2016 Ford Mustang: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Ford Mustang?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Ford Mustang than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Wheel bearings5.2× usual
  Ford Mustang

  2.6% All 2016 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Handbrake performance11× usual
  Ford Mustang

  2.2% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  Ford Mustang

  4.2% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2016 Ford Mustang MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Ford Mustang MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  15% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  8% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Ford Mustang

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2016 Ford Mustang as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 11× as often on the 2016 Ford Mustang as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2016 Ford Mustang as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?