Ford Mustang won't start problems

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Electrical · GA

My car would not start so I had it towed to the Ford Dealership where I bought the car - The car would not start even though the battery had power - it also had a burning wire smell which is consistent with the recall The dealer has not looked at the car since it was towed to them on 9/3/26

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I own a 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle initially developed a check-engine light and was diagnosed with P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire), P0316 (startup misfire), and P018C (fuel pressure sensor circuit low). On August 24, 2026, all four spark plugs and one ignition coil were replaced, and a fuel/induction cleaning service was performed. The P018C repair was declined at that time. On September 10, 2026, the vehicle started with an extremely rough idle and produced a very large cloud of white, sweet-smelling exhaust smoke. The check-engine light came on. The original codes, including the misfire codes, were present along with additional codes. The vehicle underwent approximately three hours of diagnostics and road testing. The codes were cleared, and afterward only P018C returned. Testing reportedly did not identify a head-gasket leak, but visible white smoke was still coming from the exhaust when I left the repair facility. Possible coolant intrusion involving the turbocharger was discussed, but the source was not confirmed. Later that day, the vehicle would not crank in Park but started in Neutral. While driving home, the engine began idling so violently at a traffic light that the entire vehicle shook and the tachometer fluctuated significantly. Before September 10, the vehicle had never produced white exhaust smoke, never shaken violently at idle, and always started. The repair facility attempted to inspect the cylinders with a borescope, but both of its borescopes were not functioning. I am concerned about possible coolant intrusion or another engine defect because of the Cylinder 3/startup misfire history, heavy white sweet-smelling exhaust, and severe intermittent rough running. The cause has not yet been confirmed, and I am concerned about possible engine failure or loss of power while driving.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

2020 Ford Mustang with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has a documented history of coolant loss with no visible external leak, consistent with the known coolant-intrusion defect in Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost engines where coolant leaks internally into the cylinders. The vehicle previously threw a cylinder misfire code (P0301) and now shows a crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation fault (P0017). A scan tool confirmed the exhaust camshaft is approximately 18–19 degrees out of correlation. A new variable valve timing oil control solenoid was installed and did NOT resolve the fault, confirming the problem is mechanical — a worn/stretched timing chain. This wear is consistent with the oil dilution and contamination caused by internal coolant intrusion. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center via scan data. The vehicle is available for inspection. Warning symptoms included the check engine light, a loud rattle on cold startup, and occasional hard/no-start conditions. This is a safety concern because internal coolant loss can cause overheating, cylinder head cracking, and potential engine failure or fire while driving. Repair cost quoted at approximately $2,000. Mileage approximately 54,400.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine · CA

Head gasket failure, specifically corrosion of the engine block. One day the car just did not start at all, with no clear indication of head gasket failure until compression test was ran. Symptoms include coolant levels getting lower each week, with constant refills needed. Random misfires. Smoke randomly emitting from the exhaust when idle. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Fuel system · HI

At highway speed (60-65mph), in 6th gear, cruise control activated, the car began to surge and stall and loose power. Applying more throttle to maintain speed did not help. Pulled to roadside and engine stalled. No check engine light at that time. Re-started with rough idle, check engine light illuminated, attempted to drive again but there was no power, vehicle stalled again. Tried to crank again with crank-no start, check engine light on. Car had approx. 1/4 tank fuel and range of 80 miles to empty. Had to tow. After towing home about 2 hours post-incident, car is still crank-no start. Scanned for codes: P0087:00- 64, P008A:00-EC, P00C6:00-26, P008A:00 fuel pressure low codes.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Engine · SC

Purchased just 2 months ago from ford dealer, after 1 week noticed shimming of engine on cold start, next incident overheat warning, filled with radiator fluid, noticed slow lowering of fluid level, next day car would not start at all. Towed to mechanic in which they report blown head gasket and all 4 cylinders damaged. After searching this site I found others had same complaint but no recalls. Evidently there is a lawsuit, how do I participate so I can get my beautiful car repaired ASAP?

Filed Oct 23, 2024 · Electrical · NC

I visited the [XXX] in Greensboro, NC on [XXX], was inside the Y for around five minutes, and when I came out and got back to my car, the car would not start, the battery was completely dead. I called USAA Road Service, they came and said I had a very discharged battery. They helped me get the car started, and I got home OK. I do not know what caused the battery to fail. After the battery failed, It was inspected on July 9, 2024 by Green Ford in Greensboro, and then replaced by the Ford dealer. My safety was at risk because the dealer said the faulty battery probably was responsible for an accelerator problem I am experiencing (detailed in the federal safety agency complaint number 11619861) and a brake failure which I experienced (detailed in the federal safety agency complaint number 11619933). The Ford dealer that said the battery was defective, and as I said, replaced it (under the car's warranty). There was no warning that the battery would fail, and I do not know why it failed, and had no reason to believe it would fail. If the Ford dealer kept the failed battery, and still has it, it should be available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Engine · NJ

Ecoboost 4 Turbo engine has a known design flaw - coolant channels were placed between cylinders that don't allow them to seal properly and this leaks coolant into the engine eventually causing engine failure. FORD corrected this defect in 2020 but never let customers know. I now have a 5 year old car in immaculate condition that needs a new engine. It doesn't start reliably and I have lost power while driving a few times. I've already spent $1600 on repairs only to find out the issue was the engine and a KNOWN issue that Ford covered up. If I want to repair my car I am responsible for 5K in engine repair. Ford needs to be held liable for this and they should be responsible for replacing my engine.

Filed May 28, 2023 · Engine · AR

My check engine light came on it was cylinder 2 misfire. Sputtering and stalling in traffic. Slow to excelarate, started losing coolant and blowing white smoke on start up. Stuck in traffic. Then the turbo blew out. Replaced turbo, replaced spark plugs replaced edition coil. Still cylinder 2 misfire. Still a rough idle, Still dies in traffic Still losing coolant, dies unexpectedly and then won't start. Replaced fuel pump about 3 years ago for it dying in the middle of sams club traffic lane. Currently issues with the other problems listed above. Have found out this is a common problem with these motors. I called Ford and was told it's because I have 112,000 miles on my car. I've never missed a service, never driven the car hard, never over heated it. I have taken excellent car of this vehicle. Currently waiting for another diagnostic test. We pay to much for these cars to be stuck in traffic and have the engines go out and so many problems with them. Yes this car can be inspected at any time. Ford needs to recall this engine and fix its mistake. This is not okay. And it's dangerous to continue to let people drive these vehicles.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Electrical · GA

When trying to start got steering lock malfunction service now. Car would not start stranded for 10 hrs.