The 2009 Ford Mustang has 6 safety recalls and 181 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (136 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints181filed by owners
Crashes · fires17 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA crash test
4 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Air bagsFeb 16, 2021
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 21V0810001,067 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Components: Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal
Air bagsFeb 16, 2021
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 21E013000249 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also includes certain passenger-side air bag inflators and/or modules designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, and 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers. These parts may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Components: Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal
Air bagsJan 11, 2018
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 18V046000327,796 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2009 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Air bagsJan 10, 2017
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 17V024000654,695 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Air bagsMay 31, 2016
Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Recall 16V3840001,892,343 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Air bagsMay 28, 2015
Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Recall 15V3190001,018,622 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2014 Mustang vehicles manufactured April 6, 2004, to June 21, 2014, and 2005-2006 GT vehicles manufactured February 20, 2004, to September 22, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2016. Even if interim repairs were performed under safety recall 14V-802, owners must bring their vehicles in for the final remedy. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S21. Note: This recall supersedes safety recall 14V-802.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2009 Ford Mustang 2-DR Convertible w/SAB
OverallNot Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2009 Ford Mustang 2-DR w/SAB
OverallNot Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Mustang
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Mustang
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Mustang
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Mustang
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Mustang
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
5.4 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bagsSide/window; Frontal
136
12
1
7
44,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal
22
9
1
1
45,000 mi
StructureBody; Body › Hood
7
2
1
0
40,000 mi
Power trainManual transmission
7
0
0
0
20,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring
7
0
1
0
40,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Lower ball joint; Rear
6
0
0
0
36,650 mi
Service brakes
5
5
0
2
120,500 mi
Unknown or other
4
1
0
0
34,950 mi
Steering
3
1
0
0
—
Engine
3
0
0
0
—
Exterior lightingHeadlights
2
0
0
0
—
Service brakes, hydraulic
2
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Engine
The clutch/flywheel/ and or other components of the drive train/engine/transmission connection are faulty and are known to fail for the 2007-2009 Shelby Ford Mustang GT 500 as documented in the numerous Ford Technical Service Bullitens (TSB). This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Late this summer (2023), I was driving this vehicle with my kids in the car and attempting to merge on the entry ramp for the expressway. I experienced a sudden loss of acceleration and the RPMs immediately "redlined". I had to pull over to the shoulder of the expressway so I would not be rear-ended. I researched this issue and found hundreds of posts on Mustang forums documenting this known issue…
Aug 1, 2023
Air bags
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V319000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Jul 6, 2022
Air bags
The contact owned a 2009 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V081000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as he no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and the manufacturer were contacted. The VIN was unavailable.
Jun 22, 2022
Air bags
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
May 20, 2020 · 194,241 miles
Electrical system
WHEN IT RAINS, WATER IS LEAKING UNDER THE WINDSHIELD INTO THE DUCT WORK AND ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. HEAVY RAINS HAVE CAUSED AS MUCH AS 5 INCHES OF WATER TO LAY ON PASSENGER FLOOR. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED THE SMART JUNCTION BOX TO MALFUNCTION AND CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. I NOW HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW BOX AND HAVE IT PROGRAMMED, WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE READ ARTICLES ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER 2009 MUSTANGS. FORD HAS NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. NOT ONLY IS IT EXPENSIVE TO FIX, IT ALSO IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE TO IGNITE WITHIN THE CAR. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.
Feb 26, 2020 · 100,000 miles
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE TIMES WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SWAY BAR AND THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, DAYS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAFE TECH AUTO GLASS- JOE MYERS FORD 16634 NORTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77040 WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Aug 10, 2011 · 80,000 miles
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD MUSTANG EQUIPPED WITH COOPER ZEON R53-61R20 TIRES, SIZE: 255/40/ZR19-XL (NA). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE ENTIRE CROWN AT THE MIDDLE OF REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS SPLIT AND DETACHED. THE CONTACT WAS ASSISTED IN CHANGING THE TIRE AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED MARVIS DISCOUNT TIRE CENTER AND WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE HE DID NOT PURCHASE THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SERVICE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST HIM. THE TIRE CENTER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT CALL…
Nov 25, 2019 · 57,944 miles
Service brakesCrash
MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2009 MUSTANG AND AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, HE SLOWLY ACCELERATED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED QUICKLY ON ITS OWN. HE SAID THE GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, HE TRIED PUSHING BRAKE AND IT WAS NOT STOPPING THE CAR. IT SENT HIM THROUGH ANOTHER INTERSECTION, HE ENGAGED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO NO AVAIL. LUCKILY HIS CAR WENT THROUGH AN AREA OF SOGGY GRASS THAT HELPED SLOW THE CAR DOWN, AND CAME TO A STOP BY RUNNING INTO HEDGES AND RESTING NEXT TO A BRICK CHURCH. HE DESCRIBED HEARING THE RPM'S REVVING UP ALONG WITH THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. HE ALSO DESCRIBED THE STEERING WHEEL AS "LOCKING UP".
Nov 5, 2019 · 111,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
