This page covers 3 recalls, 356 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 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.
The 2012 to 2014 Ford Mustang received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, the Mustang earned 4 stars. Side crash protection was rated at 4 stars, while rollover resistance received the highest rating of 5 stars. Side pole crash testing resulted in a 4-star rating. This NHTSA rating applies across the model years shown until the next redesign.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Airbag complaints dominate the 2014 Mustang's complaint record by a wide margin, with the vast majority of the 356 total complaints focused on that system. Owners consistently describe the airbag inflator deploying with excessive force and sending metal fragments outward, a pattern reported across multiple incidents involving collisions. The powertrain draws the next-highest complaint volume, where owners report unexpected acceleration and abrupt, unintended downshifts, including one case where the transmission dropped to first gear at highway speed and triggered a check engine light tied to a failed transmission ring sensor. Steering complaints, while fewer in number, follow a recognizable pattern: owners report sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving, with a warning message appearing on the dash; the assist sometimes returns after the car is restarted, then drops out again miles later.
356
Total Complaints
29
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
20
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Ford Mustang has 3 recalls, all involving the frontal airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides, where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbag inflators are affected. The driver-side inflator can take on moisture over time, which degrades the propellant and can cause the inflator casing to burst when the airbag deploys in a crash, scattering metal fragments toward the driver and any other occupants. The passenger-side inflator carries the same rupture risk and the same consequence. The geographic scope of at least one of these recalls is limited to high-humidity regions including several southern states, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and certain U.S. territories, reflecting the role that heat and moisture play in accelerating the degradation. These are part of the well-known Takata inflator issue that affected millions of vehicles across many manufacturers.
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
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.
