2019 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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 2019 Mustang
5
Engine complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (51 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 51 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Check
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (32 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 32 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (28 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 28 NHTSA complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (11 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 11 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Check
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (9 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 9 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
12 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
6
Power Train Red flag
If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Electrical System Red flag
A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings.
Power Train Red flag
A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
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.
Electrical System Red flag
A blank instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, increases the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
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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.
2019 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 2019 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2019 Mustang. The most serious involve Power Train (20V263000) and Electrical System (19V076000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2019 Mustang?
The top complaint areas are Engine (51 complaints) and Electrical System (32 complaints), out of 149 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 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 51 complaints for this model-year.