2023 Ford Mustang Safety Report

2023 Ford Mustang: Multiple Recalls and High Complaint Volume for Electrical, Brake, and Steering Issues; Crash Test Ratings Unavailable

121Complaints
6Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
13Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (14)Service Brakes (10)Unknown Or Other (9)Power Train,Electrical System (8)Steering (4)Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Structure (3)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (3)Vehicle Speed Control (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Ford Mustang

The 2023 Ford Mustang presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a significant number of complaints and multiple recalls, despite lacking NHTSA crash test ratings. With 121 total complaints, including 13 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported issues revolve around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (8 complaints when combined with electrical system). These complaints often describe critical failures such as unexpected acceleration, parking brake malfunctions, and loss of vehicle control, directly impacting safety. The recall history for the 2023 Mustang is extensive, with 6 recalls addressing serious safety defects. Key recalls include issues with the brake fluid level sensor (23V727, 2020-2023 models), which could lead to reduced braking performance, and two recalls concerning the STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM (24V-493, 2022-2023 models), where improper calibration could cause unintentional steering wheel turns and loss of control. Furthermore, a recall for the POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (2022-2023 models) highlights a risk of rollaway due to a loose transmission component. These recalls directly correspond to some of the top complaint categories, indicating known manufacturing or design flaws. Given the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's crashworthiness is not possible from this data. However, the high volume of complaints and the nature of the recalls suggest potential safety vulnerabilities that buyers should be aware of. The recurring themes of electrical system failures, brake issues, and steering problems, coupled with recalls addressing these very components, paint a picture of a vehicle with several unaddressed or recurring safety challenges.

Reliability Score

The 2023 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 2023 Ford Mustang

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Ford Mustang:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Parking Brake Malfunction
Electronic parking brake failure, often leading to the brake being stuck engaged or displaying fault messages. Some complaints mention corrosion of wiring connectors.		 High Common unknown miles
Unexpected Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates suddenly and unexpectedly, sometimes leading to crashes, particularly when shifting into drive or at low speeds.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Steering System Malfunctions
Steering wheel turning unintentionally or vehicle becoming inoperable with locked steering, linked to electric power assist system sensor calibration issues.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Brake Fluid Level Sensor Failure
Brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when fluid is low, reducing braking performance.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Rollaway Risk
Automatic transmission may contain a loose component, leading to inability to secure the vehicle in park and potential rollaway.		 High Rare unknown miles
Pre-Collision Assist/Adas Malfunctions
Pre-collision assist unavailable, causing other safety features like lane departure warning and parking collision warning to fail.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System Failures (Screens, Power Loss)
Screens going black, rearview image missing, proximity sensor malfunctions, and complete loss of power while driving or at charging stations.		 Medium Common unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Ford Mustang:

Electrical System 11% of complaints

Frequent issues including screen malfunctions, power loss, and sensor failures, contributing to 14 complaints.

Service Brakes 8% of complaints

Problems with parking brake failure, often getting stuck or displaying fault messages, accounting for 10 complaints.

Power Train,Electrical System 6% of complaints

Combined issues leading to powertrain faults, unexpected acceleration, and loss of power, noted in 8 complaints.

Steering 3% of complaints

Malfunctions in the electric power assist system causing unintentional steering or vehicle immobility, reported in 4 complaints.

Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System 3% of complaints

Electrical issues impacting the fuel/propulsion system, contributing to 4 complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Ford Mustang

Is the 2023 Ford Mustang safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Ford Mustang has 121 total complaints, including 13 crashes and 3 injuries, and has been subject to 6 recalls addressing significant safety concerns like brake fluid sensor failure, steering system malfunctions, and transmission rollaway risk. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this model year, making a full safety assessment challenging. Buyers should be aware of the numerous reported issues and recalls.

What are common problems with the 2023 Ford Mustang?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Ford Mustang involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (8 complaints when combined with electrical system). Specific problems include parking brake failures, unexpected acceleration, steering system malfunctions, and various electrical glitches leading to screen blackouts or power loss.

How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Mustang have?

The 2023 Ford Mustang has 6 recalls. These include recalls for the brake fluid level sensor, rearview camera software, electric power assist steering system (two separate recalls), and a potential transmission rollaway issue.

Are there any known issues with the 2023 Ford Mustang's steering?

Yes, there are known issues with the 2023 Ford Mustang's steering. Two recalls (24V-493 and a subsequent recall for incorrect repairs) address a secondary steering torque sensor that may not be calibrated properly, potentially causing the steering wheel to turn unintentionally and increasing the risk of a crash. Complaints also describe instances of the steering wheel locking up.

What should I know about the 2023 Ford Mustang's braking system?

The 2023 Ford Mustang has received 10 complaints related to SERVICE BRAKES, primarily concerning electronic parking brake failures where the brake gets stuck or displays fault messages. Additionally, there's a recall (23V727) for the brake fluid level sensor, which may not activate the warning indicator when fluid is low, potentially reducing braking performance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of complaints, multiple safety recalls, and lack of crash test data, potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, ensuring all recalls have been addressed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Ford Mustang

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Ford Mustang. The data includes 121 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 13 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments 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.