Quick take
The 2018 Mustang is the refreshed version of the sixth generation. It has updated styling, an available 10-speed automatic and an available digital instrument cluster. It is a good year to look at if you want newer technology in a used car, and it has fewer complaints on file than 2015 to 2017.
The things to verify are different from the early cars. If it is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost, look hard at coolant and engine records, because engine complaints lead this year's list. If it has the 10-speed automatic, test it carefully for hesitation and harsh shifts. And if it has been modified, make sure you know what has been bolted on, since this year has a recall tied to a supercharger kit.
What changed for 2018
Ford refreshed the Mustang for 2018. The front and rear styling changed, a 10-speed automatic became available, an optional digital instrument cluster arrived, and the 5.0-liter V8 in the GT was updated. The V6 was dropped, so the 2018 lineup is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the GT, plus the GT350 and GT350R at the top.
That change in the lineup affects your search. A 2018 EcoBoost is a different proposition from a 2015 to 2017 V6 car, because the four-cylinder is now the base engine. It also means a car in this year may carry both a newer transmission and a newer gauge cluster, each with its own recall history.
Known trouble spots to check
NHTSA has 197 complaints for the 2018 Mustang, with 8 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries in those records. There are no deaths on file. Here are the largest categories.
Engine and cooling (60 engine, 8 more under engine and engine cooling). This is the biggest group. Owners of 2.3-liter cars describe coolant getting into one or more cylinders, a check engine light with misfire codes, and in some cases an engine that had to be replaced or rebuilt. One person describes a head gasket defect. Another found coolant in the first and fourth cylinders at the dealer. Not every car is affected, and we cannot say how many are, but the pattern is why you should ask about coolant level history. Check the reservoir when the engine is cold, look for an oily film and listen for a rough, misfiring idle on a cold start.
Transmission (46 power train). Several complaints involve the 10-speed automatic: hesitation, delayed engagement, harsh jerking at low speed and, in one case, a loss of power in the middle of an intersection turn. Another owner describes a car stuck in second gear with the revs rising. A 2018 recall on this transmission concerns a roll pin that may be missing, which could cause loss of the Park function. On a test drive, make several low-speed stops and starts, go from Park to Reverse to Drive and note any clunk or lag. Do it again once the car is warm.
Electrical (31 complaints). Owners mention interior lights that failed, a touchscreen that would not come on when the weather turned cool, and a rear-camera failure that outlasted earlier repairs. One describes a trunk wiring harness that stretches and breaks as the lid opens and closes, causing tail light and camera faults. Operate the trunk several times and check every light.
Doors and water leaks (23 other, 15 structure, 12 latches). Several owners say the passenger door slips to its first latch at highway speed. Our data lists no latch recall for 2018, and one owner reports being told there was none. A convertible owner describes the rear footwell filling with water after storms, even after several dealer visits. Drive on the highway and listen. Press a hand on the carpet in the footwells and look for dampness or a musty smell.
Brakes (6 complaints). A few owners describe the brake pedal switch or the small pad that touches it failing, which leaves the brake lights on. Another says the rear wheels locked up when slowing, and another describes a parking brake that would not engage or release. Check the brake lights with the engine off, and cycle the parking brake.
Quick checks for a 2018:
- Look at the camera image in reverse, and note that owners describe repairs falling short or parts being delayed.
- If it has the digital cluster, make sure it lights fully on every start, and check that the gear display works.
- Check the service history for spark plugs, coolant and transmission fluid.
Recalls on a car this age
The data lists four recalls for 2018. A 2025 recall covers a rearview camera that may show a distorted, inverted or blank image on certain 2015 to 2019 Mustangs. A 2018 recall covers certain 2018 Mustangs with a 10-speed automatic, where a roll pin may be missing and Park function could be lost. Another covers certain 2018 Mustangs with an automatic and the 12.4-inch digital cluster, where the gear position display and the key-in-ignition chime may not work if the car is shut off out of Park.
The fourth is an aftermarket recall. Roush recalled certain supercharger kits, sold for installation on 2018 Mustangs, because incorrectly made hose fittings could damage fuel lines and cause a fuel leak. It affects only cars with that kit, so if you see a supercharged car, ask for the receipts and proof the repair was done. Ford recall repairs are free at dealers. Run the VIN at NHTSA's free recall lookup to see what is open.
Test-drive checklist
- Start the car cold. Listen for misfire, rough running and a long crank, and check the tailpipe for white smoke.
- If there is a digital cluster, watch it come to life, and confirm that the gear indicator shows in each position.
- On the 10-speed, accelerate gently from a stop, then in light traffic, and note hesitation, harsh shifts and clunks going into gear. On a manual, check the clutch and shift through each gear.
- Park the car, shut it off in Park and check the brake lights are off. Test the parking brake.
- Drive on the highway and listen for wind at the door seals.
- Back up using the camera, then open and close the trunk a few times and check the tail lights.
- Brake firmly from a safe speed and check for vibration, pull and stability.
- Check the cabin carpet and trunk for damp, especially in a convertible.
Before you hand over money
Run the VIN recall check, get a vehicle history report and pay an independent shop to inspect the car. For an EcoBoost, ask them to look at the cooling system and for signs of coolant loss. For a car with the 10-speed, ask for fluid service records and any dealer transmission work.
If the car is modified, ask for a parts list and receipts, and find out who tuned it. A supercharger kit, a larger turbo or a tune adds load to the engine and transmission. Ask whether the stock parts are available and whether the car has a warranty history that could be affected. Ask about track days, brake fluid changes, and tire history. A seller who can answer these things calmly is easier to trust.
When you are ready, use the payment calculator to work out the monthly cost.
Is it the right car for you?
The 2018 Mustang suits buyers who want the refreshed design, a newer cabin and the choice of a modern automatic or a manual. A GT with a documented service history sidesteps the four-cylinder coolant complaints, though it still needs the same inspection.
It is less suited to anyone who wants the V6, which was dropped, or who wants to avoid complex transmissions and electronics. For comparison, see the 2017 Mustang or the 2019 Mustang. The Mustang overview explains how these years fit together.
Bottom line
The 2018 Mustang is a newer, more modern S550 with fewer complaints on file, but the EcoBoost coolant pattern and some automatic transmission reports mean you should shop with care. Verify the recalls by VIN, test the transmission and camera, and ask hard questions about modifications.