DecodedCars2018 Ford Mustang
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Ecoboost 2dr Convertible, Ecoboost 2dr Coupe, GT 2dr Convertible, GT 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.2L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 310–526 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2–4
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 188.2–189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,543–3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 526 hp, versus about 302 hp for similar 2018 models.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints196 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 46 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Ford Mustang is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,706 lb (Ecoboost 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 32 highway), 5% better than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 196 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Engine dropped: 3.7L 6-cyl
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Mustang →
Trims, performance & features
Engine310 hp2.3L 4-cyl
Engine435 hp5.0L 8-cyl
Engine526 hp5.2L 8-cyl
Seating2–4 seats · 2 rows
Trims
I4 CoupeI4 ConvertibleGT CoupeShelby CoupeGT Convertible
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Pedestrian emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
Built in: Flat Rock, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Mustang configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecoboost 2dr Convertible | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.7 in | 107.1 in | 62.6 / 65 in | 3,706 lb | 52/48 |
| Ecoboost 2dr Coupe | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.3 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 65 in | 3,543 lb | 52/48 |
| GT 2dr Convertible | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.7 in | 107.1 in | 62.6 / 65 in | 3,891 lb | 54/46 |
| GT 2dr Coupe | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.3 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 65 in | 3,706 lb | 54/46 |
| Gt350/350r 2dr Coupe | 189.8 in | 76 in | 54.3 in | 107.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,805 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 357 |
| Mustang | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 353 |
| Mustang Performance Package | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -3% | $2,900 | 383 |
| Mustang Convertible | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -3% | $2,900 | 383 |
| Mustang Convertible | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -3% | $2,900 | 384 |
| Mustang Performance Package | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -3% | $2,900 | 384 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -20% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -24% | $3,700 | 483 |
| Mustang Convertible | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -24% | $3,700 | 490 |
| Shelby GT350 Mustang | 5.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -32% | $5,150 | 549 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.7 MPG2018 Subcompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Mustang C RWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 8.1% |
| 2018 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.3% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2018 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Mustang (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Dodge Challenger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Passat | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 Buick Regal | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 3, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V572000 · 1,456,417 vehicles
- 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 driverâs 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V213000 · 142 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
- Risk
- Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
Electrical System › Software · Dec 18, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V814000 · 2,100 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."
- Risk
- Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.
Not every 2018 Ford Mustang is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
196Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
28,890 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Ford Mustang buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 59 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 43 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,890 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Mustang years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2025 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 19 |
| 2024 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 84 |
| 2023 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 15 |
| 2022 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 50 |
| 2021 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 55 |
| 2020 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 121 |
| 2019 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 151 |
| 2017 Mustang | 24 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 268 |
| 2016 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 380 |
| 2015 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 11 | 437 |
| 2014 Mustang | 23 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 335 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →