2018 Ford Mustang · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 36owner reports
- 50,000median miles
- $5,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
93 of the 193 complaints on this car are about the engine. 36 of those describe misfire, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Mustang.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Misfire 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 reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the spark plugs (5 reports) and the sensor (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The hose barb fittings on the supercharger kits may be manufactured incorrectly, possibly causing damage to the fuel lines and resulting in a fuel leak.
If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened.
All 4 recalls on the 2018 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.
Fires in the center console. Closed jul 27, 1999.
Stalling. Closed jan 21, 1988.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
5 of the 36 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,000 to $8,200.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 23,000 and 70,915 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 11 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Ford Mustang that deal with this problem. 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.
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 of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes ...
Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic ...
Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 3.3L, 3.5L EcoBoost, or 5.0L engines may exhibit stalling, lack of power, low fuel rail pressure and/or DTCs P0087 or P008A after a repair was made that required the removal of the fuel line that connects ...
7 more on the 2018 Ford Mustang page.
What owners wrote
“The electrical components in the vehicle stopped functioning - for the lights on the interior the overhead stopped working on and off and then dimmed until one day never came back on. At the same time the sensor for cross traffic alert became buggy and then not functional which made all my safety features and cruise control not work. Now I have a TPMS sensor and check engine light with nothing serious wrong”
Filed Sep 24, 2026
“2018 WITH 118,000 MILES. Had to get a full block engine replacement due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. This was diagnosed and replaced at a Ford dealership.”
Filed Aug 17, 2026 · 118,000 miles
“Random/multiple misfires and cyl 3 misfire (P0300 and P0303). Mechanic used a borescope and found coolant on the walls; visible coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Coolant has gotten to low levels. Very rough cold start. Mechanic highly recommends to get the engine replaced.”
Filed Jan 10, 2026
“Check engine light came on. Took car to dealership where I learned that the car needs a new engine due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. I later learned this is a "known issue" with this engine, yet Ford has refused to fix or do a recall. The engine could fail or catch on fire if not replaced.”
Filed Jun 9, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 36 reports involved a crash. 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 Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 32 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 28 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 26 reports