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Ford · Sports Car · 2015–2024

Ford Mustang S550

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

416–460 PS

5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Benzin

V8 Cabrio S550

Fun to Drive!

Body Variants

The Ford Mustang S550 is available as Cabrio and Coupé — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Ford Mustang S550 is available with 3 engine variants — from 290 to 460 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.7L V6 · Benziner· 309 PS
2015 2017
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
EcoBoost · Benziner· 290–317 PS Engine Change
2015 2017
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
GT · Benziner· 416–460 PS Engine Change
2015 2017
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2015 2017
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 7 weaknesses

The Ford 3.7L V6 (Benziner, 309 PS) has the Duratec-37 (3.7L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Ford EcoBoost (Benziner, 290–317 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang (2015–2017, Be Careful) und EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang (2018–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the EcoBoost!

The Ford GT (Benziner, 416–460 PS) comes with 3 different engines: Coyote-Gen3 (2015–2017, Be Careful) und Coyote-Gen3 (2015–2017, Be Careful) und Coyote-Gen3 (2018–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the GT!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Automatic gearbox shifts harshly and slips

The 6- or 10-speed automatic gearbox in the Mustang S550 exhibits harsh shift clunks, slip and delayed gear changes. Total failure occurs from 80,000–120,000 km in some cases. Cooling problems and incorrect fluid specification can contribute to failure.

Symptoms: Harsh shifts, slip under acceleration, delayed gear change; in the worst case no forward drive at all.
from 90,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,612 complaints · 2015–2024
Electrical
288 ⚠ 7
Engine
276 ⚠ 3
Other
264 ⚠ 13
Powertrain
194 ⚠ 9
Backup Camera/Sensors
187 ⚠ 4

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (288 complaints)
Engine (276 complaints)
Other (264 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Mustang S550 (2015–2024) — 19 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, HVAC, Suspension.

Mustang (Coyote-Gen3, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failing, Head Gasket Failed — Overheating Damage, Recall 2024: Intake Valve Fracture (Model Years 2021–2022). Power: 416–421 PS.

Mustang (Coyote-Gen3, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failing, Head Gasket Failed — Overheating Damage, Recall 2024: Intake Valve Fracture (Model Years 2021–2022). Power: 421 PS.

Mustang (EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Cylinder head / liner issues under high load, Low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) failure, Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection. Power: 317 PS.

Mustang (Duratec-37, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Cam Phaser Rattle, Water Pump Shaft Seal Failure, Internal Chain-Driven Water Pump Failure. Power: 309 PS.

Mustang (Coyote-Gen3, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failing, Head Gasket Failed — Overheating Damage, Recall 2024: Intake Valve Fracture (Model Years 2021–2022). Power: 460 PS.

Mustang (EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Cylinder head / liner issues under high load, Low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) failure, Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection. Power: 290–291 PS.

What to watch out for with the Ford Mustang? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Mustang S550 have? +
The Ford Mustang S550 has 19 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Mustang S550? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Coyote-Gen3 (5.0L Ti-VCT V8), EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost), Duratec-37 (3.7L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Coyote-Gen3 (5.0L Ti-VCT V8).
Which Ford Mustang S550 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Ford Mustang S550 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} V8 sound in the open air with manual gearbox: the American dream lives on.
Is the Ford Mustang S550 worth buying used? +
The Ford Mustang S550 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Mustang S550? +
The Ford Mustang S550 is available with engine variants from 290 to 460 hp. Petrol: Coyote-Gen3 (5.0L Ti-VCT V8), EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost), Duratec-37 (3.7L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee