2018 Ford Mustang: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Engine · 49,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact found oil underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Engine · 129,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact attempted to warm up the vehicle; however, when the contact returned to the vehicle, the vehicle was off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the engine sounded like it was losing power with an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The message to “Shift to Park” was displayed; however, the gear shifter was already in park(P). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure due to a lack of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Filed May 24, 2022 · Engine · NJ

My engine started knocking/ticking at around 6,000 miles, shortly after my first oil change. I was aware of the knocking issies, thanks to numerous youtube videos, before i even recieved my special order mustang so i made sure to use the same oil and filter that originally came with my car. Now the car has 18,500 miles on it, the knocking/ticking is getting worse and worse every year and Ford is calling the problem "normal" and refuses to do any repairs. The car has now been unsuccessfully serviced 3 times and should now be placed under the lemon law.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Engine · 4,000 miles · MD

When the engine is cold and when warm and running under 2000 RPM the engine makes a inconsistent ticking noise which can be heard while driving and at idle. This only started after the first oil change which was performed with the recommended oil.

Filed Mar 29, 2019 · Engine · CA

Car has a loud ticking sound once warmed up and at idle. Also occurs when rpms are between 1500-2000. Dealer told me it's the new direct fuel injection system. Research online shows many other mustang gt owners having the same problems and found evidence of piston slap and scoring. Dealership won't take initiative to fix or diagnose this problem. Problem also showing up on 2019 models. Ford keeps deflecting their responsibility to address this issue and dealerships will not stand behind their customers and help them. Please help bring ford to take responsibility for this problem and fix the issue.

Filed Feb 19, 2019 · Engine · 6,500 miles · SC

At certain RPM ranges the piston can be heard slapping the cylinder walls, cylinder wall scoring is present and may cause premature failure of engine. It can become worse down the road and create misfires, from no compression, also can make for a very loud engine knocking noise. I have driven a few of them and they all have the sound. Ford built the engines with too much clearance between pistons and cylinder walls. Also there is a ticking noise at idle that ford claims is normal but people are having damages to there vehicles from this. Attached is cylinder wall scoring photos

Filed Feb 13, 2019 · Engine · 19,500 miles · VA

Piston slap noise from engine. Ticking and thudding noise from idle to 2500 rpms. Can hear diesel type sound inside the car when at idle. Check engine light with code p0300 for engine misfire. Car is 1 year old and has oil consumption issues. Dealer is of no help saying all these are normal. My car shut off while cruising down the highway and I lost control of brakes and steering as they were extremely hard to modulate. Ford and dealer are of no help in resolving these issues and I worry for my and my family's safety driving this car.

Filed Feb 10, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 3,000 miles · CA

My check engine light came on while on cruise control on the interstate going 80mph on a 75 and a few seconds after the check engine light came on , the car shut off and locked up and caused me to lose control. Car was taken to a dealership , and the entire bottom end was torn apart and a few engine components were replaced. After receiving the vehicle back from the dealership the vehicle continues to have electrical and engine problems. The car will at random times shut off while driving , main times is the freeway. Second issue is the car has loud knocking to the engine , sounds like a lifted knock , the car was taken to a dealership, and my car was next to a same year mustang to compare sound and mine was definitely knocking compared to the other mustang. Third issue is there is a constant squealing sound like a lose belt coming from the back side of the engine (this recently started) and the fourth issue is when I'm coming down to a stop or slowing down even without touching the breaks there is a metal clinging sound that doesn't stop until the car comes to a complete stop. The car only has 17k miles and is never abused , and has always been properly maintained.

Filed Dec 16, 2018 · Engine · 550 miles · MO

Engine has a loud ticking sound. Sound like a slow typewriter. I have a a video with the noise.