NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
This page covers 7 recalls, 260 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Ford Mustang.
17–21 mpg combined
11.2–13.8 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2010 Ford Mustang centers heavily on the airbag system, which accounts for the large majority of owner complaints filed for this model year. Owners frequently report airbags deploying unexpectedly without a collision, including while sitting stationary in traffic. A smaller but consistent cluster of structure complaints involves the vehicle rolling forward when placed in park, with several owners describing the car moving unexpectedly while stopped. Powertrain complaints are relatively thin by comparison, covering scattered issues with transmission and drivetrain behavior. A handful of owners also mention ABS and traction control systems stopping functioning, though this appears across fewer reports than the airbag and park-engagement concerns. The spontaneous airbag deployment pattern is by far the most-reported issue, with owners describing the bags firing during ordinary driving or while the vehicle is not moving.
260
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Ford Mustang has 7 recalls, all but one involving Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator recalls cover both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbags. On the passenger side, multiple filings address the same core problem: the inflator can explode during deployment, scattering sharp metal fragments toward anyone in the front of the vehicle. Some of these filings specifically apply to vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and several U.S. island territories, where heat and moisture accelerate the degradation of the inflator propellant. The driver-side recall covers the same fragmentation risk, also tied to moisture intrusion into the inflator over time. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for what is ultimately one defect in two locations. The seventh recall is a compliance matter limited to Shelby GT500 trims: a label on the driver-side B-pillar may list incorrect rear tire size information, which could lead an owner or shop to mount the wrong tires.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost. Ford will mail recall notices and notify owners when parts are available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can enter the dual-stage driver frontal air bag inflator, causing it to rupture over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The label on the driver's side B-pillar lists incorrect tire size information for the rear tires.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the label with a corrected version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
