2016 Ford Mustang · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 26owner reports
- 75,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
82 of the 378 complaints on this car are about the engine. 26 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 26 reports
Engine failure on other Mustang years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (24 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
A hose may separate from the engine oil cooler tube assembly causing an oil leak.
All 5 recalls on the 2016 Ford Mustang, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Mustang
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 35,000 and 91,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Brought the car in for service. The tech called me back and said the engine was blown. Condensation in cylinder 3. This was due to the cylinder walls being engineered to small. Which caused a leak in the coolant jacket. I paid out of pocket nearly $10,000 to have it replaced because the third party warranty that I had purchased declined my coverage to fix it because itâs a known issue by ford. Bc”
Filed Sep 3, 2026
“My cars head gasket blew at only 45,000 miles. Replaced my a local well known mechanic for around $3500.00. Now my car at 96,000 miles has blown the head gasket again. I believe the car needs a whole new block. I have seen several lawsuits regarding this and just would love my car running again. This is NOT cheap to fix for me.”
Filed Jan 1, 2026 · 45,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 26 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 68 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 42 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 36 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 34 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 31 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 29 reports