2016 Ford Mustang Safety Report
2016 Ford Mustang: Engine failures and persistent rearview camera issues overshadow 5-star rollover rating amidst multiple safety recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ford Mustang
Reliability Score
The 2016 Ford Mustang receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Ford Mustang
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ford Mustang:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Head Gasket Failure/Coolant Intrusion Coolant leaks into cylinders, leading to misfires, sudden power loss, and complete engine failure. This is a known design flaw in the EcoBoost engine. |
High | Common | 45000-126000 miles |
| Rearview Camera Malfunction Camera displays blank, distorted, or inverted images, or becomes inoperable, significantly reducing driver's rear visibility and increasing crash risk. Subject to multiple recalls. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Seat Belt Pretensioner Corrosion/Assembly Issues Corrosion of pretensioner cables or improper assembly of anchors can prevent seat belts from properly restraining occupants during a crash, increasing injury risk. Subject to recalls. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Steering Wheel Looseness/Wobble Steering wheel feels loose and moves up and down, potentially leading to a feeling of losing control while driving. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
| Engine Oil Cooler Hose Separation Hose may separate from the engine oil cooler tube assembly, causing sudden oil loss, engine failure, and potential fire risk. Subject to recall. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ford Mustang:
Frequent reports of head gasket failure, coolant intrusion into cylinders, misfires, and sudden engine power loss, often leading to engine replacement.
Widespread issues with the rearview camera displaying blank, distorted, or inverted images, or failing to operate, despite multiple recalls.
Problems include display screen flickering or going black, often related to rearview camera issues, and other intermittent electrical malfunctions.
General complaints related to transmission and drivetrain, though specific patterns are less clear than engine issues.
Concerns about seat belt pretensioner corrosion and improper assembly, leading to recalls and potential restraint system failure.
Reports of doors opening while driving and issues with latches/locks, including rear window shattering.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ford Mustang
Is the 2016 Ford Mustang safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Mustang has a 5-star rollover rating, but lacks frontal and side crash test ratings. It has 363 total complaints, including 13 crashes, 6 fires, 11 injuries, and 2 deaths. There are significant safety concerns related to engine failures, rearview camera malfunctions, and seat belt issues, all of which have been subject to recalls or numerous consumer complaints.
What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Mustang?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Ford Mustang are related to the ENGINE (51 complaints), particularly head gasket failures and coolant intrusion, and BACK OVER PREVENTION (36 complaints), primarily rearview camera malfunctions. Other common problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues (31 complaints) and POWER TRAIN concerns (20 complaints).
Has the 2016 Ford Mustang been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 Ford Mustang has been subject to 5 recalls. These include recalls for seat belt pretensioner corrosion, rearview camera wiring issues (two separate recalls), engine oil cooler hose separation, and improper seat belt and child seat tether anchor assembly.
Are there engine problems with the 2016 Ford Mustang?
Yes, engine problems are a significant concern for the 2016 Ford Mustang, with 51 complaints. Common issues include head gasket failure, coolant intrusion into cylinders, misfires, and sudden power loss, particularly in the EcoBoost engine. One recall (16V614000) also addressed a potential engine oil cooler hose separation.
How reliable is the rearview camera on the 2016 Ford Mustang?
The rearview camera on the 2016 Ford Mustang has shown poor reliability, with 36 complaints and two specific recalls (22V082000 and 25V572000) addressing issues like blank, distorted, or inverted images. Many complaints indicate that the problem persists even after recall repairs.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of significant engine reliability concerns and persistent rearview camera issues, even with recalls. Thoroughly investigate service history for engine repairs and ensure all 5 recalls have been completed and verified as effective.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ford Mustang
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ford Mustang. The data includes 363 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 13 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 11 reported injuries, and 2 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.