Which year to buy
Best bet2017Fewest serious problems: 0.7× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2011–2012More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 1.3× usual, mostly power train and air bags Extended coverage
442 serious complaints of 469, the most about power train (177) and air bags (158); per car on the road, 1.3× this model's usual year. 7 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE11024: inability to shift gears on acceleration.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 ford mustang gt. The contact stated that the manual transmission failed. The contact stated that when she attempted to shift from first to second and from third to fourth, the gear shift would get stuck and she would have to down shift and try again.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Nov 2012
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 ford mustang. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v319000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Dec 2015
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. (16N02, Aug 2021)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
469 owner complaints · 7 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 18–23 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features
Every Mustang year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl, 305 hp; 5.0L 8-cyl, 412–444 hp; 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged, 550 hp · Drive: RWD
2012 Mustang trims
| GT Convertible | GT Coupe | Shelby Convertible | Shelby Coupe | V6 Convertible | V6 Coupe |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Ford reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Ford aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 5.0L 8-cyl 5.2L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | RWD | 12–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 8 | Engine (3) | — |
| 2025 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 5.0L 8-cyl 5.2L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | RWD | 12–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 18 | Exterior lighting (5) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 5.0L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 17–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 12 | 82 | Electrical system (38) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 5.0L 8-cyl manual available | RWD | 17–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 15 | Electrical system (5) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 310 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 450–470 hp manual available | RWD | 17–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 9 | 50 | Steering (8) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 310 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 435 hp manual available | RWD | 17–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 55 | Fuel system, gasoline (10) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 310 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 435 hp manual available | RWD | 17–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 8 | 120 | Power train (25) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 310 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 460–480 hp manual available | RWD | 18–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 149 | Engine (51) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 310 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 435 hp manual available | RWD | 18–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 193 | Engine (56) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 310 hp 3.7L 6-cyl, 300 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 435 hp manual available | RWD | 17–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 265 | Back over prevention (64) | Yes |
| 2016 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 310 hp 3.7L 6-cyl, 300 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 435 hp manual available | RWD | 18–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 378 | Engine (75) | No |
| 2015 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 3.7L 6-cyl, 305 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 406 hp manual available | RWD | 18–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 11 | 437 | Unknown or other (75) | No |
| 2014 | 3.7L 6-cyl, 305 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 420 hp 5.8L 8-cyl supercharged, 662 hp manual available | RWD | 18–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 359 | Air bags (245) | No |
| 2013 | 3.7L 6-cyl, 305 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 420–444 hp 5.8L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | RWD | 18–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 271 | Air bags (145) | No |
| 2012 | 3.7L 6-cyl, 305 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 412–444 hp 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged, 550 hp manual available | RWD | 18–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 7 | 469 | Power train (177) | No |
| 2011 | 3.7L 6-cyl, 305 hp 5.0L 8-cyl, 412 hp 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged, 550 hp manual available | RWD | 17–23 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 466 | Power train (200) | No |
| 2010 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 210 hp 4.6L 8-cyl, 315 hp 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged, 540 hp manual available | RWD | 17–21 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 261 | Air bags (179) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Mustang 2017–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FORD MUSTANG GTD 2 DR N/A RWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 | FORD MUSTANG C N/A RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 8 |
| 2026 | FORD MUSTANG 2 DR N/A RWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 8 |
| 2026 | FORD MUSTANG NO REAR SEAT 2 DR N/A RWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Standard & Optional | Standard | 6 | 18 |
| 2025 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 6 | 18 |
| 2025 | Ford Mustang GTD 2 DR RWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Standard & Optional | Standard | 12 | 82 |
| 2024 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 12 | 82 |
| 2023 | Ford Mustang Convertible C RWD | Not Rated | Standard & Optional | Standard | 6 | 15 |
| 2023 | Ford Mustang Coupe 2 DR RWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 6 | 15 |
| 2023 | Ford Mustang GT 500 2 DR RWD | 5 | Not Available | Not Available | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 9 | 50 |
| 2022 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 9 | 50 |
| 2022 | Ford Mustang GT 500 2 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Standard | 6 | 55 |
| 2021 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 6 | 55 |
| 2021 | Ford Mustang GT500 2 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 55 |
| 2020 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 8 | 120 |
| 2020 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 120 |
| 2020 | Ford Mustang GT350R 2 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 8 | 120 |
| 2019 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 149 |
| 2019 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 6 | 149 |
| 2019 | Ford Mustang GT350R 2 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 111 |
| 2018 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 193 |
| 2018 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 193 |
| 2018 | Ford Mustang GT350R 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 9 |
| 2017 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 6 | 265 |
| 2017 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 6 | 265 |
| 2016 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 378 |
| 2016 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 5 | 378 |
| 2015 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 11 | 437 |
| 2015 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | No | 11 | 437 |
| 2014 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 359 |
| 2014 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 359 |
| 2013 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 271 |
| 2013 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 271 |
| 2012 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 469 |
| 2012 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | 4 | No | No | 7 | 469 |
| 2011 | Ford Mustang C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 466 |
| 2011 | Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 466 |
| 2010 | Ford Mustang 2-DR Convertible w/SAB (Later Release) | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 261 |
| 2010 | Ford Mustang 2-DR Convertible w/SAB (Early Release) | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 261 |
| 2010 | Ford Mustang 2-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 261 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mustang | Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–26 |
| 2026 | Mustang Dark Horse | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17 |
| 2026 | Mustang GTD | Auto (AM-S8), 8 cyl, 5.2 L, Sup Charg | 12 |
| 2025 | Mustang | Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–26 |
| 2025 | Mustang Dark Horse | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17 |
| 2025 | Mustang GTD | Auto (AM-S8), 8 cyl, 5.2 L, Sup Charg | 12 |
| 2024 | Mustang | Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, with Stop-Start Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L, with Stop-Start Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17–26 |
| 2024 | Mustang Dark Horse | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17 |
| 2024 | Mustang Performance Package | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2023 | Mustang | Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–25 |
| 2023 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–23 |
| 2023 | Mustang HO Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
21–22 |
| 2023 | Mustang HO Coupe | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
22–23 |
| 2023 | Mustang Mach 1 | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17–18 |
| 2022 | Mustang | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–25 |
| 2022 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–23 |
| 2022 | Mustang HO Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
21–22 |
| 2022 | Mustang HO Coupe | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
22–23 |
| 2022 | Mustang Mach 1 | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17–18 |
| 2021 | Mustang | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–25 |
| 2021 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–23 |
| 2021 | Mustang HO Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
21–22 |
| 2021 | Mustang HO Coupe | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
22–23 |
| 2021 | Mustang Mach 1 | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17–18 |
| 2020 | Mustang | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–25 |
| 2020 | Mustang Bullitt | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L | 17 |
| 2020 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–23 |
| 2020 | Mustang HO Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
22–23 |
| 2020 | Mustang HO Coupe | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
23 |
| 2019 | Mustang | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–25 |
| 2019 | Mustang Bullitt | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L | 18 |
| 2019 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–23 |
| 2019 | Mustang Performance Package | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
23 |
| 2018 | Mustang | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–25 |
| 2018 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–23 |
| 2018 | Mustang Performance Package | Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo |
23 |
| 2017 | Mustang | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–24 |
| 2017 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17–23 |
| 2017 | Mustang Performance Package | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
17–24 |
| 2016 | Mustang | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
19–25 |
| 2016 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–23 |
| 2015 | Mustang | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
19–25 |
| 2015 | Mustang Convertible | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L |
18–24 |
| 2014 | Mustang | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.8 L, Sup Charg |
18–23 |
| 2014 | Mustang Convertible | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 23 |
| 2013 | Mustang | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.8 L, Sup Charg |
18–23 |
| 2013 | Mustang Convertible | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 23 |
| 2012 | Mustang | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L, Sup Charg |
18–23 |
| 2012 | Mustang Convertible | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 23 |
| 2011 | Mustang | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L, Sup Charg |
17–23 |
| 2011 | Mustang Convertible | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 23 |
| 2010 | Mustang | Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L, Sup Charg |
17–21 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.