: Begins as early as 6,000 miles; occurs throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking sound at idle (described as typewriter or metronome-like); Ticking/knocking noise between 1,500–2,500 RPM under light load; Diesel-like or abnormal knocking sound from engine compartment; Noise worsens with acceleration and over time; Rougher operation and increased noise when engine is cold; Noise subsides as engine warms but reappears at certain RPM ranges; Cylinder wall scoring visible on borescope; Oil consumption issues reported; Check engine light with misfire code (P0300) in advanced cases; Potential for future compression loss and misfires
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire) – in advanced cases only
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs cited in narratives; dealers refused diagnosis or repair, stating noise is normal. One narrative reports Ford approved short-block replacement (not full engine) for cylinder damage (cylinders 5–8). Owners report unsuccessful dealer service visits (one owner had 3 unsuccessful attempts).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford and dealers refuse to acknowledge the issue as defective, claiming the ticking sound is normal for direct fuel injection engines. No recalls, service bulletins, or warranty coverage mentioned in narratives for this symptom alone.
Engine experiences sudden, violent failure including block rupture, head gasket failure, or complete seizure at relatively low mileages, sometimes without warning. Owners describe detonation events creating holes in the block or producing massive smoke and violent shaking.
When: 2,000 to 47,000 miles; some occur at cold start, others during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Violent engine shaking; Massive smoke from exhaust and under hood; Loud metallic clanging or 'tin can full of nuts and bolts' sound; Sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds; Engine seizing without prior warning; Blown head gasket; Hole blown in engine block; Ruptured cylinder (e.g., cylinder 1); Engine shutdown while driving (loss of brakes and power steering)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. One owner quoted $9,500 for block repair/rebuild. Narratives indicate these failures often occur with minimal warning and no diagnostic codes displayed beforehand.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied requests for vehicle replacement. Owners report Ford stated their obligation is only to fix the issue, not replace the vehicle. No recall issued. Manufacturer made aware in some cases but provided no assistance or acknowledgment of defect.
2018 Mustang GT with manual transmission stalls when driver shifts to neutral at engine speeds above ~2,000 RPM (e.g., during downshifting to neutral at traffic lights or highway exit ramps). Does not occur when transmission remains engaged or at idle RPM. Present from new vehicle delivery. No fault codes generated.
When: From vehicle delivery (present at 1,500 miles); occurs during normal driving when downshifting to neutral above ~2,000 RPM
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when shifting to neutral above ~2,000 RPM; Engine speed drops below idle and may recover without stalling (intermittent); Only occurs after engine is warmed up; No diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) or warning lights displayed; No issue if transmission remains engaged during deceleration; No issue if shifting to neutral near normal idle RPM (~500 RPM)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided in narrative. Owner made CAN bus recording attempting self-diagnosis; no repair costs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service advisor confirmed issue could be reproduced at dealership at 1,500 miles but no fix or explanation documented in narrative.
Engine loses oil unexpectedly, leading to low oil condition and engine seizure/failure. One narrative reports engine shutting down due to lack of engine oil.
When: 129,000 miles (one reported case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loss of power with abnormal ticking sound; Check engine light illumination; Engine shutdown at stationary conditions (warm-up attempt); Message 'Shift to Park' displayed despite transmission already in park; Diagnosis: engine failure due to lack of engine oil
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealer not made aware per narrative.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Engine has a loud ticking sound. Sound like a slow typewriter. I have a a video with the noise.
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Ford mustang. While driving, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking noise. The dealer (five star Ford, 6618 ne loop 820, north richland hills, tx 76180) and the manufacturer were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 6,500.
My 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost experienced sudden engine failure at 70,915 miles. The dealership documented misfire codes P0300, P0301, and P0316, which match the known 2.3L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion defect. This defect causes loss of power, rough operation, misfires, and potential stalling, creating a safety risk during driving. Ford Customer Relationship Center instructed me that the…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 51 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 11,000 and 66,637 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 66,637. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
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.