Ford Mustang: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (1980 - 2024)

Over its lifespan the Ford Mustang has had engines utilizing either a timing chain or a timing belt. The 2.3L engines, from 1980 to 1993, have timing belts and are non-interference while the 2.3L, from 2016 to 2021, has a timing chain and are interference. All of the V6 and V8 Mustangs have a timing chain and are interference engines.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the Ford Mustang.

Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Year	Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference
1980-1993	2.3L	Timing Belt	Non-Interference
2016-2024	2.3L	Timing Chain	Interference
1980 - 2024	V6 and V8	Timing Chain	Interference

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

2024 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2024 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2024 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2023 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2023 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2023 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2022 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2022 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2022 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2021 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2021 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2021 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2020 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2020 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2019 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2019 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2018 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2018 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2017 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2017 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.7L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2016 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2016 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.7L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2015 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2015 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.8L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.7L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2014 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2014 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.8L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.7L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2013 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2013 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2013 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.8L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.7L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2012 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2012 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2012 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.7L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2011 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2011 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2011 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.7L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2010 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2010 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2010 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.0L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2009 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2009 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2009 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.0L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2008 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2008 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2008 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.0L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2007 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2007 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2007 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.0L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2006 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2006 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2006 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8 Supercharged	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.0L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2005 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2005 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2005 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.0L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2004 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2004 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2004 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.9L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2003 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2003 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2003 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2002 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2002 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2002 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2001 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2001 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2001 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2000 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2000 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2000 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.4L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1999 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1999 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

1999 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.6L V8 SOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8 DOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1998 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1998 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

1998 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.6L V8 SOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8 DOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1997 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1997 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

1997 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.6L V8 SOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8 DOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1996 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1996 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

1996 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.6L V8 SOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.6L V8 DOHC	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1995 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1995 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

1995 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.8L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1994 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1994 Ford Mustang engines have a timing chain and are interference.

1994 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1993 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1993 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1993 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1993 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1992 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1992 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1992 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1992 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1991 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1991 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1991 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1991 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1990 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1990 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1990 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1990 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1989 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1989 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1989 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1989 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1988 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1988 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1988 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1988 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1987 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1987 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1987 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1987 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1986 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1986 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1986 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1986 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1985 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1985 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1985 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1985 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1984 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1984 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1984 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1984 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1983 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1983 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V8 1983 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1983 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.8L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1982 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1982 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V6 and V8 1982 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1982 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
5.0L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
4.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.3L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1981 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1981 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V6 and V8 1981 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1981 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.3L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

1980 Ford Mustang - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.3L 1980 Ford Mustang's engines have timing belts and non-interference engines. The V6 and V8 1980 Ford Mustangs have timing chains and interference engines.

1980 Ford Mustang Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
4.2L V8	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.3L V6	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k
2.3L 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	Non-Interference	60k

Timing Belt Basics

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.