P0720 on FORD MUSTANG — Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit

Q: "What does P0720 mean on a FORD MUSTANG?"

"P0720 indicates: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit. This is a transmission code. 6 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0720 on FORD MUSTANG?"

"Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other, Power Train,Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0720 serious on my FORD MUSTANG?"

"Of 6 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD MUSTANG, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD MUSTANG shows P0720?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0720 Means on Your FORD MUSTANG

P0720 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit. This code relates to the transmission system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

6 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2012-2014. Most reports come from the 2013, 2012 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train (66.7% of reports).

Real FORD MUSTANG Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear and the vehicle's rear tires ceased. Additionally, the speedometer failed."

— 2012 FORD MUSTANG owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 03/24/2023

"2013 Mustang V6, 6R80 Automatic Transmission. Lead frame is failing, I am getting code P0720. My vin falls outside of the recall, so I have to spend $850 to get lead frame fixed. Airbag light turns on, dashes through my odometer, and car stays stuck in 5th gear until I cycle key."

— 2013 FORD MUSTANG owner · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Filed 11/14/2024

"I have a 2013 Ford Mustang V6 coupe with Automatic transmission. I purchased the car Certified Pre Owned through Ken Grody Ford in Carlsbad, CA with Less then ~11,000 miles on it in 2/2014. I have been complaining of a jerk/ knock at ~ 1-1."

— 2013 FORD MUSTANG owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 09/05/2022

"In a nut shell, look up ford tsbs: 13-4-9 and 13-6-8. 2013 mustang, 65,700 miles, with 6-speed auto (6r80) transmission will suddenly get stuck in 5th gear when starting or when cruising at highway speeds."

— 2013 FORD MUSTANG owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 10/03/2019

"Was driving my 2013 mustang home from my parents house the car didn't want to shift or move even at full throttle stop in the middle of the road shut the vehicle off and restarted it drove home just fine."

— 2013 FORD MUSTANG owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 11/22/2017

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'12

4

'13

1

'14

Common Causes on FORD MUSTANG

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 66.7%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN or OTHER 16.7%

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 16.7%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0720 mean on a FORD MUSTANG? ▾

P0720 indicates: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit. This is a transmission code. 6 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0720 on FORD MUSTANG? ▾

Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other, Power Train,Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0720 serious on my FORD MUSTANG? ▾

Of 6 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD MUSTANG, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD MUSTANG shows P0720? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0720 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on FORD MUSTANG