Ford Mustang Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Ford Mustang is one of the world’s most recognised muscle cars, known for its bold styling and strong engines. But even this iconic model comes with a few common faults and maintenance costs, especially for owners in the UK. Here’s a full breakdown of the issues you may face and what they cost to fix. Ford Mustang Problems let have a look:
1. Annual Maintenance – £130 to £300
Regular servicing is key to keeping your Mustang running well. Costs vary by engine and model year, but typical pricing in the UK includes:
- Interim service (oil and basic checks): £130 to £170
- Full annual service: £240 to £300
- Some high-performance models may cost more depending on parts and oil type
2. Common Wear-and-Tear Repairs – £100 to £500
Routine maintenance problems pop up on most Mustangs after a few years of driving. The most common include:
- Electric window motor or door actuator failure: from £80 to £150
- Squeaky suspension or worn bushings: £120 to £200
- Tie rod ends or minor steering faults: £90 to £160
These repairs are straightforward and often addressed during scheduled maintenance visits.
3. Clutch Replacement – £730 to £1,200
For manual models, clutch wear is a known cost. Clutch kits (including labour) can be expensive due to the car’s performance nature.
- Light clutch wear: £730
- Full clutch and flywheel replacement: up to £1,200
This applies mainly to GT and EcoBoost models driven hard or used daily in traffic.
4. Oil Cooler and Cooling System Faults – £1,000+
Older Mustang models, particularly V6 versions from the mid-2010s, have had issues with the oil-to-water coolers. These can mix coolant and oil, leading to engine damage.
- Oil cooler upgrade to air-cooled unit: around £1,000
- If not repaired early, full engine repair could cost several thousand pounds
This is a known problem in performance forums and is best addressed before symptoms appear.
5. Engine Sensor Failures – £200 to £400
Engine sensors such as the camshaft position sensor and mass airflow sensor are known to fail over time.
- Camshaft position sensor: £200 to £300
- MAF sensor replacement: £200 to £400
These faults often trigger warning lights or cause rough idling and are usually diagnosed quickly with an OBD scan.
6. Software Recalls – Free for Owners
Owners of newer Mustang Mach-E electric models should check for open recalls. A key issue reported is the electronic door latch system failing when the battery is low, potentially trapping passengers inside.
- Fix: Free software update
- Action: Contact Ford dealer for a recall appointment
7. Yearly Ownership Costs – Around £600 to £800
Mustangs are generally more reliable than expected for performance vehicles. RepairPal estimates the average annual maintenance and repair cost is around £700, depending on usage.
- Unplanned breakdowns are rare
- Most parts are widely available through UK performance garages and Ford specialists
Summary of Ford Mustang Repairs and UK Costs
| Issue | Estimated UK Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing | £130 to £300 |
| Window motor or door actuator | £80 to £150 |
| Suspension or steering repair | £120 to £200 |
| Engine sensor replacements | £200 to £400 |
| Clutch kit (manual) | £730 to £1,200 |
| Oil cooler upgrade | £1,000+ |
| Software recalls (Mach-E) | Free from Ford |
| Total yearly cost estimate | £600 to £800 |
Final Thoughts
The Ford Mustang is a solid option for drivers who want muscle car looks and performance with fairly reasonable running costs. As long as you stay on top of regular maintenance and act early on known issues like sensor faults or cooling system weaknesses, it’s a reliable and rewarding car to own in the UK.
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