About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Mustang since 2012, 80 (2.3%) describe transmission shifting problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Mustang. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2015 and 2018 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 24. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 57,000 miles. 4 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Ford has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Mustang's automatic transmission grinding or refusing to go into gear on manual cars, and shifting harshly on the 10-speed automatic. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2012, 2015 and 2018 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I have the mt-82 6 speed manual transmission in my 2012 v6 Mustang. It is very hard to shift into 1st and 2nd gears regardless of ambient temperature."
2012 Ford Mustang, 500 miles
"Purchased the car brand new nov 2014. The 1st occurrence was around may or june of 2015 on a city street and I was slowing down while in 6th gear with the clutch pushed in and then I pulled the shifter into neutral."
2015 Ford Mustang, 8,000 miles
"2018 Mustang gt with manual transmission. Engine stalls when shifting into neutral (manual trans) at higher engine speeds."
2018 Ford Mustang, 20 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers 40 bulletins that mention this problem on the Mustang. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when c...
This bulletin supersedes 25-2587.
This bulletin supersedes 26-2241.
This bulletin supersedes 26-2309.
Some 2017-2023 F-150, 2018-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission and built on or before 23-Dec-2022 or with a 18...
This article supersedes TSB 22-2428 and 23-2176 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure.
Government investigations
Preliminary evaluation PE11024 · 2012 · opened Aug 2011, closed Dec 2011
Before you buy a Mustang
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Ford Mustang years have transmission shifting problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2015, 2018 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 24 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 23,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 57,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.