2019 Ford Mustang Safety Report
2019 Ford Mustang: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Persistent Engine and Camera Issues Highlight Real-World Concerns and Multiple Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ford Mustang
Reliability Score
The 2019 Ford Mustang receives a reliability score of 65 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 2019 Ford Mustang
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ford Mustang:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Head Gasket Failure (2.3l Ecoboost) Coolant intrusion into cylinders due to a faulty engine block design, leading to misfires, engine failure, and costly repairs. Multiple complaints reference this specific defect. |
High | Common | 26000-86000 miles |
| Rearview Camera Malfunction Camera displays blank, inverted, or distorted images, or 'backup camera not available' messages, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. Subject to two recalls. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
| Door Latch Malfunction Doors unlocking and becoming ajar while driving at speed, creating a significant safety hazard. Some complaints suggest this issue is similar to prior recalled models. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Transmission Not In Park Warning Shorter than intended warning duration for 'Transmission Not In Park', increasing risk of unintended vehicle movement if driver exits without proper engagement. Subject to recall. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Instrument Panel Cluster Malfunction Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly may not function at vehicle start-up, obscuring critical information like speed, fuel, and warning lights. Subject to recall. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Ford Mustang:
Frequent reports of head gasket failures, coolant intrusion, misfires, and engine replacement needs, particularly in the 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
Issues with rearview camera functionality (blank/distorted images) and instrument cluster malfunctions.
Problems with automatic transmission hesitation/jolting and 'Transmission Not In Park' warnings.
Door latches unlocking or doors opening while driving.
Reports of power steering failure requiring rack and pinion replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ford Mustang
Is the 2019 Ford Mustang safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Ford Mustang received excellent 5-star crash test ratings across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), indicating strong performance in crash protection. However, it has 131 total complaints, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury, and 5 recalls, suggesting some real-world safety concerns, particularly with engine reliability and rearview camera functionality.
What are common problems with the 2019 Ford Mustang?
The most reported issues for the 2019 Ford Mustang are related to the ENGINE (29 complaints), specifically head gasket failures and coolant intrusion in the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18 complaints) issues, primarily rearview camera malfunctions, are also common. POWER TRAIN (13 complaints) problems, including transmission issues and 'Transmission Not In Park' warnings, are also frequently cited.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Ford Mustang?
Yes, the 2019 Ford Mustang has 5 recalls. These include two recalls for rearview camera malfunctions, one for a 'Transmission Not In Park' warning issue, one for a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) issue in manual transmission 5.0L engines, and one for Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) not functioning at start-up.
How does the 2019 Ford Mustang perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Ford Mustang performs exceptionally well in crash tests, earning a perfect 5-star rating from NHTSA for Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover safety. This indicates a high level of occupant protection in various collision types.
Is the 2.3L EcoBoost engine reliable in the 2019 Mustang?
NHTSA complaints indicate significant reliability concerns with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine in the 2019 Mustang, with numerous reports of head gasket failures and coolant intrusion into cylinders, often leading to costly engine replacements at relatively low mileages (e.g., 26,000 to 86,000 miles). This appears to be a widespread design defect.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2019 Ford Mustang boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant engine reliability issues, particularly with the 2.3L EcoBoost, and ensure all 5 recalls, especially those for the rearview camera, have been addressed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ford Mustang
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ford Mustang. The data includes 131 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Ford Mustang an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
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.