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2014 Ford Mustang: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Air bags dominate the record for the 2014 Ford Mustang, with 245 of its 359 NHTSA owner complaints naming that component group[1][2]. All three recalls on file cover frontal air bag inflators, so the first thing to check on any used 2014 Mustang is that those free repairs have been done[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 359 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Mustang[1]. Of those, 30 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 23 injuries, with no deaths reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags[2] | 245 | 26 | 19 | 24,353 |
| Power train[9] | 30 | 1 | 0 | 19,460 |
| Steering[10] | 22 | 3 | 3 | 39,000 |
| Engine[11] | 19 | 2 | 1 | 10,000 |
| Structure[12] | 17 | 1 | 1 | 18,750 |
| Brakes[13] | 15 | 2 | 2 | 8,042 |
| Unknown or other[14] | 15 | 0 | 0 | 34,200 |
| Electrical system[15] | 11 | 1 | 2 | 44,000 |
Air bags. This group is far larger than any other[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe getting a recall letter for the driver air bag and then waiting because the dealer had no replacement part and no date for one[2]. A smaller number describe air bags that did not go off in a crash, and a couple describe burns or cuts from an air bag that did[2].
Steering. Only 22 complaints name steering, but they include 3 crashes and 3 injuries[10]. Owners describe the power steering assist cutting out without warning, in several sampled cases while turning at low speed, which leaves the wheel very heavy or locked[10]. In that sample, owners also mention a power steering fault or AdvanceTrac warning on the dash, and some say restarting the car brought the assist back[10]. A few describe the car wandering or the steering reacting late at highway speed[10].
Power train and engine. These two groups are small, at 30 and 19 complaints[9][11]. Owners describe the engine continuing to push the car when they lift off the gas or press the brake, loss of power with a wrench or power train light, and grinding or hard shifts in the gearbox[9][11]. A few engine complaints describe exhaust smell inside the car under hard acceleration[11]. With so few reports, none of these looks like a widespread pattern from our data.
Recalls
There are 3 recalls on file for the 2014 Mustang, and all three involve a frontal air bag inflator that can burst in a crash and send metal pieces into the cabin, which can cause serious injury or death[3][4][5]. Each repair is free[3][4][5].
- Replacement passenger and driver inflators (21V081). Some cars may have a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator that was installed later as a service part. Over years of heat and humidity its propellant can break down and the inflator can explode in a crash. Dealers will inspect both front air bag modules and replace the module or inflator if needed. The recall began in March 2021[3].
- Passenger frontal inflator (19V001). The passenger air bag inflator, original or replacement, can explode after long exposure to heat and humidity. Coverage depends on the state where the car was sold or ever registered, grouped into three zones that together list a long set of states and territories[4]. Owners are advised not to drive the car until the repair is done[4]. Dealers will replace the passenger inflator. The recall began in February 2019[4].
- Driver frontal inflator (15V319). Moisture can get into the driver air bag inflator over time and cause it to rupture in a crash. It covers certain Mustangs built from April 6, 2004 to June 21, 2014[5]. Owners are advised not to drive the car until the repair is done[5]. Dealers will replace the driver inflator. This recall replaces the earlier recall 14V-802, and cars that got the interim fix under that recall still need the final repair[5].
Ford customer service is at 1-866-436-7332[3][4][5]. Before you buy, ask for proof that each of these recalls has been completed on that exact car.
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and gearbox[16][7][17][18][19][20].
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3.7L V6, 6-speed manual[16] | 19 / 29 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 3.7L V6, 6-speed automatic[7] | 19 / 30 / 23 | $2,900 |
| 3.7L V6 convertible, 6-speed automatic[19] | 19 / 29 / 23 | $2,900 |
| 5.0L 8-cylinder, 6-speed automatic[18] | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 |
| 5.0L V8, 6-speed manual[20] | 16 / 25 / 19 | $3,550 |
| 5.8L V8, 6-speed manual, premium fuel[17] | 15 / 24 / 18 | $4,550 |
The V6 versions are the thriftiest, at 22 to 23 MPG combined[16][7][19]. The 5.8L V8 is the only version rated on premium fuel and costs the most to run, at $4,550 a year[17]. EPA's annual cost uses today's fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2014.
Safety ratings
NHTSA rates the 2014 Mustang version listed as 2 DR RWD 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal crash and 4 stars for side crash[8]. That version and the one listed as C RWD both get 5 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 8.7%[21][8]. The C RWD listing has no overall, frontal or side rating in our data[21].
Engine and size
Horsepower comes from EPA test vehicle listings[22][23][24].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[25]. All four versions listed share the same exterior size: 188 in long, 74 in wide, 56 in high, on a 107 in wheelbase[25][26][27][28].
How 2014 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 |
With 359 complaints, 2014 is neither the best nor the worst Mustang year[6]. Of the 32 model years listed from 1995 to 2026, nine have more complaints: 1995 (616), 2000 (395), 2005 (868), 2006 (575), 2007 (615), 2011 (466), 2012 (469), 2015 (438) and 2016 (379)[6]. That puts 2014 tenth highest[6].
Next to its neighbors, 2014 has more complaints than 2013 (271) and fewer than 2015 (438)[6]. Its 3 recalls are fewer than 2013 (5) and 2015 (11), and only 2018 matches it among Mustang years from 2005 to 2026[6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Should you buy a used 2014 Mustang?
The 2014 Mustang's record centers on air bags, with 245 of 359 complaints in that group and all 3 recalls aimed at front air bag inflators[1][2][3][4][5]. Those repairs are free, but owners are advised not to drive cars still waiting on 15V319 or 19V001, so confirm they are done before you buy or keep driving one[4][5]. Outside air bags, complaint counts are small, and steering, at 22 complaints, is the one group worth a test drive check for warning lights and heavy steering[10]. Fuel use runs from 22 to 23 MPG combined for the V6 down to 18 MPG for the 5.8L V8[16][7][17][19]. Keep in mind that complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Mustang?
- Air bags lead by a wide margin, with 245 of 359 NHTSA complaints[1][2]. Power train (30), steering (22) and engine (19) follow, far behind[9][10][11].
- How many recalls does the 2014 Mustang have?
- Three, all for frontal air bag inflators: 15V319 (driver), 19V001 (passenger) and 21V081 (replacement inflators)[3][4][5]. The repairs are free[3][4][5].
- What gas mileage does a 2014 Mustang get?
- The 3.7L V6 is rated 22 to 23 MPG combined, the 5.0L V8 19 to 20 MPG, and the 5.8L V8 18 MPG on premium fuel[16][7][17][18][19][20].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 359 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Ford Mustang (30 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 23 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 245 complaints name the air bags component group (26 crashes, 1 fires, 19 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,353). 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 15V319, filed May 28, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- 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
- 30 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,460). NHTSA vehicle records
- 22 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,042). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Mustang, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 29 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mustang, 5.8L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. 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 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
- EPA rating for Mustang, 5.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. 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, 2014 Ford Mustang with 3.7L 6-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ford Mustang with 5.0L 8-cylinder: rated 400 to 412 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ford Mustang with 5.8L 8-cylinder: rated 650 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: 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