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2012 Ford Mustang: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2012 Ford Mustang has 469 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and the most named areas are the power train and air bags[1][2][3]. It also has 6 recalls, so check that every one has been done before you buy[4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 469 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 20 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 9 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are reports from owners and they are not verified. One complaint can name more than one part of the car.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Power train[2] | 177 | 11,500 |
| Air bags[3] | 158 | 38,922 |
| Speed control[7] | 35 | 31,000 |
| Engine[8] | 33 | 30,111 |
We also read a small sample of complaints for each group. It is not enough to say how common anything is, but it shows what owners describe.
- Power train. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, all 12 describe trouble getting a gear to engage, grinding, rough shifts or a clutch pedal that hangs, and several name a six-speed manual[2].
- Engine. In a sample of 12, 6 describe stalling or a sudden loss of power while driving[8].
- Speed control. In a sample of 12, 8 describe stalling or lost power[7]. In 5 of the 12, a throttle body was named as the faulty part[7]. Some entries in the sample look like repeats of the same event[7].
- Air bags. In a sample of 12, 8 describe waiting for parts for an air bag recall repair[3].
Fewer complaints name the structure group (23), electrical system (21), fuel and propulsion (18) and suspension (16)[9][10][11][12].
Recalls
Six recalls are on file for this car[13][14][15][16][17][18]. Newest first:
- Replacement air bag inflators (21V081). Filed in 2021 for 1,067 vehicles[13]. A driver or passenger inflator used as a replacement part may explode after long exposure to humidity and heat. Metal fragments could seriously hurt or kill someone. Dealers inspect the modules and replace the module or inflator if needed, free of charge[13].
- Passenger air bag inflator (19V001). Filed in 2019 for 782,384 vehicles[14]. The inflator may explode after long exposure to humidity and heat. Owners are told not to drive the car until it is repaired. Dealers replace the inflator for free, and the recall began February 13, 2019[14].
- Remedy pending
Passenger air bag inflator (17V024). Filed in 2017 for 654,695 vehicles[15]. The inflator may rupture and throw metal fragments at occupants. Owners are told not to drive the car until it is repaired. The recall notice says parts were not yet available when the first letters went out in March 2017, so we cannot tell you the remedy is available today[15]. - Automatic transmission downshift (16V248). Filed in 2016 for 153,581 vehicles[16]. An automatic transmission may suddenly shift to first gear at any speed. The car can slow without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock. Dealers reprogram the powertrain control module for free, and the recall began September 19, 2016[16].
- Driver air bag inflator (15V319). Filed in 2015 for 1,018,622 vehicles[17]. Moisture can get into the inflator and make it rupture in a crash, sending metal fragments at the driver. Owners are told not to drive the car until it is repaired. Dealers replace the inflator for free, and the recall began June 10, 2016[17].
- Reverse sensor and backup lights (12V190). Filed in 2012 for 10,500 vehicles[18]. A transmission range sensor may be set wrong for reverse, so the backup lamp may not light and the car may not go into reverse. That raises the risk of a crash or of hitting a pedestrian. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor as needed, free of charge, and the recall began June 11, 2012[18].
You can check any car against these on NHTSA's recall lookup using its VIN.
Fuel economy
EPA lists five engine and transmission setups for the Mustang and one for the Mustang Convertible. All are rear-wheel drive. Ratings are city, highway and combined MPG.
| Setup | MPG | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[5] | 19 / 30 / 23 | $2,900 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[19] | 19 / 28 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[20] | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd[21] | 17 / 26 / 20 | $3,350 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, premium fuel[22] | 15 / 23 / 18 | $4,550 |
| Convertible, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[23] | 19 / 29 / 23 | $2,900 |
The yearly cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new[5]. Of the setups listed, only the 5.4L calls for premium fuel[22].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists two rating entries for this model year. One, labeled C RWD, shows a rollover rating of 5 stars and a rollover risk of 8.7%[24]. The other, labeled 2 DR RWD, shows 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal crashes, 4 stars for side crashes and 5 stars for rollover, with the same 8.7% rollover risk[6].
Engine and size
EPA lists three engines for test cars of this year[25][26][27].
- 3.7L 6-cylinder: 300 to 305 hp, depending on version[25]
- 5.0L 8-cylinder: 400 hp[26]
- 5.4L 8-cylinder: 550 hp[27]
Size comes from Canadian-market specifications, so U.S. cars may differ slightly. Every listed variant is 188 in long, 74 in wide and 56 in tall, with a 107 in wheelbase[28][29][30][31]. Only curb weight differs.
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 616 | 5 |
| 1996 | 286 | 3 |
| 1997 | 214 | 2 |
| 1998 | 305 | 4 |
| 1999 | 272 | 4 |
| 2000 | 395 | 4 |
| 2001 | 249 | 1 |
| 2002 | 166 | 0 |
| 2003 | 231 | 1 |
| 2004 | 130 | 1 |
| 2005 | 868 | 5 |
| 2006 | 575 | 5 |
| 2007 | 615 | 5 |
| 2008 | 347 | 5 |
| 2009 | 181 | 5 |
| 2010 | 261 | 5 |
| 2011 | 466 | 4 |
| 2012 | 469 | 6 |
| 2013 | 271 | 5 |
| 2014 | 359 | 3 |
| 2015 | 438 | 11 |
| 2016 | 379 | 5 |
| 2017 | 268 | 6 |
| 2018 | 196 | 3 |
| 2019 | 150 | 6 |
| 2020 | 120 | 8 |
| 2021 | 55 | 6 |
| 2022 | 50 | 9 |
| 2023 | 15 | 6 |
| 2024 | 84 | 12 |
| 2025 | 19 | 6 |
| 2026 | 8 | 5 |
NHTSA lists 469 complaints and 6 recalls for the 2012 model year[4]. Among the 32 model years from 1995 to 2026 in that list, four years have more complaints: 2005 with 868, 1995 with 616, 2007 with 615 and 2006 with 575[4].
Next to its neighbors, 2012 has more complaints than 2011 (466), 2013 (271) and 2014 (359)[4]. It also has more recalls than 2011 (4), 2013 (5) and 2014 (3)[4]. Several later years have more recalls, including 2015 with 11 and 2024 with 12[4]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2012 Mustang?
The record is mixed. The complaint count is on the high side for the model's history, and owners in the samples we read describe gear shifting trouble, stalling and long waits for air bag parts[1][2][3][4]. Four of the six recalls involve air bag inflators, and three of those tell owners not to drive the car until it is repaired[14][15][17].
If you are shopping, ask for proof that each recall was completed, and do not assume the 17V024 repair is done[15]. Drive it, and pay attention to how the gears engage and how the car responds under power. Fuel cost depends a lot on the engine, from $2,900 to $4,550 a year by EPA's estimate[5][22].
Frequently asked questions
- How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Mustang have?
- Six recalls are on file with NHTSA. Four involve air bag inflators, one an automatic transmission downshift and one a reverse sensor and backup lights[13][14][15][16][17][18].
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mustang?
- Owners name the power train in 177 complaints and air bags in 158 out of 469 total[1][2][3]. In the samples we read, owners describe gear shifting trouble, stalling or lost power, and waits for recall parts[2][3][7][8].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2012 Mustang?
- EPA combined ratings range from 18 MPG for the 5.4L to 23 MPG for the 3.7L automatic[5][22]. The 5.0L is rated 20 combined[20][21].
- Is the 2012 Mustang the worst year for complaints?
- No. With 469 complaints it ranks fifth among the model years listed, behind 2005, 1995, 2007 and 2006[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 469 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Ford Mustang (20 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 9 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 177 complaints name the power train component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 158 complaints name the air bags component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,922). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Mustang model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Mustang, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 35 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,111). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,251). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,187). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V081, filed February 16, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V001, filed January 7, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V024, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V248, filed April 27, 2016: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V319, filed May 28, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V190, filed May 3, 2012: Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Mustang, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mustang, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mustang, 5.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mustang, 5.4L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mustang Convertible, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Ford Mustang with 3.7L 6-cylinder: rated 300 to 305 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Ford Mustang with 5.0L 8-cylinder: rated 400 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Ford Mustang with 5.4L 8-cylinder: rated 550 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR CONVERTIBLE RWD/V6 PREMIUM: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,999 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG 2DR COUPE RWD/V6 PREMIUM: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,750 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG GT 2DR CONVERTIBLE RWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,719 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MUSTANG GT 2DR COUPE RWD/BOSS 302: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,602 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov