This page covers 6 recalls, 469 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Ford Mustang.
18–23 mpg combined
10.2–13.1 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.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain and airbag complaints dominate what owners report for the 2012 Ford Mustang. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe shifting problems, difficulty downshifting into first and reverse, hesitation, and in some cases the vehicle appearing to drop into neutral while moving. A recurring speedometer complaint ties in here: owners report the gauge dropping to zero while driving, the engine losing acceleration response, and normal readings returning only after restarting, sometimes briefly before the problem repeats. The airbag category draws nearly as many complaints, with owners describing concerns about whether airbags are present or functioning as expected. Vehicle speed control complaints are the third-most reported area, with owners describing unintended acceleration or surges. The speedometer-and-acceleration pattern, zero reading, no throttle response, restart required, shows up across multiple reports and tends to be described as a recurring issue rather than a one-time event.
469
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Ford Mustang has 6 recalls, the most serious being airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
Both frontal airbag inflators are affected by this defect, which can occur when the airbag deploys in a crash. The passenger-side inflator recalls are linked to high-humidity regions, so vehicles that have ever been registered in states like Florida, Texas, Hawaii, or similar climates are particularly covered, though a broader filing covers the driver-side inflator regardless of registration history. There is also a separate mechanical concern: the automatic transmission can unexpectedly drop into first gear at any speed, causing the vehicle to slow sharply without warning and potentially locking the rear tires, which raises the risk of losing control or being struck from behind.
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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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 automatic transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear at any speed, which can cause loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software at no cost to fix the transmission downshift issue.
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.
