If you’re considering purchasing a Ford Mustang in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, you’re probably wondering about its reliability. You want the rush of driving an American classic, but you don’t want a car that’ll leave you stuck or empty your wallet with surprise repair bills. Let’s explore the Ford Mustang’s reliability in detail to help you decide whether this is the best vehicle for your needs.
Ford Mustang Reliability: What 2025 Data Reveals
Ford performed exceptionally well in the 2025 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. More than half its qualifying vehicles topped their categories, with the Mustang among them. This marks a significant comeback for Ford and proves the Mustang isn’t just about speed — it’s a trustworthy daily ride too. This matters to Pennsylvania drivers who need cars that won’t let them down during our wild weather swings.
Older Mustang models also consistently rank among the best used sports cars you can buy, and drivers love them. The 2013 Mustang scored 4.7 out of 5 for reliability on Cars.com, with a whopping 95% of owners saying they’d tell friends to get one.
How the Mustang Compares to Sports Car Competitors
The Mustang stands alone in today’s sports car market, especially when thinking long-term. Chevy is ending production of the Camaro SS, and Dodge is discontinuing the Challenger R/T, but the Mustang GT is sticking around past 2026. With Ford dedicated to developing new hybrid and performance versions, the Mustang is the best option if you want to invest in your muscle car long term.
Breaking Down Ford Mustang Reliability by Generation
To understand the overall reliability of the Ford Mustang, you need to look at each generation’s unique quirks. The Fox Body era (1979-1993) lasted longer than any other Mustang design and sparked a performance comeback that helped Ford win back buyers during tough times.
For most fans, though, the fifth generation (2005-2014, S197) ranks best for its mix of power and style. This era brought muscle cars back when the economy was struggling, setting new standards that today’s models continue to build on.
Today’s seventh-generation (2024-present, S650) delivers the most advanced technology and performance yet. Even base models produce over 300 horsepower, outperforming many older models while improving fuel efficiency.
Most Reliable Mustang Years
The Ford Mustang’s reliability has improved over time, but there are some issues you should know about. In 2025, Ford issued 104 recalls affecting nearly 2 million vehicles. Among them, 30,735 Mustangs from model years 2022-2023 were recalled due to a steering software issue, while a separate headlight recall affected 21,765 units from the 2025 model year.
When shopping for older models, watch out for certain years. Drivers of 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016 Mustangs have reported electrical system issues, transmission problems, paint flaking, shaking while driving, and significant rust, among other challenges. Pennsylvania’s harsh winters make the rust problems even worse, so picking the right year matters even more for local drivers.
On the other hand, the 2017 and 2018 models rank among the best used sports cars out there, with few problems and lots of happy owners. The 2018 Mustang deserves a special mention — beyond some harmless engine ticking noises, its 5.0L Coyote V-8 is known for its strong reliability.
Maintenance Costs and Ownership Economics
Buying a Mustang in Pennsylvania requires knowing what you’ll pay beyond the sticker price. Depending on the model, you can expect to invest around $50,000 over five years, with repairs taking less than 5% of that. Upkeep runs up to $5,000 — not bad for a car with this much muscle. Typically, Ford Mustangs only need surprise fixes 0.2 times yearly, beating the industry’s 0.4 average.
You’ll also pay roughly $5,000 for insurance and $10,000 for gas over the five-year period. The bigger portion comes from depreciation at around $15,000. That means Mustangs typically lose about 34% over five years, with 2025 models keeping roughly 66% of their worth. That makes them solid buys compared to other sports cars that decline sharply in value.
Reliability Ratings: How Mustang Stacks Up
The professionals who test cars for a living offer useful insights into the Mustang’s reliability. RepairPal gives it 3.5 out of 5 stars, while J.D. Power rates it 85 out of 100 — both decent scores for a performance car. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the 2020 Mustang at No. 1 out of eight affordable sports cars, showing it beats most rivals when all factors are considered.
As a brand, Ford shows mixed results in overall reliability, landing at 21st out of 32 brands in RepairPal’s rankings. However, Ford also grabbed 13th place in the 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, with 208 problems per 100 cars. So, while the Ford Mustang won’t match luxury-level reliability, it’s a strong choice in the sports car world where going as fast as possible often matters more than never seeing a mechanic.
Buying Guide: Maximizing Mustang Reliability
When shopping for a Mustang, you can boost your odds of trouble-free driving by knowing what to check and understanding warranty coverage. Most importantly, you should schedule a test-drive. During the drive, pay close attention to the electrical system by checking for weak batteries or dim lights. Notice if the suspension feels stiff, and listen for any grinding or stalling from the drivetrain. A chirping sound could indicate worn tie rods.
For peace of mind, you should know your warranty options. Factory coverage includes bumper-to-bumper protection for three years or 36,000 miles and powertrain protection for five years or 60,000 miles. Extended Ford Protect plans cost about $1,300 on average, covering from three years or 75,000 miles up to 10 years or 175,000 miles. Some plans also offer roadside assistance and a 30-day refund policy.
Your Trusted Ford Partner in Feasterville
The Mustang is a great, dependable option for Pennsylvania drivers looking to mix thrills with manageable costs. Working with a good Ford dealer gives you access to the factory-trained technicians, genuine Ford parts, and warranty backup that’ll make your car last even longer. If you need help finding a Mustang that combines performance with daily reliability, contact us at John Kennedy Ford in Feasterville and schedule a test-drive today.
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