2017 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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 2017 Mustang
5
Back Over Prevention complaints Check
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (64 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 64 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (39 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 39 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (34 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 34 NHTSA complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages complaints Check
Open and close every door, hood, and trunk; confirm all latches hold. (29 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 29 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (26 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 26 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
18 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
6
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A sudden loss of engine oil may cause engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
If the door unlatches in a crash it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
2017 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 2017 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 Mustang. The most serious involve Engine and Engine Cooling (16V779000) and Air Bags (17V529000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Mustang?
The top complaint areas are Back Over Prevention (64 complaints) and Structure (39 complaints), out of 265 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 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 Back Over Prevention, which drew 64 complaints for this model-year.