2012 Ford Mustang
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD/V6 Premium, 2dr Coupe RWD/V6 Premium, GT 2dr Convertible RWD, GT 2dr Coupe RWD/Boss 302
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 305–444 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 19 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 188.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,602–3,999 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 444 hp, versus about 271 hp for similar 2012 models.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Ford Mustang is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (3.7L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,999 lb (2dr Convertible RWD/V6 Premium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 30 highway), 6% better than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 303 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Mustang — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Mustang →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Flat Rock, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Mustang configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD/V6 Premium | 188.2 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,999 lb | 53/47 |
| 2dr Coupe RWD/V6 Premium | 188.2 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,750 lb | 53/47 |
| GT 2dr Convertible RWD | 188.2 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,719 lb | 53/47 |
| GT 2dr Coupe RWD/Boss 302 | 188.2 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,602 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | +6% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Mustang Convertible | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 23 | +6% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Mustang | 3.7L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +1% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -8% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -8% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Mustang | 5.4L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -17% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ford Mustang.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Mustang (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Dodge Challenger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (6)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 16, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V081000 · 1,067 vehicles
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 7, 2019 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 19V001000 · 782,384 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 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 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or 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 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY 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. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 10, 2017 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 17V024000 · 654,695 vehicles
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 27, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V248000 · 153,581 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Risk
- An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 28, 2015 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 15V319000 · 1,018,622 vehicles
- 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.
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights · May 3, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V190000 · 10,500 vehicles
- Problem
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 ÂLAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
- Risk
- IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE ÂRÂ POSITION AND THE VEHICLEÂS TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE ÂRÂ MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLEÂS NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
- Fix
- FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Not every 2012 Ford Mustang is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Ford Mustang buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Air Bags — 156 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 67 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 25 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Mustang. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Mustang years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2025 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 19 |
| 2024 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 84 |
| 2023 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 15 |
| 2022 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 50 |
| 2021 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 55 |
| 2020 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 121 |
| 2019 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 151 |
| 2018 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 196 |
| 2017 Mustang | 24 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 268 |
| 2016 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 380 |
| 2015 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 11 | 437 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →