Models · Ford
Ford Mustang S550 buying guide
The sixth-generation Mustang was built from 2015 to 2023 with a 2.3 EcoBoost or 5.0 V8, and facelifted in 2018. Its known issues are few and mostly simple to check.
The versions
- 2.3 EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo petrol, 313bhp
- 5.0 V8 GT: 410bhp, raised to 444bhp at the 2018 facelift
- Bullitt (2019), 453bhp, and Mach 1 (2021 to 2023), 454bhp
- Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic, replaced by a ten-speed automatic at the facelift
- Optional MagneRide adaptive dampers from the facelift
What to check on a S550 Mustang
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Oil cooler on early V8s
What to look for: On an early V8, look under the front of the car and around the oil cooler for oil. Check the coolant for any sign of oil, and ask whether oil cooler work has been done.
Why it matters: Oil coolers on some early 2015 to 2016 cars could rupture, dumping oil outside the engine or into the cooling system, which risks serious engine damage. The problem seems to have been corrected fairly quickly.
The manual clutch and gearchange
What to look for: On a manual, note where the clutch bites: a very high biting point or any slip under firm acceleration in a high gear points to a worn clutch. Change through all the gears and check they go in smoothly.
Why it matters: Clutch replacement is a substantial job on these cars. Pre-June 2016 cars had a clutch pedal position switch that could be damaged and stop the engine cranking, covered by a Ford bulletin. On facelift cars driven hard, the third and fourth gear selector forks in the revised manual gearbox can break.
Air conditioning
What to look for: Run the air conditioning on its coldest setting during the viewing and check it blows properly cold within a few minutes.
Why it matters: Air conditioning compressor and condenser faults are among the known issues on this generation, so a system that blows cold is one less thing to plan for.
Also in the full guide
- Clonking from the front
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the S550 Mustang
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Ford.