P0731 on FORD MUSTANG — Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio

Q: "What does P0731 mean on a FORD MUSTANG?"

"P0731 indicates: Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio. This is a transmission code. 2 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0731 on FORD MUSTANG?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0731 serious on my FORD MUSTANG?"

"Of 2 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 P0731?"

"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 P0731 Means on Your FORD MUSTANG

P0731 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio. This code relates to the transmission system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2012-2013. Most reports come from the 2012, 2013 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control (50.0% of reports).

Real FORD MUSTANG Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Recently started having erratic shifting issues. Will downshift randomly out of nowhere while driving. Sometimes will just be stuck in 1st gear and won’t go anywhere until I pull over and shut off/start up again. Dangerous because I never know when it will do it."

— 2012 FORD MUSTANG owner · POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 01/31/2024

"The 2013 Mustang (with 67,071 miles) transmission (6R80) downshifted to 1st gear at highway speeds exactly like the F-150 recall and would also shift out of gear. It could have been catastrophic, but was able to keep control of the vehicle."

— 2013 FORD MUSTANG owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 07/27/2023

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'12

1

'13

Common Causes on FORD MUSTANG

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 50%

POWER TRAIN 50%

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 P0731 mean on a FORD MUSTANG? ▾

P0731 indicates: Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio. This is a transmission code. 2 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0731 on FORD MUSTANG? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0731 serious on my FORD MUSTANG? ▾

Of 2 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 P0731? ▾

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.

P0731 on Other Vehicles

FORD ESCAPE

3 reports

→ All codes reported on FORD MUSTANG