This page covers 6 recalls, 466 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Ford Mustang.
17–23 mpg combined
10.2–13.8 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.
Powertrain complaints dominate the 2011 Mustang's complaint picture, with owners frequently describing automatic transmission hesitation, failure to shift into second or third gear, and sluggish or unresponsive acceleration. Airbag complaints are the second-largest category, and the pattern there is notable, owners report unexpected airbag deployment without a collision, in some cases while simply accelerating from a stop, along with airbag warning lights illuminating and staying on. A secondary thread in the powertrain and vehicle speed control complaints involves the stability control system behaving erratically: owners describe the steering angle sensor failing, which can trigger false AdvanceTrac warnings and cause the ABS to activate unexpectedly during normal driving, sometimes interfering with vehicle control. Several owners also report traction and stability control shutting off on its own when turning.
466
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Ford Mustang has 6 recalls, all involving frontal airbag inflators on the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death.
Both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators are affected. The driver-side inflator can take on moisture over time, which makes it prone to rupturing when the airbag deploys in a crash. The passenger-side inflators carry the same rupture risk, with some of these recalls specifically applying to vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and others in that climate zone. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles, which is why multiple rounds of recalls exist for the same underlying problem. Any 2011 Mustang owner should check their VIN to confirm whether their vehicle is covered and whether a remedy has been completed.
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.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
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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 →
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.
