Ford Mustang Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Ford Mustang years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 100, 87, 80, and 93. Best years by that measure are 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025, all with complaint index 20 or below.
Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2014Avoid 2015Best 2021Best 2022Best 2023Best 2025
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 3,580
- Recall campaigns
- 57
- Crashes reported
- 194
- Fires reported
- 37
- Top problem area
- Airbags
Mustang Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford Mustang problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 67 | 259 | 13 | 2 | 5 ! | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 100 | 466 | 20 | 1 | 4 ! | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 87 | 469 | 20 | 2 | 6 ! | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 53 | 271 | 16 | 2 | 5 ! | Airbags | 21 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 80 | 359 | 30 | 1 | 3 ! | Airbags | 21 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 93 | 436 | 26 | 7 | 11 | Electrical System | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 73 | 377 | 13 | 6 | 5 | Engine | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 47 | 265 | 14 | 8 | 6 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 21 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 33 | 193 | 8 | 1 | 3 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 27 | 149 | 3 | 1 | 6 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 40 | 120 | 13 | 5 | 8 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 13 | 55 | 4 | 0 | 6 | Fuel System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 20 | 49 | 3 | 1 | 9 | Fuel System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 0 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 6 | Electrical System | 22 | — |
| 2024 | Caution | 60 | 80 | 5 | 0 | 12 ! | Electrical System | 18 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 7 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Electrical System | 17.5 | 5★ |
Mustang years to avoid: what went wrong
2011 Ford Mustang Index 100 · 466 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2011 Mustang has the highest complaint index (100) in the lineup, ranked worst of all years. Transmission & Powertrain issues made up 43% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 4,900 miles. Airbags followed at 27% of complaints with a much higher median mileage of 58,000. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, including a do-not-drive airbag recall (19V001000). Owners reported stalling, throttle body failures, and loss of control tied to traction control.
2011 transmission & powertrain problems →2011 airbags problems →2011 engine problems →
2015 Ford Mustang Index 93 · 436 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2015 Mustang ranks second worst with a complaint index of 93 and the highest fire count (7) among avoid years. Electrical System complaints lead at 24% of the total, median mileage 33,763, followed by Structure & Body issues at 16%. This year has 11 recalls, more than any other Mustang year, covering seat belt anchors and rearview cameras. Owners reported airbags deploying only partially and parking brakes releasing on inclines.
2015 electrical system problems →2015 structure & body problems →2015 engine problems →
2012 Ford Mustang Index 87 · 469 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2012 Mustang ranks third worst with a complaint index of 87. Transmission & Powertrain problems accounted for 38% of complaints at a median 12,250 miles, while airbags made up 34% at a median 38,922.5 miles. The year carries 6 recalls, 3 of them do-not-drive campaigns. Owners reported failed gear shifts, unexpected downshifts, and airbags that did not deploy in crashes.
2012 transmission & powertrain problems →2012 airbags problems →2012 engine problems →
2014 Ford Mustang Index 80 · 359 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2014 Mustang has a complaint index of 80. Airbags dominate its complaint history at 68% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 24,353. NHTSA recorded 3 recalls for this year, including two do-not-drive airbag campaigns (19V001000 and 15V319000). Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes at highway speeds and seat belt pretensioners failing to retract during rear-end collisions.
2014 airbags problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →2014 engine problems →
Most common Ford Mustang problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Airbags920 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain682 (19%)
- Engine603 (17%)
- Electrical System466 (13%)
- Other361 (10%)
- Structure & Body335 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras222 (6%)
- Brakes221 (6%)
- Fuel System184 (5%)
- Steering145 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Ford Mustang years should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint data points to 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 87, 80, and 93 respectively, the highest in the model's history.
- What is the best Ford Mustang year to buy?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025 rank best, with complaint index values of 13, 20, 0, and 7.
- Why is the 2011 Ford Mustang rated worst?
- The 2011 Mustang has the highest complaint index (100) of any year, driven by Transmission & Powertrain complaints that made up 43% of its total, with a median failure mileage of only 4,900 miles.
- Does the Ford Mustang have airbag recalls?
- Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all Mustang years, accounting for 26% of the 3,580 total complaints, and several years including 2011, 2012, and 2014 have do-not-drive airbag recalls.
- How many recalls has the Ford Mustang had overall?
- Across the 2010-2025 model years covered, NHTSA lists 57 total recall campaigns for the Ford Mustang.