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 Diag
View on NHTSA →2018 Ford Mustang powertrain problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 42 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Ford Mustang, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 42 powertrain 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.
Powertrain accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2301. Reason for update: update the Part List Description. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * De
View on NHTSA →This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2126. Reason for update: update the Part List and Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh
View on NHTSA →Some 2018-2023 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a buck/jerk sensation that may be perceived as an engine misfire during throttle tip-in between 35-45 mph (56-72 km/h) and with the transmission in 8th, 9th, or 10
View on NHTSA →Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When w
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe widespread powertrain failures across the 2018 Mustang lineup. Manual transmission owners report stuck gears—especially 3rd gear—with one owner at 5,000 miles finding the clutch return line too short and loosely seated on the fluid reservoir. Automatic transmission complaints center on the 10R80 unit failing to engage, jerking between gears, hard slamming shifts, and sudden loss of motive power while driving. Multiple owners identify CDF drum bushing failure as the root cause; Ford revised the design in later production but has not recalled 2018 models. Park engagement fails intermittently, with vehicles rolling away while parked; several owners reference NHTSA Campaign 18V213000 but report their VINs were excluded from recall coverage. Engine issues include sporadic misfires eventually traced to a fractured intake valve leaking coolant and metal shards—a known defect Ford recalled on 2020+ models but not 2018s. Rear differentials produce grinding and popping at low mileage, with one owner's differential replaced by 3,893 miles. Engine stalling at highway speed occurs without warning codes, leaving dealers unable to diagnose. Dealers frequently report finding no codes, reproducing the failures, or offering repairs that don't stick. Repair costs when covered are substantial; out-of-pocket engine replacement cited at $14,000.
Same Ford Mustang powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Rear differential failure and noises
Grinding and popping sounds in rear end combined with loose/unstable feeling, occurring during uneven surfaces, turns, and acceleration. One owner reported shop confirmed rear differential needed replacement; another experienced locked rear wheels while driving.
When: As early as 2,600 miles; repeated issue at 3,893 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding and popping sounds in rear end; Loose, unsafe feeling in rear end; Sounds during turns, acceleration, and uneven surfaces; Locked rear wheels while slowing down (separate incident at 100k miles)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: shock absorber replacement at 2,600 miles (11 days in shop), then rear differential fluid replacement and full differential replacement (8 additional days in shop). Another owner: solenoid B code thrown after rear wheel lock incident.
Engine misfire and fractured intake valve
Sporadic engine misfires with check engine light, initially attributed to spark plugs and ignition coils. Later diagnosis revealed fractured intake valve leaking coolant and dispersing metal shards into engine. Owner reports this is a known issue affecting roughly 100k vehicles starting with 2020 model year, with recalls issued for those vehicles but not for 2018.
When: April 2025 (sporadic over 4 months); fracture discovered after extended diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Sporadic engine misfire; Check engine light illumination; Ford app reporting misfire
Codes mentioned: P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair: all spark plugs and ignition leads replaced (ineffective). Final diagnosis: fractured intake valve requiring engine and turboboost replacement. Owner reports out-of-pocket cost approximately $14,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls found for 2018 model year; owner notes similar issue recalled on 2020+ models. Ford not offering assistance despite vehicle being regularly serviced at Ford dealership since 2020 per maintenance guidelines.
Park engagement failure and rollaway
Vehicle rolling away when parked with parking brake applied and shift lever in park. Multiple owners reported vehicles rolling away causing property damage. Related to potential missing park pawl rod guide cup pin or unseated transmission gear shift cable clip.
When: Early in ownership; one at 7,000 miles, another at 48,198 miles, another at 4,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls away when parked; Park function not illuminated on instrument panel; Chime may or may not sound when door open with keys removed
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report vehicles not included in recall coverage despite experiencing failure symptoms. One owner references NHTSA Campaign 18V213000 but was told VIN not included in date range.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V213000 covered certain manufactured date ranges; multiple owners report their VINs excluded despite having identical failures. Dealer advised manufacturer will not assist vehicles with VINs outside recall range.
Automatic transmission failure – refusal to engage and jerking
Transmission failing to engage or shift into gear, with jerking and jumping between gears. Occurs during acceleration, turns, and normal driving. Multiple owners report sudden loss of motive power while driving. Some report CDF drum failure as root cause.
When: Varies from early ownership (10,000 miles) to higher mileage (70,000+ miles); sporadic and recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to engage; Jerking or jumping between gears; Hard shifting; Slipping sensation; Sudden complete loss of motive power while driving; Transmission refusal to go into gear; Delayed engagement from Park to Drive (2-6 seconds); Hard lunge forward when shifted into Drive
Codes mentioned: P0757 (transmission solenoid malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cites CDF drum failure requiring $4,000 repair (out of warranty). Another references Technical Service Bulletin 25-2126. Multiple owners report CDS/CDF drum replacement needed. Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose in many cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner references 10R80 transmission CDF drum design revision in later production models but no recall issued for affected 2018 units. Ford has not issued recalls for CDF drum issues affecting 2018 models.
Manual transmission shifting difficulties – stuck gears
Manual transmission unable to shift into certain gears or stuck in gear. Clutch pedal occasionally sticks to floor. Third gear particularly problematic. Shifter uses remote linkage causing missed shifts and interference.
When: As early as 5,000 miles; recurring issues reported
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift into 3rd or 4th gear; Difficulty shifting into 5th, 6th, reverse, 2nd gears; Clutch pedal stuck to floor; Grinding gears when attempting to shift; Forced shifter movement required to engage gear; Transmission will not go into gear with clutch fully depressed
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: clutch return line identified as cause – line too short creating tension, loose interference fit on fluid reservoir causing leaks. Owner temporarily remedied by pushing line back onto reservoir. Another owner: attempted repair at dealership for 31 days; issue recurred worse upon return; shop stated no additional help possible and repairs done per manufacturer specs. Manual transmission MT-82 is known to have missed shift issues; aftermarket brackets and shifters available to fix.
Engine stalling while driving
Engine unexpectedly stalling at highway speeds during turns and acceleration. Dashboard message 'put in neutral to start engine' appears. Battery indicator lights. Multiple incidents on same vehicle. Dealers unable to find error codes or replicate issue.
When: As early as 800 miles; multiple incidents within first 1,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at highway speed; Battery indicator illuminates; Dashboard message: 'put in neutral to start engine'; Stalling during turns at 45-55 mph; Stalling 5-10 minutes after startup; Engine always restarts while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service visits: installed missing back seat bracket at first service; dealers found no codes and performed no repairs across three visits; issues unresolved despite appointments scheduled.
10R80 automatic transmission CDF drum/internal component failure
10R80 transmission experiencing slamming, slipping, jerking, and jumping issues caused by CDF (Clutch-Drum-Forward) drum bushing wear or failure. Ford has revised CDF drum design in later production but has not recalled affected 2018 models.
When: Varies; one owner mentions issue after extended highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slamming during shifts; Transmission slipping; Jerking while shifting; Jumping in and out of gear on highway; Hard shifting; Harsh downshifting when slowing; Loss of power suddenly on freeway; Very hot transmission temperatures (230+F); Limp mode activation; Stalling when stopping
Repairs/costs cited: CDF drum bushing failure requires CDF drum replacement. One owner reports transmission in shop for expensive repair. Ford updated CDF drum design in later production models but no recall issued for 2018 units. Customers left to pay out of pocket or rely on warranty/aftermarket coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued design revisions (adding lip to bushing to prevent movement and fluid leaks) in later production models but did not issue recall for affected 2018 vehicles.
Reverse lockout failure – free shifting into reverse while driving
Reverse lockout collar failing to prevent shifting into reverse while vehicle is moving. Owner able to freely shift into reverse during driving, requiring extreme precaution.
When: Approximately 9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reverse lockout collar does not operate; Able to shift into reverse while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed owner that customer satisfaction program placed on similar vehicles for this failure; however, owner's vehicle was not included in program.
Multiple engine and drivetrain issues – shaking, weak acceleration, coolant problems
At 30,000 miles, engine shaking at startup and idle, intermittent exhaust gas flow issues, jittering at low speeds, weak acceleration, transmission occasional strange noise, coolant not working properly, and one highway stall lasting 10+ minutes.
When: At 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shakes at startup; Whole car shakes noticeably when idling; Intermittent exhaust gas flow; Exhaust pipe shaking with 'burst' sound or thump; Obvious jittering at low speeds above 2,000 rpm; Weak acceleration; Vehicle does not move after releasing brake in D or R; Transmission occasional strange noise; Coolant not working properly; Automatic engine shutdown on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership at Plantation, FL indicated repairs possible while under warranty but owner declined, doubting repairs would fully resolve issues.
Transmission shift cable and park pawl issues
Transmission shift cable not seating properly in clip, and missing or damaged park pawl rod guide cup pin. Results in park function not registering on instrument panel and potential rollaway.
When: Can occur at any mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Park not illuminated on instrument panel; Chime may or may not sound when door open with keys removed; Vehicle may roll away if parking brake not applied
Repairs/costs cited: Recalls issued for missing roll pin attaching park pawl rod guide cup to transmission case and unseated transmission gear shift cable clip, but only for vehicles manufactured at certain plant. Multiple owners' VINs not included despite identical failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued (NHTSA Campaign 18V213000) for certain manufacturing plants only; many owners excluded from recall coverage.
Wheel rub damage and tire wear
Tires rubbing on inner wheel wells, causing wires to show and holes rubbed into wheel well areas.
When: Few months into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Tires rubbing on inner wheel wells; Wires showing on inside of tire; Holes rubbed into wheel wells
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership assessed and stated nothing was wrong despite visible damage.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I was driving down the road in my 2018 Mustang ecoboost. When all of the sudden slowing down it locked the rear wheels up. I slid off the road and fortunately I didn’t hit anything but it did pop my side skirt off in the rear of the car. Thankfully the person behind me reacted in quick enough time to get around me considering the rainy weather conditions. This is very dangerous. It’s throwing a…
The transmission gets stuck in gear when you accelerate hard, you can't take the car out of gear and the clutch does not work. The engine continually revs/speeds up when no one is touching the accelerator. This is very dangerous and needs to be addressed right away. This was driving in sport mode, this has no happened in normal mode.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle failed to shift out of first gear. The vehicle then stopped independently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the transmission being faulty. The vehicle had not been diagnosed…
10 speed Ecoboost transmission, doesn't stay in gear and delayed shifts causing acceleration problems. Hard shifts, jerking, and hard lunge forward when shifted into Drive. The forward lunge is unstoppable even with the brake fully engaged. Transmission slip when changing gears while driving. Yes, it's available for inspection. Yes, mine and others safety risk are at risk. Yes, the problem has…
******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is an inadvertent duplicate of odi# 11490557*djr ******* delete voq *******
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 Ford Mustang?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,000 and 35,000 miles, with the median around 13,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 35,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2018/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.