FaultScore

Ford Mustang headlight problems

240 of the 11,737 complaints filed about the Ford Mustang are about the lighting — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.

240

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

6

Crashes

5

Fires

Lights complaints by model year

1984 Mustang 1 0.4%
1985 Mustang 1 0.4%
1986 Mustang 1 0.4%
1987 Mustang 6 2.5%

Median failure at 126,000 miles

1988 Mustang 18 7.5%

Median failure at 17,000 miles

1989 Mustang 4 1.7%

Median failure at 106,500 miles

1990 Mustang 7 2.9%
1991 Mustang 3 1.3%

Median failure at 126,000 miles

1992 Mustang 3 1.3%
1993 Mustang 5 2.1%
1994 Mustang 8 3.3%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

1995 Mustang 11 4.6%

Median failure at 174,000 miles

1996 Mustang 6 2.5%

Median failure at 33,066 miles

1997 Mustang 2 0.8%
1998 Mustang 5 2.1%

Median failure at 113,000 miles

1999 Mustang 8 3.3%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2000 Mustang 17 7.1%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2001 Mustang 9 3.8%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

2002 Mustang 4 1.7%

Median failure at 87,000 miles

2003 Mustang 5 2.1%

Median failure at 25,500 miles

2004 Mustang 2 0.8%

Median failure at 86,562 miles

2005 Mustang 17 7.1%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2006 Mustang 7 2.9%

Median failure at 66,500 miles

2007 Mustang 11 4.6%

Median failure at 14,000 miles

2008 Mustang 1 0.4%
2009 Mustang 2 0.8%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2010 Mustang 4 1.7%

Median failure at 10 miles

2011 Mustang 3 1.3%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2012 Mustang 6 2.5%

Median failure at 63,000 miles

2013 Mustang 2 0.8%

Median failure at 10,002 miles

2014 Mustang 1 0.4%
2015 Mustang 42 17.5%

Median failure at 37,000 miles

2016 Mustang 3 1.3%

Median failure at 31,000 miles

2017 Mustang 1 0.4%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

2018 Mustang 1 0.4%
2019 Mustang 1 0.4%
2020 Mustang 2 0.8%

Median failure at 24,400 miles

2024 Mustang 7 2.9%

Median failure at 11,000 miles

2025 Mustang 3 1.3%

Median failure at 2,800 miles

What owners said

2025 Ford Mustang at 2,800 miles Snohomish, WA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V546000 (Exterior Lighting) and 26V418000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several exterior lights randomly illuminated while the vehicle was turned on or off, causing the battery to drain. The parking lights, headlights, and the turn signals were unintendedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V418000 (Visibility) were not yet available. The dealer confirmed that there was water intrusion into the module at the front of the vehicle that had caused an electrical short. The dealer stated that the wiring harness needed to be replaced before the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V546000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 2,800.

NHTSA complaint #11753234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Mustang Holly Springs, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Break bumper disintegrated, causing the rear bites to stay on and the automatic transmission to be able to switch from Parker to drive causing the vehicle to be able to roll and possibly crash

NHTSA complaint #11747552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Mustang at 11,000 miles Chesterfield, MO

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V546000(EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed corrosion was present. The failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA complaint #11741353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Mustang Riverdale, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I purchase the car in December 2025. Lights were working fine then. Recently I noticed an issue on the right taillights. 2 of the 3 lights were working fine, then later in the day 1 of 3 were working. Until finally none on the right side worked. When pressing the car brakes, using the turn signals to enable the taillights to indicate a right turn, unlocking/locking the vehicle, the taillights on the right side do not function. I took a look at the lights up close without removing anything and saw like if there is moisture/water in the taillights. I have read that other vehicles of 2025 same model have had similar issues. I currently have it at my dealer that my Ford app recommended.

NHTSA complaint #11732601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Mustang Winter Park, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The rear backup camera on my 2019 Ford Mustang intermittently stops working. At times the screen shows a blue screen or displays a “backup camera not available” message. The issue comes and goes without warning. This creates a safety concern when reversing, as visibility is reduced and the camera cannot be relied upon. The problem appears to be electrical and is not consistently functioning.

NHTSA complaint #11726499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Ford Mustang Poland, OH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The vehicle has experienced repeated and ongoing electrical system failures, including chronic battery drain that causes the vehicle to fail to start, erratic HVAC operation where controls do not function as intended, and persistent water intrusion into the doors and interior areas. The HVAC malfunction has resulted in the inability to properly defrost or defog the windshield while driving, significantly impairing visibility and creating an immediate safety hazard. These issues appear consistent with failure or corrosion of the Smart Junction Box (SJB) or related electrical control components. Replacement Smart Junction Boxes are unavailable through both Ford and aftermarket sources, preventing proper repair of the defect. The electrical instability and water intrusion present a risk of sudden loss of vehicle operability, impaired visibility, and unpredictable electrical behavior while the vehicle is in motion, creating a safety risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. The issues are recurring and reproducible.

NHTSA complaint #11707092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Mustang Newnan, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

On [XXX], multiple electrical systems on my 2024 Ford Mustang suddenly failed while the vehicle was in normal operation. The following systems stopped functioning: HVAC/climate control, heated seats, outside temperature display, rear turn signals, and blind spot monitoring. No prior warning lights were displayed before the failure. These failures significantly compromised safety because the rear turn signals and blind spot monitoring stopped working without warning while driving. Loss of exterior signaling and driver-assistance systems created a risk of collision. The lack of HVAC also created visibility concerns due to inability to defog windows. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealer the same day. The dealer confirmed the issue, diagnosed water intrusion into the Body Control Module, and stated that the failure is linked to an open Ford recall regarding BCM water intrusion. The dealer has had the vehicle since 10/21/25, and the BCM and related components remain available for inspection. The repair has been delayed for nearly two months, and the dealer reports they are “waiting on engineering approval” from Ford with no estimated completion date. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer but has not yet been repaired. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle directly, and no police or insurance inspection has occurred. The safety risk remains significant because BCM failure disables multiple critical signaling and monitoring systems without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11704736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Mustang Laredo, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I own a new manual 2024 Ford Mustang GT now with 800 miles. When turning on the unit on 2 occasions, one on November 20 and another on December 3, documented with photographs and videos, the unit presents a black screen with no image. Either in reverse or drive without the possibility of viewing any image. The agency was notified and commented that these failures had never occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11703025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Mustang Davie, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V546000 ( EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11698017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Mustang Punta Gorda, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11696298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Mustang Moncks Corner, SC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Driving down the road all tire sensors went into default – started flickering on and off headlights kept flickering on and off AC kept working and then stopped working.

NHTSA complaint #11689693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Ford Mustang Greenacres, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

While parked all day with the ignition off and lights off, I returned to find the brake lights and third brake light illuminated. The lights stayed on even after moving the brake pedal. I discovered a small broken plastic bumper on the floorboard, which appears to be the brake pedal stop bumper associated with recall 22V011. This failure causes the brake light circuit to remain closed, leaving the brake lamps on continuously, potentially confusing other drivers and draining the battery. No crash occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11680544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Mustang Gardendale, AL Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Burning of terminal on brake light switch wiring. Brake lights left on.

NHTSA complaint #11647763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Ford Mustang at 170,000 miles Centralia, WA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on a rainy night, the headlights started flickering. The contact stated that upon exiting the freeway, while driving 30 MPH, the headlights completely turned off and the hazard lights were inoperable. The contact drove to the nearest gas station and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11626876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Mustang at 82,000 miles Downingtown, PA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that before making a left turn the contact switched on the left turn light signal; however, upon making the left turn the contact noticed that the left turn signal on the instrument panel was flashing twice as fast as normal. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle. The contact became aware that the taillights were inoperable; however, after restarting the vehicle, the taillights became operable. The following day the contact drove to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was made aware of SSM: 10144218 and linked it to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11622008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Mustang Garland, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Unknown. Stress cracks on my tail light started to appear. I have asked others in the Mustang community and quite a few have reported the same cracks except they’ve had water getting inside the tail light. I have taken it to the dealer but have been told I caused it with no visible impact and even the service advisors stating there isn’t any sign of damage from myself or someone else. I have cameras to prove otherwise at home. I don’t want to drive my car and one day my tail light is out and get pulled over especially when there are some issues reported about cracks, moisture, etc. It could cause issues if you’re trying to signal someone from behind if you are getting ready to turn or hazards.

NHTSA complaint #11614653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Mustang Granada Hills, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

There is a break pedal pad that is broken. It doesn't allow the car to accelerate correctly and car goes in limp mode. All break lights are illuminated when car is turned off. There is a recall for this, but I purchased my car in CA. I think the car was originally a Nevada car. Am I still eligible for the recall even if I didn't get the notification and my state of purchase was not mentioned?

NHTSA complaint #11608373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Ford Mustang at 10,000 miles Boca Raton, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, it was later discovered that the rear brake lights had remained illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the brake pedal plunger had failed and disintegrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11603747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Mustang Yukok, OK

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I am dealing with ford on two brand new mustangs. That are both failing electrically and they claim they have fixed yet haven’t and still exhibiting gross safety concerns. This is simply large scale negligence. Both Mustangs screens have and are randomly blacking out creating massive safety concern when no guages or functions are present. I’ve contacted them and a. Insider has given me a document showing that they know and have no answers. And for this. Is gross negligence. I demand replacements. Both problems have cause financial damages. And also psychological trauma due to prior car wreck where dash blacked out. This is a known issue And I demand answers.

NHTSA complaint #11602811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Mustang St. Louis, MO

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The brake pedal stop bumper in my car disintegrated in the middle of the day and fell off. The brake lights do not turn off anymore and the vehicle can be started and shifted without needing to press the brake. I found a recall # 22S02 for this exact issue but my vehicle is not covered by it (assuming due to region). The vehicle has not been inspected yet.

NHTSA complaint #11594425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford Mustang problems