2018 Ford Mustang Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 196 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2018 Ford Mustang, 4% of the 196 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact found oil underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11674242, filed 2025-07, 49,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine sputtered with the check engine warning light illuminated. There was heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. Upon arriving at the destination, the vehicle hesitated to restart, and the contact observed a significant loss of coolant. The vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. Upon inspection, the dealer confirmed coolant intrusion in cylinders #2 and #3, resulting in total engine failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11746432, filed 2026-06, 56,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Exhaust Mode Not Available message was displayed. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the active exhaust on the rear passenger side had rubbed against the subframe, causing valve fuse 34 to blow. The contact replaced fuse 34 but was unable to disconnect the active exhaust, and the wiring had detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11649522, filed 2025-03, 68,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the overheated engine message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the engine in the vehicle was no longer being produced. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11544716, filed 2023-09, 23,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the air conditioning system failed to function as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle chugged and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage for the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11744688, filed 2026-06, 69,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251952Mar 6, 2024For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak…
- 10251951Mar 6, 2024Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often…
- 10236033May 4, 2023Some 2018-2023 Mustang vehicles (non-Shelby GT-350) may exhibit various concerns with the active exhaust system. These may include Exhaust Mode Selection Not Available messages…
- 10230768Jan 5, 2023Some 2018-2019 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and a manual transmission may exhibit an inability to drive the vehicle in first and/or second gear. This may be due…
- 10230766Jan 5, 2023Some 2018 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and a manual transmission may exhibit an inability to engage third and fourth gear. This may be due to a broken 3-4 shift…
- 10225443Oct 4, 2022Some 2018-2022 Mustang vehicles (non-Shelby GT-350) may exhibit various concerns with the active exhaust system. These may include Drive Mode Not Available or Exhaust Mode Not…
- 10210472Apr 22, 2022Some 2015-2020 Mustang Shelby GT350/GT350R vehicles may exhibit a hesitation or surge in the vehicle with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present. This may be accompanied by…
- 10201579Sep 6, 2021Some 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…
- 10194428May 24, 2021Some 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…
- 10191525Apr 29, 2021Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 7% |
| 2018 | 8 | 4% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 16 | 4% |
| 2005 | 25 | 4% |
| 2004 | 6 | 5% |
| 2003 | 39 | 27% |
| 2002 | 22 | 19% |
| 2001 | 24 | 14% |
| 2000 | 34 | 11% |
| 1999 | 31 | 15% |
| 1998 | 40 | 17% |
| 1997 | 38 | 22% |
| 1996 | 82 | 33% |
| 1995 | 339 | 56% |
| 1994 | 160 | 45% |
| 1993 | 11 | 11% |
| 1992 | 7 | 10% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 10 | 12% |
| 1989 | 6 | 6% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 5 | 13% |
| 1986 | 5 | 17% |
| 1985 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 4 | 22% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2018 Ford Mustang
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
12 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Ford Mustang
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology