Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2023 Ford Mustang
The 2023 Ford Mustang is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.1/10, while Reliability at 7.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 9.1/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. At 7.4/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $31,539–$36,848, 22 MPG, seating 4, the Ford Mustang sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. At 7.4/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Ford Mustang will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
The 2023 Ford Mustang ranks #154 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 52% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $31,539 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 32%.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Mustang Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Ford Mustang scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Ford Mustang (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Power train / Automatic transmission 10/02/2023 · 23V070000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from…
Electrical system / Body control module/bcm 27/10/2023 · 23V727000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
Steering / Electric power assist system 28/06/2024 · 24V493000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles. The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver's intentions.
Steering / Electric power assist system 14/02/2025 · 25V096000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-493. The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn…
Back over prevention / Software 27/06/2025 · 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023…
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2023 Ford Mustang that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2023 Ford Mustang
Is the 2023 Ford Mustang reliable?
We rate the 2023 Ford Mustang's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Mustang have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2023 Ford Mustang worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #154 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 52% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2023 Ford Mustang cost?
The 2023 Ford Mustang starts at $31,539 and ranges up to $36,848 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Mustang years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Mustang years we've rated are 2015 (7.3/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2023 Ford Mustang have?
The documented issues for the 2023 Ford Mustang are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Power train, Electrical system, Steering, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ford Mustang
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More Ford Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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