2020 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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 2020 Mustang
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (25 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 25 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. (25 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 25 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (25 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 25 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (19 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 19 NHTSA complaints
Back Over Prevention complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (12 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 12 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
13 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
8
Forward Collision Avoidance Red flag
If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not operating effectively, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Check
A broken brake pedal could affect braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Electrical System Check
Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and 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 fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing 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.
2020 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 2020 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2020 Mustang. The most serious involve Forward Collision Avoidance (20V306000) and Power Train (20V263000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2020 Mustang?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (25 complaints) and Engine (25 complaints), out of 120 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 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 Power Train, which drew 25 complaints for this model-year.