Sixth generation
2016 Ford Mustang
The most reported problem on the 2016 Ford Mustang is infotainment, with 68 complaints, usually around 32,000 miles.
- 378owner complaints
- 5recalls
- 13involved a crash
- 37,611median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Mustang doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Mustang reliable?
The 2016 Ford Mustang has 378 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.7 times the median of 141 for 2016 coupes on this site. Of the 12 Mustang model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 34 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (26). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, infotainment, covers 68 of the 378 complaints (18%), and stalling is next with 42 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 31 owners who gave a mileage for infotainment saw it by about 18,000 miles, and half by about 32,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 19 of the 378 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 13 reports mention a crash, 7 mention a fire and 11 people were hurt. The reports record 2 deaths. The most crash reports, 9 of 13, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Stalling and misfire share a recall on the same system (16V-779). Infotainment has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2022 at 53 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 27. So far in 2026, 27 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: infotainment, screen or backup camera fails, 68 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
378 complaints is 1.5 times the median 2016 model on this site and 2.7 times the median 2016 coupe. Among the 7 Mustang model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Ford Mustang
Ford filed 166 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Ford Mustang. 49 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 24 bulletins · 68 complaints
Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone ...
Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software.
22 more on this problem
Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play.
Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software.
Some 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles may experience an inoperative rear parking aid camera, luggage compartment lamp, luggage compartment lid release and/or poor satellite radio reception.
Some 2015-2019 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool may display an error 232: ...
Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error ...
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software.
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version.
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit functional concerns where USB audio playback and App Link will not operate.
Plus 12 older ones not listed here.
Backup camera goes black or freezes 1 bulletin · 50 complaints
Some 2016-2017 Edge, Escape, Expedition, Fiesta, Flex, MKC, MKT, MKX, Mustang, Navigator and Taurus or 2017 Explorer and Super Duty vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and built on 1-Jul-2015 and through 31-Dec-2016 may exhibit a SYNC display message of Please ...
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 42 complaints
SOME 2015-2016 F-150, C-MAX, EDGE, MKS, TAURUS, AND FLEX AND 2016 EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, ESCAPE, FUSION, MUSTANG, MKZ, MKX, NAVIGATOR, TRANSIT AND TRANSIT CONNECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.5L OR 3.7L GASOLINE ENGINE AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE ...
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 6 bulletins · 36 complaints
Some 2013-2020 vehicles equipped with an EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function.
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
4 more on this problem
Some 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles may exhibit poor A/C performance. If the cause of this is found to be a refrigerant leak from the evaporator, it is recommended to replace only the evaporator as opposed to the entire climate control housing.
Some 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles built on or before 2-Sep-2016 may exhibit poor A/C performance. If a low refrigerant charge is confirmed and there are no other obvious signs of a refrigerant leak, suspect the evaporator to be the source of the leak.
Some 2015-2018 F-150, Mustang and Transit vehicles built on or before 01-Dec-2017 may have a concern of no airflow from the climate control vents. This may be caused by a seized or sticking A/C clutch.
AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) INOPERATIVE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0645
Check engine light or misfire 8 bulletins · 34 complaints
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
6 more on this problem
Some 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit an oil leak from either valve cover gasket. This may be due to the number of fasteners used to hold the valve cover onto the cylinder head.
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
SOME 2016-2017 MUSTANG GT350 EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.2L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A RATTLE OR RAPPING TYPE SOUND DURING COLD OPERATION AT LIGHT LOADS AND SPEEDS FROM IDLE 3000 RPM. THE NOISE WILL BE MOST NOTICEABLE DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION IN THE 1500-3000 RPM RANGE AND MAY ALSO BE NOTICEABLE IN THE 800-1200 RPM RANGE WITH NEUTRAL THROTTLE BLIPS. THIS SOUND IS CAUSED BY THE PISTON MOTION IN THE CYLINDER BORE.
2015-2016 MUSTANG 5.0L 32V TI-VCT ENGINE SERVICE ENGINE ASSEMBLIES (6006), CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES SHORT BLOCK (6009) AND OIL PANS (6675) WILL NO LONGER CONTAIN A LOW OIL LEVEL SWITCH INSTALLED IN THE OIL PAN.
Some 20152016 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 2.3L GTDI engine and built on or before 1/1/2016 may exhibit a lack of power with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0299.
SOME 2015 AND 2016 MUSTANG VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.2L TWIN INDEPENDENT VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING (TI-VCT) ENGINE AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 2/26/2016 MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT ILLUMINATED MIL WITH DTCS P0720 AND P0722 PRESENT.
Doors, latches or locks fail 1 bulletin · 31 complaints
Certain 2015 ¢ 2021 Model Year Mustang Convertible Vehicles Door Opens to Secondary Latch Position n some of the affected vehicles, a front door latch may open to the secondary latched position while driving.
Seat belt or seat problems 5 bulletins · 20 complaints
Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2021 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2021 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty, 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2021 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021 Bronco ...
Some 2015-2020 Mustang vehicles may exhibit a concern of no horizontal movement of the front power seats. This may be caused by a defective seat track motor or separation of the drive motor cable from the seat track.
3 more on this problem
Some 2015-2019 Mustang vehicles may exhibit a concern of no horizontal movement of the front power seats. This may be caused by a defective seat track motor or separation of the drive motor cable from the seat track.
Some 2015-2018 Mustang vehicles may exhibit a concern of no horizontal movement of the front power seats. This may be caused by a defective seat track motor or separation of the drive motor cable from the seat track.
Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 17 complaints
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
1 more on this problem
SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED.
Complaints filed by year
53 complaints came in 2022, 1.8 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Ford Mustang
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles. Water and road salt may corrode the front seat belt anchor pretensioner cables.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both front seat belt anchor pretensioner assemblies, as necessary. In addition, dealers will remove sections of the carpet and underlayment that contact the cables. Dealers will also inspect the A-pillar sealing patches, and as necessary, install A-pillar body plugs, and/or inspect and replace the front outboard seat bolts. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 20, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S92. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov September 17, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera wiring may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the decklid wiring harness and/or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2022 and June 26, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the 4th Quarter of 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S06.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles manufactured February 24, 2015, to August 30, 2016. A hose may separate from the engine oil cooler tube assembly causing an oil leak.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil cooler tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 23, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S40.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Mustang vehicles manufactured September 26, 2015, to October 1, 2015. The front and rear seat belts and child seat tether anchors may have been damaged in shipping from the supplier to the vehicle assembly plant and may not adequately restrain the occupant in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front and rear seat belt assemblies and the child seat tether anchors, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C13.
All 5 recalls on the 2016 Ford Mustang, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Mustang?
Infotainment, with 68 of the 378 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 32,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Mustang problems start?
Of the 220 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 17,000 miles and half by about 38,000.
Is the 2016 Ford Mustang better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 34 a year against 26.
How many 2016 Ford Mustang complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
19 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for infotainment on the 2016 Ford Mustang?
No recall on file for the 2016 Ford Mustang is on the same system as infotainment. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.