On average, Ford Mustangs keep going for 200,000 miles before they start to fail. A well-maintained Mustang can last as long as 350,000 to 400,000 miles (that’s a lot of miles), requiring just maintenance and minor repairs. At worst, a Mustang might start failing when its odometer gets to 150,000 miles.
Ford Mustangs are reliable long after their odometers clock 100,000 miles. They are known to keep going till they have racked up 200,000 miles, making them a very good first car.
Ford Mustangs are one of the most iconic and recognizable cars in the world. The Mustang has been on the car market since 1964 when Ford introduced the first models to the American market.
Mustangs have a reputation for class, high performance, and durability. There’s a caveat, though. A Mustang will only serve the user well if it is regularly maintained and if the owner understands some Mustang parts have to change when due.
Let’s find out common Mustang problems, parts price, reliability scores, and what makes the Mustang reliable 100k miles and over.
Average Mileage for Mustang Failure
On average, Ford Mustangs keep going for 200,000 miles before they start to fail. A well-maintained Mustang can last as long as 350,000 to 400,000 miles (that’s a lot of miles), requiring just maintenance and minor repairs. At worst, a Mustang might start failing when its odometer gets to 150,000 miles.
Mustang parts are built to last. Its transmission lasts about 120,000 miles on average.
Tips to Elongate the Life of your Mustang
- Park in the garage to prevent rust buildup and protects the tires
- Wax the car to protect paint job and body
- Check and change the fluids regularly to protect the engine, transmission, and other parts
- Carry out routine maintenance and use original replacement parts
- When you notice something, please take it to the mechanic immediately
Common Mustang Problems
- Tie Rods
It is common to hear squeaking sounds in older Mustangs when turning. The culprit for this is the worn outer tie rods. The only solution to this problem is to replace the faulty tie rods.
- Synchronizer Damage and Camshaft Mount Problem
Another common problem for Mustangs is the camshaft magnet. It usually falls out from its mount. The result of this dislodged magnet is damage to the synchronizers. The damaged synchronizers lead to a delayed cranking and check engine sign on the dash.
The solution is to replace the magnet and synchronizers. This problem happens when Mustangs clock the 110,000-mile mark.
- Failed Upper Bushings
When Mustangs get to between 50,000 to 140,000 miles, their engines produce a chirping sound when they warm. The reason for this sound is an upper bushing gone bad. Replacing the upper bushings in the engine will clear this up.
- Leaking Gasket Valve Cover
The fault happens with the four-cylinder 2.3-liter models from 1994-2001. What happens is coolants leak from the intake manifold and mix with the engine oil. If this problem isn’t detected early, it can lead to serious engine problems.
In most cases, though, it is early to detect, and the repairs costs aren’t as expensive as when it is allowed to linger and cause severe problems.
- Mass Air Flow Sensors
Two significant signs could signify a problem with airflow; when the engine stalls and check engine light comes on. When you notice these things, there is a high probability of a problem with your mass airflow sensor.
This problem has been common among Mustang models from 1999-2010.
Some other complaints with the Mustang are bubbling and peeling paint, a faulty water pump, throttle body failure, and rough shifting of the transmission.
Reasons for Parts Failure
Age
One of the reasons for the failure of Mustang parts is old age. The deterioration is caused by the regular wearing down of components used for more than 100,00 miles already. Despite routine maintenance like oil change and the likes, age still causes parts like the tie rods to come apart.
Take the camshaft magnet and the upper bushings, for instance. Owners mostly start to notice these problems when they have driven their cars for around 100,000 miles.
Fortunately, most of these parts are cheap to replace, but you can’t deny age plays a huge factor in their failure.
Manufacturers’ Error
One of the common complaints of Ford Mustang owners, particularly owners of the 2010 model, is that the hood paint peels off or is bubbly. Even when the manufacturer replaces these parts, the results are the same after a while.
The reason for this is probably an error during production.
Another manufacturing error that even led to a recall in Mustangs from 2005-2014 is the problem with airbags. Ammonium Nitrate propellants in the airbags degraded over time. Though these issues are not common, they are a reason for the failure of Mustang parts.
Factors That Help Mustang Reliability
Cheap Parts
Ford Mustang parts are relatively cheap, making it easy for Mustang owners to change faulty parts and maintain the overall longevity of the car. One of the reasons for the price of parts is most Mustang parts are interchangeable within models.
The fact that many models can use one part makes it easy for the owner of a 1995 Mustang model, for example, to still source for and find car parts easily.
Production
Ford Motor Company has had over five decades to perfect the production of the Ford Mustang. Like in other car brands, there have been some misses, but overall, the Mustang production is of the highest standard.
Like a fine wine, Mustangs have only got better with age. Investments in research and development over the years mean that Mustangs can comfortably marry quality performance, durability, and relative affordability.
Quality Parts
Most Mustang parts are built to comfortably with the constant wear and tear accompanied by everyday driving. It is normal to find original Mustang parts lasting as long as 100,000 miles before requiring change or replacement.
The long life of Mustangs is due to parts made from quality materials that last for a long time.
Good Reliability and Safety Record
Most Ford Mustangs have at least an average reliability rating and good safety records. Safety features like side airbags, antilock, disc brakes, and traction and stability control. The assurance from industry experts on the safety and reliability of these cars despite their age is another reason to trust Mustang’s reliability.
Cost of Mustang Parts
Here are the prices of some 2013 Ford Mustang Parts.
- Air Intake System $299.95
- Front and Rear Drill Slot Brake Rotor $448.27
- Caliper Brake Cover $149.00
- Disc Brake Pad Set Front $40.75
- Slave Cylinder $143.88
- Brake Hydraulic Hose $29.20
- A/C Compressor $179.00
- Climate Control Module $47.50
- A/C Condenser $95.01
- Main Rod Bearing Fits $93.54
- Lower Engine Oil Pan $76.00
- Timing Chain Kit $98.80
- Tires $280.00
- Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter $580.41
- Alternator $65.00
- Head Gasket Set $131.61
Maintenance Costs for 2013 Ford Mustang
It costs an average of $709.30 annually to maintain the Mustang. This cost is slightly higher than the industry average of $651 but cheap for the sports car category. As the year progresses, there is a higher probability for a significant repair.
Here is a typical Ford Mustang maintenance schedule.
By 10,000 miles, you rotate the tires, drain the oil and change the filters. By 20,000 miles, you do the same thing, but you also change the cabin filter. When the car gets to 30,000 miles, add an air filter change to the schedule instead of the cabin filter. By 40,000 miles, change the cabin filter again alongside rotating tires, draining oil, and changing filters.
When it gets to 60,000 miles, you change both the cabin and air filter alongside regular maintenance. By 100,000 miles, you need to change the spark plugs. Draining the transmission fluids and changing the filters is due to the 150,000-mile mark.
Apart from carrying out this routine, try to check parts that you suspect need to change, especially if you hear strange sounds coming from any part of the car or experience a sluggish performance from the car.
Apart from maintenance costs, it also costs $1,697.00 to insure the Mustang annually on average.
Mustang Reliability
The 2013 Ford Mustang has a J.D. Power Reliability Rating score of three stars. This score means its reliability is about average. The car also has the Insurance Institute for Highway safety rating of Good (which is the highest) for moderate overlap front and rear crash tests.
The 2014 model has an even higher reliability score of 3.5 stars and an Acceptable crash test score. These ratings and scores mean that cars that should have passed 100,000 miles are still quite reliable.
Conclusion
When the Ford Mustang hits the milestone of 100,000 miles, owners or potential buyers don’t need to fret. A well-maintained Mustang can go at least twice that. The key to its durability is excellent maintenance and replacing parts when owners notice they are bad.
Fortunately, the Mustang doesn’t have too many problematic parts. The few that it has, like the tie rods, camshaft magnets, and upper bushings, require constant observation and replacement when they begin to wear out.
Its maintenance costs might be slightly higher than average, but for the peace of mind, a well-maintained Mustang gives its owner the price is worth it. Its parts are also relatively easy to procure and fit various models, making them relatively cheap.
And if you want peace of mind, check out these other cars when they have over 100k+ mileage on them—
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