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2023 Ford Mustang Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20266 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2023 Ford Mustang has 25 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve steering and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.3/ 10

Based on 25 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STEERING

5 20%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 16%

SERVICE BRAKES

4 16%

ENGINE

2 8%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STEERING, accounting for 20% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 12 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2023 Ford Mustang

The 2023 Ford Mustang has 25 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2023 Ford Mustang are STEERING (5), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4), SERVICE BRAKES (4).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 18 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2023 Ford Mustang?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2022 Mustang complaints2024 Mustang complaints2021 Mustang complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 12 of 12 systems

STEERING

5 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While piloting the vehicle at speeds between approximately 27 and 37 mile per hour, the steering becomes loose and darty, creating an unstable and potentially unsafe driving experience. The problem was reproduced by a dealer as detailed in the provided repair order. The dealer contacted the manufacturer for technical assistance. There were no warnings or messages. The issue appeared in July 2023.

9/12/2023

I was driving and my steering wheel turned to the right all of a sudden and I hit a curb. The curb caused my tire to blow, messed up my wheel, and who knows how bad anything else was that was messed up from this incident.

7/6/2024

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While attempting to accelerate at an intersection, the vehicle lurched forward. The gas peddle stopped working completely, leaving my vehicle stranded in the middle of the intersection with traffic coming from both directions. The engine was not revving when the gas peddle was being pushed. After repeatedly slamming on the gas peddle, the vehicle quickly accelerated forward, fishtailed, and sent me into oncoming traffic, very narrowly avoiding an accident.

12/16/2023

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V727000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer had not been contacted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and attempting to apply the brake pedal however the vehicle failed to stop causing them to crash into a nearby apartment building. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to their insurance. There were no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled. There were no injuries There was damage to the property. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

12/29/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

On Nov 22nd, I met with an accident. I have a safety recall notice from Ford. NHTSA Recall number is 23V727. Because of this, the brakes were faulty leading to the accident.

12/29/2023

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V727000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer had not been contacted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and attempting to apply the brake pedal however the vehicle failed to stop causing them to crash into a nearby apartment building. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to their insurance. There were no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled. There were no injuries There was damage to the property. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

12/29/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

2 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The last two times I have went to start my vehicle it acts as if it is not in the park position. The brake is stiff and wont budge. I have to wiggle the shifter as much as it will let me fpr a couple minutes before it lets loose to start.

12/12/2023

As i proceeded to get over on a highway with cars speeding, my car would not allow me to move over because it would not accerlate to be safe and my car slowed down as if there was no power as I had to get to the side of the highway to avoid getting hit as cars were traveling at a high rate of speed. My car then stopped and I was forced to move into the grass to avoid getting hit and causing a wreck. The speed limit was 80 mph and I was traveling at 72 mph. As I try to increase my speed but the car seemed it did not have enough power. The next day I called to report it and take it to the shop, I was informed to not drive the car for my safety. The diagnosis was that one of the fuel lines stopped working and the control module was a recall. My niece and myself was put in danger as well as the emotional fear to drive the car. This occured on June on June the 20th and the car was picked up on June the 24th. It was a recall issue. I was told by Ford Corporation that because it was fixed and I was safe then the matter was closed. Next incident, I reported that my lights and radio keep going off and then dimmed. I was driving, and had no lights at certain times at night. As I passed a non-lited highway, I could not see the direction I was traveling. During a rain storm at night, I had it continued to dim then go dark then back on. This was also another recall. I was advise that it was fixed so I had recourse against the manfualted ford corporation. At 16,000 miles, the tires had no tread because the same tires have been recalled. This stopped my ability to drively safe and advoid stopping when needed. There were other issues, the car was taken in. There is a current recall that the is no remedy, that I could lose sterring and the wheel will cause a crash. I am one of the 30,000 mustang that are having safety problems and are in the risk of crashes. I am in fear of driving the car, was denied of a buy back insure that I am not in danger.

9/8/2024

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While attempting to accelerate at an intersection, the vehicle lurched forward. The gas peddle stopped working completely, leaving my vehicle stranded in the middle of the intersection with traffic coming from both directions. The engine was not revving when the gas peddle was being pushed. After repeatedly slamming on the gas peddle, the vehicle quickly accelerated forward, fishtailed, and sent me into oncoming traffic, very narrowly avoiding an accident.

12/16/2023

This is the 3rd recall no counting issue that did no include recall. One of the fuel injectors stop working and caused my car to stop while running. Without warning of fuel injector not working, my car would be hestiate to accerate and when i got the warning, i was informed to not drive the car because it would cause a wreck or without warning stop. My alert went off that my air quality inside the car was dangerous and to return the vechicle asap to ensure my safety. I have had my car in the dealership 6 times and one of the recalls can not be fixed at this time which causes my steering system to turn opposite directions and warned that it was in danger of wrecking. Not only does the problems could harm myself but as well as innocent drivers on the road. I have been with ford since 2006 and never have I experienced such suffering. I am a teacher and not having transporation or taking off of work has cost me over 2000.00 and I havent even had my a year when the issues staring happening. Ford Corporation will not ensure my safety under the lemon law, and i have had to go without the ability to support myself as well as my elderly mother. I was involved in a wreck 4 days after the car was a year old and was found at fault as I tried to stop, it car inch up by by 2 feet. I had to pay two thousand for a deductible and then my insurance was charged for used parts on my car. Ford Corporation ask me not to contact my insurance but informed me that they are no a direct car repair shop but it is represent as a collosion center with the ford name. My tires were not driveable at 21, 000 miles but was told that they were suppose to last 26, 000 miles. They were provided from Ford itself. They then put recalled tires on the car which cause me to lose traction and I could not even get them rotated with a mileage under 21,000. Currently my car has 26,000 miles and I have been put at risk on many malfunction of the car

9/5/2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Ongoing issues with rough idle. Threw a couple generic lean codes (p0171 and p0174) that did not stay. Stored code p061a:00-28. On my third dealer. Vehicle randomly shut off at stop sign with no codes thrown whatsoever. Tech believes the issue is the throttlebody. Ford Corp says it passes their tests and will not warranty the replacement. Ford Corp Basically said I have to wait till total part failure. Shutting off in traffic is obviously dangerous.

5/9/2024

I was driving and my steering wheel turned to the right all of a sudden and I hit a curb. The curb caused my tire to blow, messed up my wheel, and who knows how bad anything else was that was messed up from this incident.

7/6/2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While attempting to accelerate at an intersection, the vehicle lurched forward. The gas peddle stopped working completely, leaving my vehicle stranded in the middle of the intersection with traffic coming from both directions. The engine was not revving when the gas peddle was being pushed. After repeatedly slamming on the gas peddle, the vehicle quickly accelerated forward, fishtailed, and sent me into oncoming traffic, very narrowly avoiding an accident.

12/16/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

On Nov 22nd, I met with an accident. I have a safety recall notice from Ford. NHTSA Recall number is 23V727. Because of this, the brakes were faulty leading to the accident.

12/29/2023

AIR BAGS

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V727000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer had not been contacted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and attempting to apply the brake pedal however the vehicle failed to stop causing them to crash into a nearby apartment building. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to their insurance. There were no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled. There were no injuries There was damage to the property. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

12/29/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I was driving and my steering wheel turned to the right all of a sudden and I hit a curb. The curb caused my tire to blow, messed up my wheel, and who knows how bad anything else was that was messed up from this incident.

7/6/2024

POWER TRAIN

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving up hill in low gear, the vehicle suddenly will jerk, a service light will come on, and a powertrain warning will occur. When this happens, it warns that the pre-collision assist is unavailable, as well as the exhaust mode selection. Once this occurs, the vehicle becomes much more difficult to drive as the rev match no longer occurs, the vehicle no longer increases revs as you start releasing the clutch, and when in gear it becomes more jerky as you are driving along. I don't have the experience but I suspect it is essentially in a low power mode with minimal computer aid. After being able to pull off and turn the car off for a number of minutes (not off and on as that does not resolve it), the vehicle returns to normal. This has happened twice now while driving on the same section of roadway in almost the exact same spot. I previously called the dealer after the first time and they told me if it happens again to bring it in. They did not seem interested in looking at it. I will be hopefully doing that tomorrow. I am not sure if it is related, but the vehicle did seem like it was running rich earlier in the day (a slight smell of gas when driving by).

10/21/2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving up hill in low gear, the vehicle suddenly will jerk, a service light will come on, and a powertrain warning will occur. When this happens, it warns that the pre-collision assist is unavailable, as well as the exhaust mode selection. Once this occurs, the vehicle becomes much more difficult to drive as the rev match no longer occurs, the vehicle no longer increases revs as you start releasing the clutch, and when in gear it becomes more jerky as you are driving along. I don't have the experience but I suspect it is essentially in a low power mode with minimal computer aid. After being able to pull off and turn the car off for a number of minutes (not off and on as that does not resolve it), the vehicle returns to normal. This has happened twice now while driving on the same section of roadway in almost the exact same spot. I previously called the dealer after the first time and they told me if it happens again to bring it in. They did not seem interested in looking at it. I will be hopefully doing that tomorrow. I am not sure if it is related, but the vehicle did seem like it was running rich earlier in the day (a slight smell of gas when driving by).

10/21/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Mustang?

The most reported complaint category for the 2023 Ford Mustang is STEERING, with 5 owner reports. That is about 20% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES.

Are complaints about the 2023 Ford Mustang a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 18 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2023 Ford Mustang?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2023 Ford Mustang severe?

18 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford Mustang: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
25
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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