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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-FORD-MUSTANG
2012 · Ford

Ford Mustang problems

1 safety recall. 469 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
171 reports · avg $2,500
critical
airbags
152 reports · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
26 reports · avg $600
severe
body
19 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
steering
16 reports · avg $700
severe
suspension
16 reports · avg $900
moderate
electrical
15 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
10 reports · avg $3,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Mustang · steering
WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR STARTED ACTING LIKE IT WAS RUNNING OUT OFF GAS. THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. WE NOW KNOW THE PROBLEM OCCURS ONLY WHEN SOMEONE SITS IN THE BACK SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER. WE HAVE DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES.…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10558025.0
2012 Mustang · airbags
TAKATA RECALL - I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES FROM FORD STATING THAT THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND THAT MY LIFE IS IN DANGER. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALL THE FORD DEALERSHIPS THEY ONLY TAKE MY NAME AND STATE THAT THEY WILL CALL. I HAVE BEEN ON THE LIST FOR MONTHS AND AM WORRIED…
12/28/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163787.0
2012 Mustang · powertrain
THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION WILL GRIND WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN FIRST IN SECOND GEAR UNTIL THE CAR IS FULLY WARMED UP. SOMETIMES IT LOCKS YOU OUT OF SECOND GEAR WHEN YOU WANT TO SHIFT INTO IT. A FORD DEALERSHIP HAS SAID THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION BUT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT BEING…
12/26/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557367.0
2012 Mustang · fuel system
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY FULL SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN. WRENCH LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. HAVE TO COAST THROUGH TRAFFIC TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP. RESTART THE CAR A COUPLE OF TIMES, AND THEN IT'S FINE. TOOK TO FORD…
12/23/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668045.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 16V248000 27/04/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles

An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Ford Mustang reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 469 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Ford Mustang has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Ford Mustang?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 171 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Mustang has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Ford Mustang?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 469 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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