2018 Ford Mustang

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
5L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (8 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S10)
Wheel Torque
150
ft-lbs

The 2018 Ford Mustang maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford Mustang.

For oil changes, the 2018 Ford Mustang takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 8 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Ford Mustang, torque the lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2018 Ford Mustang have reported 5 common issues including "10R80 Transmission Harsh Shifting", "Active Exhaust System Malfunction" and "Brake Fluid Level Sensor Failure (Recall)". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 4 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2018 Ford Mustang uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (8 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 150 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2018 Ford Mustang Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity8 qt
Lug Nut Torque150 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMotorcraft Gold (OAT)
Transmission FluidMercon LV
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Mercon LV
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Motorcraft Gold (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
Motorcraft 5W-20 (2.3L EcoBoost) or 5W-30 (5.0L V8 GT), 10 qt (5.0L)
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Staggered wheels on Performance Pack; may need side-to-side swap only
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 24 mo
DOT 4 LV; Brembo brakes on GT Performance Pack
Transmission Fluid
150,000 mi
6-speed auto or 6-speed manual; Motorcraft MERCON LV (auto)
Coolant
100,000 mi
Motorcraft Orange; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
100,000 mi
Motorcraft iridium-tipped
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Motorcraft battery; inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Ford Mustang.

Common problems reported by 2018 Ford Mustang owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

10R80 Transmission Harsh Shifting

The 10-speed automatic (10R80) in the 2022 Mustang GT exhibits harsh or delayed engagement, hard shifts between gears, and occasional malfunction indicator lamp illumination. The shifts can be violent enough to cause the car to lurch, particularly during spirited driving.

Solution

Ford issued a TSB for 2022-2023 Mustang vehicles with the 10R80 addressing PCM software calibration, solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body, and CDF clutch cylinder sleeve axial movement. Start with a PCM reflash; severe cases require valve body replacement.

Est. Cost: $0 - $200 for reflash; $1,500 - $3,000 for valve body repair
2

Active Exhaust System Malfunction

Some 2018-2022 Mustang vehicles (non-Shelby GT350) experience active exhaust valve failures, resulting in 'Drive Mode Not Available' or 'Exhaust Mode Not Available' messages on the dash. The exhaust may default to quiet mode and the check engine light may illuminate.

Solution

Ford issued TSB 22-2282 addressing an improperly seated exhaust system. The dealer will inspect and reseat the active exhaust valves and actuators. If the actuator motors are burned out, they need replacement. Updated software calibration may also be applied.

Est. Cost: $0 - $300 for reseat/software; $400 - $900 for actuator replacement
3

Brake Fluid Level Sensor Failure (Recall)

The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator on the dashboard when brake fluid is low. This means the driver may not be alerted to a dangerous low-fluid condition that could compromise braking performance.

Solution

Ford issued a recall for certain 2020-2023 Mustangs. The dealer will update the body control module software to properly detect and display the low brake fluid warning. Contact your dealer to check your VIN.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
4

Seat Pan Track Looseness and Clunk Noise

Some 2015-2022 Mustangs experience driver or passenger seat pan looseness, lateral seat movement, or a clunk/thump noise during turns. The seat may shift noticeably side to side over bumps or during cornering.

Solution

Ford issued a TSB identifying worn or loose seat pan tracks as the cause. The dealer will inspect and replace the seat track assembly. Tightening the seat mounting bolts may temporarily help, but track replacement is the permanent fix.

Est. Cost: $200 - $600
5

Headliner Sagging and Gap at Weatherstrip

Some 2018-2024 Mustang coupe models exhibit a sagging headliner or a visible gap where the headliner meets the upper door weatherstrip. The headliner may droop from the roof and worsen over time, especially in hot climates.

Solution

Ford issued a TSB to replace the headliner with an updated version that uses improved adhesive and mounting clips. The repair is labor-intensive but should be covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty if within the coverage period.

Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $400 - $1,000 if out of warranty

4 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 25V572000 Date: 04/09/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

2

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Campaign: 18E035000 Date: 24/05/2018

Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain aftermarket supercharger kits, part number R1318-6006P1-AA, sold for installation on 2018 Ford Mustangs. The hose barb fittings on the supercharger kits may be manufactured incorrectly, possibly causing damage to the fuel lines and resulting in a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Roush will notify the known owners and replace the defective fuel rail subassemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874. Roush's number for this recall is REMay2018.

3

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign: 18V213000 Date: 04/04/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.

Consequence

Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.

4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 17V814000 Date: 18/12/2017

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster. If the ignition is turned off when the transmission is not in PARK, the instrument cluster may not illuminate the PRNDL gear position display and the operator may not receive the "Key in Ignition" chime when the driver's door is opened. As such, these vehicles fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence

Without a visual or audible warning to the driver that the vehicle is in PARK, the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C21.

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See Also
2018 Ford Mustang Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2018 Ford MustangAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2018 Ford MustangWiper Replacement: 2018 Ford Mustang