2022 Ford Mustang

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2022 Ford Mustang include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 52 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “Odometer roll back was found to be a problem after I bought the car and took it to a Ford dealership which they voluntarily did the Carfax for me and that is how I’ve come to find out that the odometer has been rolled back some point in time last year before I bought the car” (NHTSA Complaint #11677216)

Other Systems

The 2022 Ford Mustang has generated 26 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “Backup camera not working screen says see dealer. We thought car was included in ford back over prevention recall 25v442000 ford recall 25s72. however we are being told no recall exists and have to pay to fix it ourselves.” (NHTSA Complaint #11719567)

Forward Collision System

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) defects — including malfunctioning forward collision warnings, lane keep assist failures, and erratic automatic emergency braking — can create dangerous driving conditions. The 2022 Ford Mustang has 14 NHTSA complaints for this defect type. Owner reports include: “On December 9, 2023, I was driving my 2022 Ford Mustang on Interstate 70 (westbound) and received the following notifications: “Pre-collision assist not available” and “Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power.” This resulted in an inability for the car to rev above 4000 RPM which was problematic for driving on an interstate in the mountain. Additionally, driver assists were disabled. The message cleared after the car was turned off for ~ 2 hours, but the pre-collision assist intermittently incorrectly identified objects prompting braking when ACC was activated. However, about a week later, the car suffered a cracked windshield prompting replacement on 12/29/23. Following replacement, the car gave a message saying, “Front Camera Malfunction. Service Required.” Despite recalibration attempts at both Safelite AutoGlass and my local Ford dealership, the camera has remained dysfunctional. Similarly, apart from the initial “Front Camera Malfunction” message upon starting the car, there is no indication that Pre-collision, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking are disabled for the duration of the drive. On 2/23/24, I received a call from Safelite stating that the “manufacturer of the windshield had issued a precautionary recall where it looks like the camera bracket can possibly detach and cause some issues with the advanced safety systems.” Upon returning their call, it was confirmed that my vehicle, 2022 Ford Mustang, was affected by the precautionary recall. Therefore, I was scheduled to take my car in for a new part and told that I could seek reimbursement from Ford. However, upon further discussion with my Ford dealership and Ford Motor Company Customer Service team, I was told that they were unaware of a recall. Similarly, when further information was requested from Safelite, I was told that “we are not allowed to give out that information.” As of this submission, the advanced safety systems remain inoperable.” (NHTSA Complaint #11576708)

Brakes

Brake defects affecting safety may qualify for California’s two-repair threshold under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, which applies to defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. The 2022 Ford Mustang has generated 14 NHTSA complaints related to braking, including ABS failures, grinding, reduced stopping power, and warning lights. Owner reports include: “Brake pedal was hard and vehicle would continue rolling at complete stop. Brake booster failure new vehicle.” (NHTSA Complaint #11496332)

Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Ford Mustang have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 12 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “While driving approximately 45 mph and entering a highway, my 2022 Ford Mustang GT California Special suddenly lost power and shut off completely. The engine stalled without warning, creating a dangerous situation with surrounding traffic. I had to coast the vehicle and restart it. This vehicle has an open safety recall (NHTSA Recall Number 25V455 / Ford Recall 25S75) related to a low-pressure fuel pump failure that can cause engine stalling while driving. The recall has been open for several months, and there is currently no available remedy or repair from the manufacturer. The incident I experienced matches the recall description exactly. Despite the known safety risk, the manufacturer has not provided a fix, leaving the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others due to the risk of repeated engine stalling at highway speeds.” (NHTSA Complaint #11704989)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Ford Mustang

The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Ford Mustang by the NHTSA or Ford. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2022 Ford Mustang:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Ford to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ford must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2022 Ford Mustang qualifies as a lemon under California law, Ford may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Ford pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Ford willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2022 Ford Mustang Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Ford a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Ford dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Ford pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Ford a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2022 Ford Mustang Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2022 Ford Mustang as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Ford pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ford is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2022 Ford Mustang?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.