# Ford Mustang check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 134 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (30) - **Related recalls:** 15 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 134 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Ford Mustang (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (30). There are **15 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Ford Mustang check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 16 | 439 | 4% | | 2016 | 25 | 380 | 7% | | 2017 | 9 | 269 | 3% | | 2018 | 21 | 197 | 11% | | 2019 | 30 | 152 | 20% | | 2020 | 14 | 122 | 11% | | 2021 | 9 | 55 | 16% | | 2022 | 4 | 50 | 8% | | 2024 | 4 | 85 | 5% | | 2025 | 2 | 20 | 10% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ford Mustang recalls related to the check engine light **[26V548000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V548000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-08-25): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. **[26V205000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V205000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-03-31): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. **[26V122000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V122000)** (2025 models, reported 2026-03-04): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. **[25V455000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V455000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2025-07-07): An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. **[25V164000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V164000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-03-14): Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. **[24V634000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V634000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-08-23): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. **[24V394000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V394000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-06-03): A melted clutch pressure line can result in a loss of drive power, increases the risk of a crash. A brake fluid leak increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the clutch pressure line and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 14, 2024. **[24V220000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V220000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-03-22): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of fuel may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel supply line, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. **[23V070000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V070000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2023-02-10): The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. **[22V382000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V382000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2022-05-27): A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 15, 2022. **[20V263000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V263000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2020-05-09): If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. **[18E035000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18E035000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-24): A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Roush will notify the known owners and replace the defective fuel rail subassemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2018. **[18V213000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V213000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-04-04): Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. **[15V339000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V339000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-06-02): If the vehicle experiences a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source it can, increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Reduced parking brake function could potentially result in unexpected vehicle movement, which may increase the risk of injury. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shield, add thermal patches to the fuel tank and parking brake cable, and add thermal wraps to the fuel vapor lines. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2015. **[14V774000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V774000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-12-05): A partially seated fuel pressure sensor could cause a fuel odor or a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire in the presence of an ignition source. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel jumper line, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2014. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Mustang owners report - "The vehicle stalled, jerked forward, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The force of the jerk propelled the contact onto the steering wheel. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the..." -- owner of a 2025 Ford Mustang, complaint filed 2026 - "At approx 4700 miles while driving got an engine light and severe misfire. Report from Ford technician says that part of a spark plug broke off in #4 cylinder and caused severe damage. Motor (long block) and turbo replaced under warranty and after 700 miles is running fine." -- owner of a 2024 Ford Mustang, complaint filed 2025 - "The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, and the vehicle was parked in the garage. The contact had stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The dealer and several other unknown dealers were contacted but were unable to advise when the parts would be..." -- owner of a 2022 Ford Mustang, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Mustang check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 15 related recalls (26V548000, 26V205000, 26V122000, 25V455000, 25V164000, 24V634000, 24V394000, 24V220000, 23V070000, 22V382000, 20V263000, 18E035000, 18V213000, 15V339000, 14V774000) covering 2015-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Mustang years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2018 and 2019 Mustang model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 30 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Mustang with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Ford Mustang has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ford Mustang warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-mustang): 20 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-mustang): 36 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-mustang): 64 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-mustang): 27 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-mustang): 23 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Ford Mustang - [Ford Mustang specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-mustang) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-mustang Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.