2017 Ford Mustang: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Ford Mustang?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Ford Mustang than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Wheel bearings6× usual
  Ford Mustang

  2.4% All 2017 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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 performance10.5× usual
  Ford Mustang

  2.1% All 2017 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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.

Common 2017 Ford Mustang MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Ford Mustang MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  4% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  1% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 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 6× as often on the 2017 Ford Mustang as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 10.5× as often on the 2017 Ford Mustang as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?