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Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) (2005-2014) reliability

Not enough data

Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) built around 2014: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) models built around 2014 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

2005-2014CoupePETROL

Based on 1,893 tests of Mustang models registered 2005-2014.

S197 (5th gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
707.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
10910.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13015.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9320.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
10515.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10313.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
18715.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
32216.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
31416.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
31916.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
14114.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the Mustang S197 (5th gen) compares

At each age below, see how the Mustang S197 (5th gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 385,712 tests across 15 Ford models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFord average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
707.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
10910.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13015.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9320.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
10515.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10313.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
18715.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
32216.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
31416.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
31916.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
14114.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Mustang S197 (5th gen).

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    5.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    1.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 5.3%, against 10.1% for the Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen), both built around 2014.

    1,499 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Porsche Cayman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.3%
    Dangerous
    2.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93%

    No clear edge over the Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) on these figures.

    1,342 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    No clear edge over the Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) on these figures.

    6,708 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Jaguar F-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    3.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.3%

    No clear edge over the Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) on these figures.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,864 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Ford Mustang.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

49 recalls in all

3 of the 49 Mustang S197 (5th gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Front driver side air bag inflator housing may rupture
  • 25S92 Mustang - potential seat belt anchor pretensioner issue
  • Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Mustang S197 (5th gen) cars have aged

How Mustang S197 (5th gen) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%791113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (55 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 6.7% (60 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (51 tests, 2023 data)2014Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (54 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (55 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (51 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (50 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (50 tests, 2024 data)2010Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (117 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (113 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (117 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (118 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (100 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (139 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (136 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (120 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 10.4% (115 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (117 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (136 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (117 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (121 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (119 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (93 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (183 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (167 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (179 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (157 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (141 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2010First registered around 2008
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Ford Mustangs of this age

This list covers every Ford Mustang built around 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the S197 (5th gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    6.4%
    Advisory: 7Fail: 6 (46% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.5%
    Advisory: 8Fail: 3 (27% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.5%
    Advisory: 9Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    4.6%
    Advisory: 7Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    3.7%
    Advisory: 5Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 109 tests

Looking at a Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Ford Mustang S197 (5th gen) (2005-2014) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 109 11-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,893 MOT tests on Ford Mustangs first registered between 2005-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.