Which Years Of Ford Mustang Are Best & Most Reliable?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

An all-time favorite, Ford Mustang has been around for decades, and it keeps coming back with new designs and improved performance. This iconic American car is responsible for the worldwide muscle car craze. It is ferocious, sporty, and versatile, but is it reliable? The truth is, Ford Mustang years are sort of a mixed bag in terms of reliability and maintenance costs. 

It is difficult for a car model to maintain a clean record when it has been running since 1965 and up to these days. Some trims are more reliable than others, some years feature questionable decisions, and yet in recent years, Ford Mustang proved that it could learn from past mistakes and rise above them. The 2017 Ford Mustang and newer are quite reliable years based on complaints and ratings. According to J.D. Power’s surveys and ratings, Ford Mustang rarely scores lower than 80 out of 100 in quality and reliability, making this vehicle perfect for resale or long use.

What is the Best Ford Mustang Year to Buy?

2018 is one of the best years of Ford Mustang vehicles. The APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study by J.D. Power proved that owners of this model year are happy with their purchase. They are happy, so it must be good. And this year is also among the lucky few to receive very few complaints on performance and paint quality.

If you are looking for about any Ford Mustang year with low maintenance and the lowest risks possible, we recommend looking for a 2018 Ford Mustang and newer. The 6th gen is the most “healthy” of them all with a few exceptions (2015 and 2016 years). Steer clear of these model years to save your time.

However, if your goal is to find a perfect muscle car material, pay closer attention to the engines than to the years. We will look into this a little further in the article. Or you can skip to the table with the year and engine comparison for more information. Remember that you don’t have to be stuck with the stock engine. Just pick the model for a perfect engine swap.

Mustang Years/Generations

Ford Mustang has a tumultuous history of success and failure. The love the public gives this car can leave some people blind to some of the major concerns. The best way to analyze what Ford Mustang years are best in terms of reliability is to look at the generations and their common complaint patterns. They can reveal what Mustangs are generally safe to purchase after being in use and what years to avoid.

The Instant Classic First Generation (1965-1973)

These vehicles are hard to come by today. The true classic muscle car is a gem that must be hunted. But if you manage to get your hands on one of the first Mustangs, there are some common reliability and maintenance issues every old car enthusiast has to face. 

Older car models lack the safety and comfort features we rarely consider. We do not give much thought to automation. Nevertheless, it is so deeply ingrained into our lives that you will feel the difference immediately. Another thing to consider is replacement parts. Some parts have retrofits, like headlights, but other parts might be already been discontinued.

The Elegant Second Generation (1974-1978)

This time Ford Mustang concentrated on fuel efficiency and performance. These cars have a more classic aesthetic and sleek design. But despite all the perks old Mustangs can offer, they are prone to corrosion and rust. Another problem comes from replicating the same color and finish of the original paint. So, if you attempt to restore a 2nd gen Ford Mustang, you might have to paint it all over instead of fixing a patch.

Function over style: The Third Generation (1979-1993)

The 3rd gen is not as dashing as its previous iterations. The style is oversimplified, stripped of the smooth lines and curves. The beauty of this generation is inside its turbocharged engine. These cars were not meant for show, they were built to race.

Speedsters often put these cars through challenges and they didn’t always deliver. If you want to restore and style this iconic muscle car, beware of the engine and fuel system issues. Problems like sudden fuel pump shutting off started to pop up in the third-gen Mustangs, so be thorough with your inspection.

The "New Edge" Fourth Generation (1994-2004)

This generation welcomed the bold designs back. These cars are a bit more common on our roads and, naturally, they are more frequently reported if anything goes wrong. 

The 4th gen Mustangs have a decent reliability reputation. They lack modern safety features and innovations but in general, make a solid choice. Among the common problems, however, are some serious issues like the engine cutting off abruptly, rattling noise from the exhaust system and electrical issues. Another thing to think twice about is their notorious paint. Throughout many generations and years, complaints about peeling or cracking paint 

The “Problem Children”: The Fifth Generation (2005-2014)

This generation of Musatang happens to have the worst and least reliable years:

• 2006 Ford Mustang

• 2010 Ford Mustang

• 2012 Ford Mustang

We recommend avoiding these years if you are looking for a used Ford Mustang. This generation can be very expensive to maintain because of engine problems, squealing brakes and even drivetrain vibration.

These Mustangs also have ugly trouble with paint. Many Mustang owners report nasty peeling and blistering. When the paint is coming off, it’s not just ugly. It also means that moisture and dirt come into contact with the metal, prompting its deterioration.

The Modern Sixth Generation (2015-Now)

The 6th gen gave us amazing standard features like an independent rear suspension for improved performance and handling, powerful and efficient engines. Another new thing introduced within the current generation is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, an electric vehicle designed in pursuit of a growing demand for sustainable cars.

This generation is reliable with the exception of the 2015 Ford Mustang, which has too many complaints of varying severity degrees. Among the dire issues are engine issues (stalling, power loss, noise), transmission problems and a vibrating drivetrain. Less important but still annoying issues can include peeling paint yet again, faulty AC and malfunctioning interior accessories. 

And yet, this generation has the most reliable years of Ford Mustang so far.

What Makes A Ford Mustang Reliable?

Ford Mustang wouldn’t have received so much love from car enthusiasts if not for a combination of visual appeal, sheer power and dependability. This car earned its success thanks to several factors that make it so reliable even after years of service:

Quality components and manufacturing 

These muscle cars are built to last. Innovation and automation in the industry dictate new manufacturing standards with less room for human error. Precision and efficiency help Ford build sturdy cars. They can easily be modified and improved to meet your expectations. High-quality materials and manufacturing technologies ensure that.

However, be careful with their paint. Several years suffer from peeling and blistering. We would suggest using gentle cleaning methods, applying a protective layer of car wax and parking the vehicle in the shade. If you live in cold states with snowy winters, there is an extra step to this routine. To keep your paint safe, never let the snow and slush melt off your car on its own. Gently brush them off before you enter the garage or a heated parking area. Warmth makes the chemicals from the road very reactive, they can eat away the protective layers and destroy the paint.

Powerful and durable engines

What is a muscle car without a powerful and robust engine? Ford Mustang designs its engines, regardless of the generation or trim, to be strong and durable. This car has a heart of a racing horse!

That being said, do not skip regular engine and fuel system checks and maintenance. Poor care and negligence are more likely to cause the check engine light to appear than some innate generation issue. Remember that when you drive Ford Mustang. Just like a racing horse, it needs your love and care to do its best.

Safety standards

Mustang is a fast and powerful car built to compete. To balance this fiery nature, Ford had to add some features to make sure it stayed safe and reliable. 

With its racing DNA in mind, engineers added features like independent rear suspension and stability control to make sure the car remains easy to handle and maneuver in traffic at any time, regardless of weather conditions. Another useful tool Ford has to ensure safety at high speed is emergency braking which activates in case of an imminent collision. And if that is not enough, the car also has a reinforced body structure to withstand an impact. No surprise Ford Mustang is ranked above average for its reliability.

Is Ford Mustang Mach-E a reliable EV?

Based on Ford reputation, Mustang Mach-E should be a fairly reliable EV. However, owners do not rate this car very highly. The problem with rating EVs is the lack of data. They are not cheap and have some limitations. Plus, the technology is relatively new and unoptimized in comparison to conventional engines. 

These vehicles have received few complaints thus far. The most important one is electrical problems - wiring, charging, accessories, power and connections. In a few years, enough people will drive this EV to provide a more in-depth view of its pros and cons. But for now, there is too little information to say that Ford Mustang Mach-E a reliable EV.

What Ford Mustang has the best engine?

If you are looking for a good muscle car, Ford Mustang is an amazing choice. But to pick the absolute best car, you need to know more about the engine that powers it.

Ford Mustang Engine Comparison 

How long does the Ford Mustang engine last?

A well-maintained Mustang engine should last at least 150,000-200,000 miles. How long the engine would last depends on many factors besides the year and engine model. 

Fuel quality, maintenance and even your driving style can influence the service life of the engine. Do not skip the routine checks and maintenance and your Mustang will last for many years, offering great performance.

Are Ford Mustangs good cars?

Yes, Ford Mustangs are actually great cars for the right person. If you like iconic American muscle cars, this car is for you. It is sporty and versatile enough to appeal to different types of drivers. 

It is a reliable Ford model featuring many safety and performance features that make it worth the price. And its durability guarantees high resale value with decent maintenance, of course.

Is Ford Mustang maintenance expensive?

The maintenance costs can vary for different Ford Mustang years, trim levels and builds. Custom builds, for instance, may require more attention to keep the car in prime condition. And older cars will need more repairs and touch-ups in general.

But the sixth generation of Ford Mustang is usually low-maintenance cars. And will not need to spend a lot of money and resources to take care of them.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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