2016 Ford Mustang Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Mustang
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (75 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 75 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (72 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 72 NHTSA complaints
Back Over Prevention complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (52 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 52 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (29 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 29 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Check
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (28 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 28 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
41 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
5
Seat Belts Red flag
If the restraint components do not function as intended, the occupants may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A sudden loss of engine oil may cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A corroded cable can break, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant, and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Mustang–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Mustang. The most serious involve Seat Belts (15V707000) and Engine and Engine Cooling (16V779000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Mustang?
The top complaint areas are Engine (75 complaints) and Electrical System (72 complaints), out of 377 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Mustang?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 75 complaints for this model-year.