Earlier this year, Consumer Reports published a list of the highest scoring American vehicles, and at the time, the 2021 Ford Mustang prevailed over the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger to become the publication’s highest rated American sports car. But circumstances have changed, and as Ford Authority previously reported, the organization recently concluded that the 2022 Ford Mustang is expected to boast well below average reliability, as owners have encountered issues with the pony car’s transmission and infotainment system, among other problem areas. Unfortunately, due to the Mustang’s poor showing on its most recent survey, Consumer Reports has downgraded the muscle car’s rating, and its overall score is now lower than its chief American rivals.
Consumer Reports uses four primary factors when evaluating vehicles: road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. With an overall score of 47 out of 100, the 2022 Ford Mustang comes in a full 29 points below what its predecessor earned a few months ago. Since the new model remains mostly unchanged from the 2021 version, it retained a road test score of 84 out of 100, a five out of five owner satisfaction rating, and benefitted from its array of standard and optional safety features, all of which boosted its score. Ultimately, the pony car’s predicted reliability is responsible for the huge drop, coming in at one out of five, the lowest possible score. By contrast, the 2021 Mustang had a three out of five rating in that category.
The 2022 Ford Mustang now boasts a substantially lower score than the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro and 2022 Dodge Challenger. The Chevy earned an 85 out of 100 rating on its road test, a two out of five for predicted reliability, and a three out of five in predicted owner satisfaction. Despite its lack of optional safety features like automatic emergency braking, the Camaro received an overall score of 62 out of 100. Meanwhile, the Challenger’s overall score is currently one point higher than its rival from Chevy, as it earned a 70 out of 100 on its road test, scored three out of five in the predicted reliability category, and received a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.
This sharp reversal of fortune coincides with how Ford fared in the latest Consumer Reports reliability survey, which is conducted annually. As a whole, the Ford brand ranked below average when compared against the competition, while Lincoln finished dead last. Gloom and doom aside, Ford actually improved on its ranking from last year, as newly introduced vehicles like the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E received high marks from the publication for its above average reliability.
We’ll have more on the 2022 Ford Mustang soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Mustang news and continuous Ford news coverage.
We don't think it'll become a reality.
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Low-interest financing offered on heavy-duty pickup truck.
It just published another patent for that kind of feature.
Based on requests from domestic automakers and trade groups.
It isn't real, but maybe some folks wish it was.
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It’s interesting, but is the downgrade due to accumulated transmission and electronics over time, or newer issues within the same two categories?
FORD needs to stop using and replace all MT82 6 speed transmission period
Fwiw I love my 2021 Challenger. 485hp, 6-speed manual, scat pack with Shaker. Bright white. 41k out the door 🚪
Hang on to it 2024 is the last ICE model maybe some day Dodge stock will go up
I wouldn’t put a lot of stock into the opinion of a magazine that considers the radio a part of the car’s reliability.
That's right Bill. Who cares how CR rates anything?
I'll come back in about an hour and I've got a Benjamin that says my reply is deleted.
Dang Bill, guess I owe y'all a Benjamin... my reply is still here! Will wonders never cease?
Correct, and those ratings are not actual data but readers opinions. The readers of CR are simply limp wristed folts.
Absolutely correct Bill. We’ve owned Mustangs for years, and while the SYNC system can be aggravating the cars themselves have been great. We own a 2018 GT now, and it’s only needed a tranny reflash that cured the stupid shifts. So, I don’t put much stock in CR’s opinions about the Mustang either.
Pretty much sums the Mustang up. A few friends have them and there appears to be some issue with one of them constantly.
I have a 2019 convert. It’s a great car.
The CR reliability score is based on a survey of people who subscribe to CR. It does NOT use any actual repair information from manufacturers or government. You can reach your own conclusion about the efficacy of this process when a virtually unchanged car with virtually unchanged competition moves from best to worst in sequential years.
I have has my V8 mustang for 11 years. It is the most reliable and funnest car I have ever had! These people don't know what they are talking about. Most infotainment issues is a simple upgrade. I hear of issues with the 6 speed manual from a few years ago.
Lol people actually take cr seriously?
Lol people actually take cr seriously?
CR considers cars as appliances ! Who cares !
Absolutely Tee Kay, and that's the virtue signaling crud being shoved on consumers. Manufacturers aren't interested in building vehicles anymore, they build appliances. Sorry y'all, the only appliance I've got room for in my garage is the cold brew box( yeah, that's also known as the refrigerator).