Thinking about buying a used Ford Mustang (2005–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 15 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, electrical, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
15
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$3,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Ford Mustang faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Coyote 5.0 V8 oil consumption and oil starvation under sustained cornering
CriticalCommonEngine $800–$6,500 to fix
The S550 Coyote 5.0 V8 has insufficient oil drain-back passage capacity for sustained high-lateral-G cornering. Oil collects in the cylinder head and starves the bottom end. Documented heavily in track-day communities. Even street driving with spirited cornering can accelerate wear. High oil consumption between services (up to 1L/1,000km under track use) is a separate but related symptom from the same drain restriction.
Symptoms to notice
Oil level drops between services without visible external leak
Blue smoke on overrun after spirited driving
Low oil pressure warning light during hard cornering
Ticking or rattling from engine after track or canyon driving
What to check
Check oil level and condition. Look for blue smoke on a cold and hot restart. Ask about track use or regular canyon driving. Inspect dipstick for foamy or milky contamination. Check for oil on spark plugs.
Where to look: Engine cylinder heads and oiling system
Ask the seller
“Has the car ever been used on a track or autocross?”
“How often is the oil changed and what level does it show between changes?”
“Has an oil catch can been fitted?”
025.0 Coyote V8 'typewriter/BBQ tick' and cylinder scoring risk
MinorCommonEngine $0–$8,000 to fix
The 5.0 Coyote V8 GT is known for a rhythmic ticking at warm idle that owners nickname the 'typewriter tick' or 'BBQ tick'. Ford's official position is that it is a normal characteristic that doesn't hurt durability, and for most cars it never causes trouble. However, some engines replaced under warranty for a severe tick were found to have piston-slap-related cylinder scoring, so a loud, worsening tick is worth taking seriously on a used car you can't return. Gen-3 (2018+) engines with plasma-coated bores are part of the discussion.
Symptoms to notice
Rhythmic ticking/tapping at warm idle that speeds up with revs
Tick most noticeable once the engine is hot
In severe cases, tick with rising oil use
What to check
Let the engine idle until fully warm with the bonnet up and listen for a light, even tick (common and usually harmless) versus a loud, heavy knock that changes with load (a warning sign). Ask for the service history and whether oil use has climbed. A faint tick alone shouldn't scare you off, but pair it with the oil-consumption check below.
Where to look: Top end of the V8 engine; noise is most audible from the top of the block at idle
Ask the seller
“Does the engine tick get louder over time, and has oil use increased?”
“Has the engine ever been opened up or had warranty work?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
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ElectricalMajor
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SuspensionMajor
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ElectricalMinor
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13 more documented faults on the Ford Mustang
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 15 documented faults for the Ford Mustang, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Ford Mustang with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Ford Mustang?
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We've catalogued 15 known faults for the Ford Mustang, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Ford Mustang?
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Most single repairs on the Ford Mustang fall between $500–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 15 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Ford Mustang?
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Yes. A Ford Mustang inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.