2013 Ford Mustang Reliability: Common Problems, Lifespan, Repair Costs, Pros & Cons

The 2013 Ford Mustang is generally a reliable performance car when it has been maintained well and has not been abused or poorly modified. The engines are actually among the stronger parts of the car. For used-car buyers today, previous ownership history can be just as important as the Mustang's original mechanical reliability.

The regular 2013 Mustang offered two very different but generally durable engines: a 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 305 horsepower and the Mustang GT's 5.0-liter naturally aspirated Coyote V8 producing 420 horsepower. Both use timing chains rather than scheduled-replacement timing belts.

The transmission deserves more attention. The six-speed automatic generally has a good durability record when maintained properly. The Getrag MT82 six-speed manual transmission, however, has generated complaints involving notchy shifting, gear grinding and difficulty making fast shifts, particularly in cars driven aggressively.

There is another issue that doesn't show up on a conventional reliability chart: modifications. Mustangs attract owners who install tunes, exhaust systems, suspension changes, superchargers, different rear-axle gearing and other performance parts. Some modifications are professionally done and harmless. Others can make a seemingly clean used Mustang much riskier.

• Overall reliability: Generally good when stock or sensibly modified and properly maintained
• Expected lifespan: Roughly 175,000–225,000+ miles is realistic for a well-maintained car
• 3.7L V6: Generally durable and less expensive to buy
• 5.0L Coyote V8: Strong engine with excellent long-term potential
• Automatic transmission: Generally the lower-risk transmission choice
• Manual transmission: Inspect carefully for MT82 shifting problems
• Biggest used-car concern: Previous abuse, hard launches and questionable modifications
• Best buy: A documented, largely stock car with a clean inspection and good maintenance history

Bottom line: I would have no problem considering a good 2013 Mustang. I would simply inspect one differently from an ordinary sedan. A Mustang can have a fundamentally durable drivetrain and still be a bad purchase because of the way a previous owner treated it.

Also, More On Mustang Reliability

If you'd like to compare different Mustang model years, or engines, etc., be sure to read our Ford Mustang Reliability & Problems: Best Used Mustangs & Years Guide. It highlights the models, best years to buy, common problems, and helps you choose the right vehicle for you.

How Many Miles Can a 2013 Ford Mustang Last?

A properly maintained 2013 Ford Mustang can realistically last 175,000 to 225,000 miles, and both the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 are capable of exceeding 200,000 miles. Some examples will go substantially farther, but maintenance and previous use make a huge difference.

A Mustang that spent its life commuting on the highway is very different from one that spent weekends at a drag strip. Mileage alone cannot tell you which one you are looking at.

Is 100,000 Miles High for a 2013 Mustang?

No. I would not consider 100,000 miles excessive for a properly maintained 2013 Mustang. Both engines can have considerable useful life remaining at that mileage.

At 100,000 miles, I would be more interested in oil-change history, transmission behavior, clutch condition, cooling-system maintenance, differential noise and evidence of modifications than in the six-digit odometer reading itself.

Is 150,000 Miles Too Much for a 2013 Mustang?

Not necessarily, but condition becomes increasingly important around 150,000 miles. Suspension components, engine mounts, wheel bearings, cooling-system parts, clutch components and other wear items may already have been replaced or may be approaching replacement.

A 150,000-mile car with extensive maintenance records can actually be a safer purchase than a neglected 90,000-mile Mustang with unknown modifications.

Can a 2013 Mustang Reach 200,000 Miles?

Yes. Both the 3.7L V6 and 5.0L Coyote V8 can reach 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The question at that point is often whether the rest of the car has been maintained well enough to make continued ownership economical.

Is the 2013 Ford Mustang a Good Year or One to Avoid?

The 2013 Mustang is generally a good year and not one I would automatically avoid. By 2013, Ford had been building the S197-generation Mustang for years, while the newer 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter Coyote V8 introduced for 2011 had already accumulated several model years of real-world use.

The 2013 model also received updated styling and increased GT output to 420 horsepower. It combines the traditional solid-rear-axle S197 platform with relatively modern engines and electronics.

The principal caveat is the MT82 manual transmission. A buyer specifically seeking a manual GT should spend extra time evaluating shift quality and clutch operation.

Buyer takeaway: I would put a clean, mostly stock 2013 Mustang on the consideration list. I would not buy one merely because it looks immaculate. Mechanical inspection and modification history matter considerably more on a performance car.

How Reliable Is the 2013 Mustang 3.7-Liter V6?

The 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 is generally a durable engine and can be an excellent choice for someone who wants a Mustang without the purchase price or fuel consumption of the GT.

With 305 horsepower, this is not the underpowered base Mustang of earlier generations. It provides enough performance that many cars have also been driven hard, so the V6 badge should not cause you to skip the same careful inspection you would give a GT.

The basic engine does not have a reputation for widespread catastrophic internal failure. As mileage increases, cooling-system components, ignition parts, seals, sensors and accessories become more relevant.

Does the 2013 Mustang 3.7 Have Water Pump Problems?

Water-pump failure is worth checking on an aging 3.7-liter Mustang, although it does not mean every 3.7L engine will experience premature failure.

Look for dried coolant residue, coolant odor, leakage around the pump area, bearing noise and evidence that the coolant level has been dropping. A failing water pump should be repaired promptly because continued driving with low coolant or an overheating engine can turn a straightforward repair into major engine damage.

Ford's original maintenance schedule called for the first coolant change on the 3.7L and 5.0L engines at six years or 100,000 miles, followed by every three years or 50,000 miles. On a 2013 car today, coolant condition and service history therefore deserve attention.

How Reliable Is the 2013 Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote V8?

The 2013 Mustang GT's 5.0-liter Coyote V8 is generally a strong and durable performance engine. Properly maintained examples can accumulate high mileage without requiring internal engine rebuilding.

The engine's 420 horsepower also creates the biggest caveat: it is very easy to modify and very tempting to abuse. A stock 100,000-mile Coyote may concern me less than a 60,000-mile car that has spent years running an aggressive tune, sticky tires and repeated hard launches.

Listen to the engine both cold and fully warmed. Check oil level, look for smoke, inspect for coolant leaks and determine whether the engine or calibration has been modified.

Does the 2013 Mustang 5.0 Have a Ticking Problem?

Some 5.0-liter Coyote engines produce an audible ticking noise, but a tick does not automatically mean the engine is failing.

Ford has specifically documented a characteristic noise commonly called the “typewriter tick.” It can appear at idle when the engine is warm, sometimes after an oil change. Ford states that this particular noise is an operating characteristic and does not have a detrimental effect on engine function or durability.

That does not mean every ticking or knocking sound should be ignored. A persistent knock that becomes louder under load, follows engine speed aggressively or is accompanied by low oil pressure, misfires or other symptoms deserves diagnosis.

The distinction is important for used-car buyers: don't reject a healthy Coyote simply because you hear the characteristic tick, but don't allow a seller to describe every abnormal engine noise as “just the Coyote tick.”

Does the 2013 Ford Mustang Have MT82 Manual Transmission Problems?

Yes. The Getrag MT82 six-speed manual transmission is one of the most important components to evaluate on a manual 2013 Mustang.

Owners have reported notchy shifting, difficulty selecting gears, grinding and high-rpm shift problems. The way a particular car has been driven also matters tremendously because clutch wear, hard launches and aggressive shifting can compound the transmission's inherent characteristics.

Ford documentation has also addressed certain MT82 operating characteristics. For example, Ford noted that some 2011–2014 Mustangs with the 3.7-liter V6 and MT82 could exhibit vibration through the shifter, seat track or steering wheel while decelerating between roughly 3,500 and 2,000 rpm and described that specific vibration as an operating characteristic.

What Are the Symptoms of MT82 Problems?

The symptoms I would pay closest attention to are gear grinding, resistance entering gear, high-rpm lockout, unusual transmission noise and inconsistent shift quality.

During a test drive:

• Shift through every gear at normal speeds.
• Repeat the shifts after the transmission is fully warm.
• Pay particular attention to second and third gear.
• Check for grinding during quicker shifts.
• Make sure Reverse engages without excessive difficulty.
• Test the clutch for slipping under load.
• Listen for abnormal bearing or gear noise.

A mildly notchy shifter and an actual damaged synchronizer are not the same thing. If the car grinds repeatedly or refuses to enter a gear cleanly, I would have the transmission evaluated before buying.

Is the 2013 Mustang Automatic Transmission Reliable?

The six-speed automatic is generally a solid transmission and is usually the lower-risk choice if transmission reliability is your highest priority.

That does not mean an automatic Mustang cannot have transmission problems. Hard launches, overheating, neglected fluid and performance modifications can shorten transmission life.

Test the car both cold and warm. Engagement into Drive and Reverse should be prompt, shifts should be consistent and engine speed should not flare unexpectedly between gears.

On a modified GT, determine whether the transmission calibration has also been altered. An aggressive tune can significantly change shift behavior and make it harder to judge whether a harsh shift is mechanical or calibration-related.

Should You Buy a Modified or Tuned 2013 Mustang?

A modified 2013 Mustang is not automatically a bad purchase, but I would require considerably more information before buying one.

Some modifications are harmless or even beneficial. A quality cat-back exhaust, professionally installed suspension components or upgraded wheels do not inherently make a car unreliable.

I become more cautious when modifications increase engine output or drivetrain stress. Superchargers, turbochargers, nitrous systems, aggressive engine tunes, launch-control use, drag-racing tires and major rear-axle changes tell me the car may have experienced substantially harder use than a stock Mustang.

Ask who performed the work, what parts were used, whether the original components are available and whether the engine computer is currently running a non-stock calibration.

I would also be suspicious of a Mustang that has recently been returned to stock. Fresh factory parts combined with obvious signs that aftermarket equipment was previously installed can indicate that modifications were removed specifically before the sale.

What Are the Most Common 2013 Ford Mustang Problems?

1. MT82 Manual Transmission Shift Problems

Manual-transmission cars deserve careful evaluation for grinding, difficult gear engagement and poor high-rpm shift quality. Previous driving style can make a substantial difference in condition.

2. Clutch Wear

A clutch can wear normally or prematurely from aggressive driving. Check for slipping, chatter, a very high engagement point and difficulty disengaging fully.

3. Water Pump and Coolant Leaks

Cooling-system leaks become increasingly relevant with age. Inspect the water pump, hoses, reservoir and surrounding areas for coolant residue or active leakage.

4. 5.0L Coyote Engine Tick

The characteristic typewriter tick can sound alarming but Ford has documented the particular warm-idle noise as an operating characteristic that does not affect engine durability. Other abnormal knocks still require diagnosis.

5. Throttle-Body or Electronic-Throttle Problems

Electronic throttle problems can cause poor throttle response, reduced-power behavior or warning lights. A diagnostic scan can help identify stored or pending faults.

6. Suspension Wear

Struts, shocks, control-arm bushings, sway-bar links and related components wear with mileage. Modified suspensions deserve extra inspection for installation quality and uneven tire wear.

7. Rear-Axle and Differential Noise

Listen for whining, humming or clunking from the rear of the car during acceleration and deceleration. Hard launches can place substantial stress on the differential and axle components.

8. Driveshaft and Driveline Vibration

Vibration that changes with road speed can come from tires, wheels, driveshaft components or the driveline. Do not assume a pronounced vibration is simply normal Mustang behavior.

9. Paint Corrosion or Bubbling

Inspect hood edges and other body panels carefully for bubbling, peeling or corrosion beneath the paint. Cosmetic repairs can become surprisingly expensive if you want the car restored properly.

10. Wheel Bearings

Higher-mileage cars can develop wheel-bearing hum or growling that increases with road speed.

11. Air-Conditioning and HVAC Problems

Make sure the air conditioning becomes properly cold and that the blower operates correctly at every speed.

12. Electrical Accessories

Test power windows, locks, lighting, audio equipment, steering-wheel controls and every other electrical feature. Age and aftermarket wiring can create problems that are time-consuming to trace.

13. Modified Exhaust and Emissions Equipment

Check for catalytic-converter removal, poorly installed exhaust systems, warning lights or emissions-readiness monitors that have recently been reset.

14. Tire and Rear-Suspension Abuse

Unusually worn rear tires, mismatched performance tires or rubber debris around the rear wheel wells can provide clues about how enthusiastically the car has been used.

Does the 2013 Mustang Have a Timing Belt or Timing Chain?

Both the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 use timing chains rather than scheduled-replacement timing belts.

That eliminates the routine timing-belt replacement expense found on some engines. Timing chains still depend on good lubrication, so regular oil changes remain important.

A persistent chain rattle or other abnormal mechanical noise deserves investigation, particularly if the engine has been poorly maintained or extensively raced.

2013 Ford Mustang Maintenance and Repair Costs

Routine Mustang maintenance is generally manageable, but performance-related drivetrain repairs can become expensive. The following are approximate parts-and-labor costs at an independent repair shop. Location, labor rates, parts quality, engine choice and modifications can change the actual price considerably.

The major distinction is between maintenance and abuse-related repair. A Mustang needing brakes, shocks and a water pump is simply an aging car. A Mustang needing a clutch, transmission and differential because of years of hard launches can become an expensive project very quickly.

In addition, your trade-in allowance, if you are doing that, will also affect the overall potential cost analysis of moving into a Mustang (KBB versus Edmunds Appraisals - Which Is Better).

What Should You Check Before Buying a 2013 Ford Mustang?

• Determine whether the car has been tuned or modified. Ask specifically rather than assuming a stock-looking car has always been stock.
• Test an MT82 manual carefully. Shift through every gear both cold and warm and watch for grinding or difficult engagement.
• Test the clutch under load. Engine speed should not rise without a corresponding increase in road speed.

• Listen to the rear axle. Whining, humming and clunking deserve investigation.
• Inspect the cooling system. Look for coolant leakage around the water pump, hoses and reservoir.
• Listen to a 5.0L engine both cold and warm. Understand that the characteristic typewriter tick can be normal, but investigate pronounced knocking or other abnormal noises.
• Inspect the tires closely. Uneven wear, mismatched tires and evidence of repeated burnouts can tell you something about previous use.
• Look underneath the car. Check for collision damage, leaks, damaged exhaust components and evidence of poorly installed modifications.
• Perform a diagnostic scan. Check for current, pending and recently cleared trouble codes and emissions monitors.
• Check the VIN for open recalls. Recall status is vehicle-specific and should be verified rather than assumed.

2013 Ford Mustang Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong engine choices: Both the 305-hp V6 and 420-hp 5.0L V8 provide substantial performance.
• Durable basic engines: Either engine can accumulate high mileage with proper maintenance.
• Timing chains: Neither regular engine requires scheduled timing-belt replacement.
• Generally solid automatic transmission: The six-speed automatic can be a good choice for buyers prioritizing drivetrain reliability.
• Excellent GT performance: The Coyote V8 provides serious performance without requiring aftermarket modifications.
• Simple rear-wheel-drive layout: The traditional drivetrain is familiar to many independent repair shops.
• Large enthusiast community: Parts, technical information and specialist knowledge are readily available.
• Distinctive styling: The 2013–2014 front and rear styling has aged well and remains recognizable as a Mustang.
• Good long-term potential: A carefully maintained example can remain usable well beyond 150,000 miles.

Cons

• MT82 manual deserves caution: Grinding and shift-quality complaints make inspection important.
• Many cars have been driven hard: Previous abuse can matter more than the model's inherent reliability.
• Modifications complicate buying: Tunes and power adders can conceal a much harder previous life.
• Clutch repairs are expensive: Aggressive driving can shorten clutch life substantially.
• Rear-seat space is limited: The back seat is much less practical than a sedan's.
• Solid rear axle: It is durable but less sophisticated over rough pavement than the independent rear suspension used on later Mustangs.
• Performance tires are expensive: GTs and modified cars can consume costly tires quickly.
• Fuel consumption: The 5.0L GT rewards restraint at the gas pump considerably less than the V6.
• Age-related repairs are beginning to accumulate: Even low-mileage cars can now need seals, mounts, suspension and cooling-system work.

When it comes to exploring the Mustang market or actually buying, it's usually best to visit one of the major online car listing sites and contact dealers about two or three specific vehicles that interest you. Once they respond, you'll get a better feel for how flexible their prices really are. And if you're closer to buying, it's an excellent way to create competition among dealers for your business, which can then lead to an even better price.

I happen to like Edmunds for this, but any of the major car listing websites can work.

Should You Buy a 2013 Ford Mustang Today?

A good 2013 Ford Mustang can still be an excellent used performance car, and I would be comfortable buying either engine if the individual car passed a careful inspection.

The 3.7-liter V6 makes sense for someone who wants Mustang styling, rear-wheel drive and plenty of performance without paying GT prices. The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 is the more desirable performance choice and is fundamentally a strong engine.

I would be more selective about the transmission and the car's previous life than the engine. An automatic or a smooth-shifting MT82 with documented maintenance is appealing. A manual that grinds gears is not something I would buy on the assumption that a fluid change or aftermarket shifter will automatically cure it.

Modifications would also affect my decision. Sensible, documented upgrades would not necessarily bother me. An aggressively tuned car with signs of drag-racing use, unexplained engine work or a seller who cannot tell me what has been changed would make me keep looking.

Ultimately, the best 2013 Mustang is not necessarily the one with the lowest mileage. It is the one with the best combination of condition, maintenance history, drivetrain behavior and evidence of responsible ownership.

Your Trade-In

It's good to always know the value of your trade-in while you're evaluating your next possible purchase. Here's a good source for a quick and accurate appraisal: free trade-in appraisal.