When discussing iconic American automobiles, the Ford Mustang, with its galloping pony emblem, undoubtedly gallops to the forefront. For over half a century, the Mustang has been the gateway drug for generations craving exhilarating, accessible muscle car performance. While competitors have faded into automotive history, the Ford Mustang continues its reign in the sports car domain.
However, the Mustang, like many sports cars, isn’t exactly famed for bulletproof reliability. This is where due diligence comes in, especially if you’re considering a pre-owned model. Knowing the most reliable Ford Mustang year can save you from potential headaches down the road.
In this guide, we’ll journey through recent Mustang generations to pinpoint the Best Year Of The Mustang for reliability, and highlight the model years you might want to steer clear of.
5th Generation Ford Mustang (2005-2014): A Mixed Bag of Reliability
Unless you’re strictly in the market for a classic vintage Mustang, focusing on the fifth generation (2005-2014) for a used purchase is a smart move. The 2005 model year marked a significant redesign, lauded for improvements in comfort, aesthetics, and performance.
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Best Year: 2005 Ford Mustang
Debut models of new generations often grapple with initial production hiccups. However, the 2005 Ford Mustang largely defied this trend, although it wasn’t without its flaws.
Data from CarComplaints.com indicates over 1,000 complaints and nine recalls for the 2005 Mustang.
Transmission issues emerged as the primary concern for the 2005 Mustang. Around the 60,000-mile mark, transmission failure was reported, often signaled by gear slippage. Additionally, over 20 complaints detail paint oxidation issues, where rust and oxidation developed beneath the hood paint, impacting the car’s appearance. Despite these points, the 2005 Mustang remains a solid choice for a used sports car, offering a blend of style and performance.
Year to Avoid: 2006 Ford Mustang
The 2006 model year stands out for less favorable reasons. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) logged a significant 560 complaints for the 2006 Mustang. A large portion of these stemmed from the widespread Takata airbag recalls. Furthermore, the 2006 model carried over the paint oxidation and hood rusting issues, detracting from the Mustang’s visual appeal. It’s advisable to bypass the 2006 Ford Mustang to potentially avoid these complications.
Best Year: 2008 Ford Mustang
The 2008 year shines as a highlight within the fifth-generation Mustang lineup and is arguably the best year of the Mustang from this era. The 2008 Mustang earned a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 reliability score from Consumer Reports. This score encompassed critical areas such as engine, drive system, electrical components, and brakes.
While generally reliable, the bubbling paint issue persisted as a potential concern. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should include checking for this issue.
FORD MUSTANG YEARS TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
For those considering a Ford Mustang investment, maximizing value is key. Familiarizing yourself with Ford Mustang years to avoid is crucial for making an informed decision.
Years to Avoid: 2010-2012 Ford Mustang
These Mustang model years aren’t plagued with severe reliability issues overall, but they are notably more susceptible to body and paint problems. For instance, the 2010 Ford Mustang received 27 complaints specifically about hood corrosion. As one owner from Glen Mills detailed:
“I have a 2010 Ford Mustang, original owner. This car only has 21,800 miles on it and has been very well-kept and is in new condition EXCEPT the paint is now bubbling on my hood! After doing some research on this, I found out that this is apparently a known Ford defect for many different Ford models and many different Ford years!”
If paint issues are a major concern, these three model years are best avoided.
Best Year: 2014 Ford Mustang
The 2014 Ford Mustang is highly desirable as the final model of the S197 Mustang generation. It’s a compelling sports car, offering robust V6 and V8 engine options and extensive customization possibilities. Furthermore, it boasts a strong reliability record. Consumer Reports awarded the 2014 Ford Mustang a top-tier 5.0 out of 5.0 reliability score. While bubbling paint reports exist, they are less frequent compared to earlier models. This makes the 2014 Mustang a strong contender for the best year of the Mustang in the fifth generation.
6th Generation Ford Mustang (2015-2023): Modern Muscle with Solid Reliability
The sixth generation Mustang (2015-2023) brought a refined design and introduced a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Overall reliability is commendable in this generation, though certain years are less desirable.
Years to Avoid: 2015-2016 Ford Mustang
The 2015 and 2016 Mustangs aren’t inherently unreliable, featuring potent and dependable engines. However, they encountered various issues that might deter some buyers.
Paint peeling was a notable complaint for the 2015 Mustang, often occurring around 30,000 miles, especially on sun-exposed surfaces. Additionally, Mustangs equipped with the EcoBoost engine sometimes experienced shaking and stalling, often resolved by replacing the crankcase ventilation valve (PCV).
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Best Years: 2018-2019 Ford Mustang
From a performance and value perspective, the 2018 and 2019 Ford Mustangs are excellent choices. Benefiting from an independent rear suspension, they deliver superior handling and ride quality alongside high-performance capabilities. Crucially, Ford also enhanced the reliability of these Mustang models.
CarComplaints data shows the 2018 Mustang with just over 130 complaints and three recalls. The 2019 Ford Mustang exhibits even fewer complaints, also with three recalls. Issues in these years are primarily electrical or technology-related, notably absent of the paint bubbling concerns seen in earlier models.
Consumer Reports reinforces this, awarding both the 2018 and 2019 models a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 Reliability Verdict and a 4.0 out of 5.0 Owner Satisfaction rating. Consumer Reports indicated these Mustang years are more reliable compared to the average sports car. While the 2018 Mustang had slightly lower transmission and suspension scores, the 2019 model showed improvements in these areas, solidifying the 2018 and 2019 Mustangs as potentially the best year of the Mustang within the 6th generation for reliability.
FAQs: Finding the Most Reliable Ford Mustang Years
Q: Which Ford Mustang years are recognized for their reliability?
A: For those considering a used Ford Mustang, the 2005, 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2019 models stand out as particularly reliable choices. These years have garnered positive reviews for their performance, styling, and a lower incidence of reported problems.
Q: Why is the 2006 Ford Mustang a year to avoid?
A: The 2006 model year experienced a spike in complaints, notably concerning Takata airbag recalls and paint oxidation issues, particularly around the hood. These problems, especially cosmetic paint issues, can detract from the overall Mustang ownership experience.
Q: Are there specific years between 2010 and 2012 that should be avoided?
A: Yes, the 2010 through 2012 models are known for body and paint issues. The 2010 model, in particular, received numerous complaints regarding hood corrosion. While offering the Mustang driving experience, these years come with a higher risk of cosmetic and rust-related problems.
Q: What makes the 2014 Ford Mustang a recommended year?
A: The 2014 model, marking the end of the S197 generation, is highly sought after due to its powerful engine options, customization potential, and strong reliability reputation. Consumer Reports awarded it a top reliability score, making it a highly recommended option, despite some less frequent reports of paint bubbling. It’s a strong contender for the best year of the Mustang in the fifth generation.
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