2016 Ford Mustang recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Ford Mustang and 379 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (75), electrical system (73), unknown or other (70). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 18–25 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #12 of 14 Mustang model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (205). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 6.9 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Ford Mustang. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seat belts · pretensioner
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles. Water and road salt may corrode the front seat belt anchor pretensioner cables.
Risk: A corroded cable can break, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant, and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace both front seat belt anchor pretensioner assemblies, as necessary. In addition, dealers will remove sections of the carpet and underlayment that contact the cables. Dealers will also inspect the A-pillar sealing patches, and as necessary, install A-pillar body plugs, and/or inspect and replace the front outboard seat bolts. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 20, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S92. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov September 17, 2025.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera wiring may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the decklid wiring harness and/or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2022 and June 26, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the 4th Quarter of 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S06.
Engine and engine cooling · cooling system · hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles manufactured February 24, 2015, to August 30, 2016. A hose may separate from the engine oil cooler tube assembly causing an oil leak.
Risk: A sudden loss of engine oil may cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, an oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil cooler tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 23, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S40.
Seat belts
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Mustang vehicles manufactured September 26, 2015, to October 1, 2015. The front and rear seat belts and child seat tether anchors may have been damaged in shipping from the supplier to the vehicle assembly plant and may not adequately restrain the occupant in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems."
Risk: If the restraint components do not function as intended, the occupants may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front and rear seat belt assemblies and the child seat tether anchors, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C13.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The clutch pedal assembly weld has failed at the pivot point. This is a well known issue in the community and no fix has been made by Ford. The car could NOT shift or move while in the middle of an intersection.
A new Walmart-brand EverStart Plus 96R, 590 CCA automotive battery was purchased on August 4, 2026, and installed in a 2016 Ford Mustang Convertible. On the evening of September 26, 2026, my family and I drove the Mustang and returned home at approximately 11:00 p.m. The vehicle operated normally. There were no warning signs, electrical problems, overheating, or other indicati…
The contact owned a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the driver's side door independently opened. The failure caused severe wind noise to enter the vehicle, and the door ajar warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where technicians confirmed that the door latch mechanism had failed and stated that the…
Safety ratings
2016 Ford Mustang C RWD
2016 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Ford Mustang.
Mustang
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.3 L · Turbo
Regular
Mustang
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.7 L
Regular
Mustang Convertible
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.3 L · Turbo
Regular
Mustang Convertible
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Ford Mustang, most recently for seat belts · pretensioner (09/12/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Mustang?
Based on 379 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (75), electrical system (73), unknown or other (70).
Is the 2016 Ford Mustang safe?
The 2016 Ford Mustang earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Ford Mustang?
The 2016 ranks #12 of 14 Mustang model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (205). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 6.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford Mustang get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Ford Mustang range from 18 to 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Ford Mustang in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: MUSTANG, Mustang.