Makes›Ford›Mustang›2009

2009 Ford Mustang

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Ford Mustang
Pictured: Ford Mustang VII GT Rutesheimer Autoschau 2025 DSC 9234. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
2dr Convertible RWD, 2dr Coupe RWD, GT 2dr Convertible RWD, GT 2dr Coupe RWD
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
Horsepower
210–500 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 17 city / 26 hwy
Length
187.4–187.8 in
Curb weight
3,342–3,488 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 500 hp, versus about 268 hp for similar 2009 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 23 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Ford Mustang is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 187 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,351 lb (2dr Convertible RWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 26 highway), 7% worse than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2009

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Mustang — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Mustang →

Trims, performance & features

Engine210 hp4.0L 6-cyl
Engine300 hp4.6L 8-cyl
Engine500 hp5.4L 8-cyl

Trims

GTShelby GT500

Built in: Flat Rock, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2009 Mustang configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Convertible RWD187.4 in74 in54.3 in107.1 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,351 lb53/47
2dr Coupe RWD187.8 in74 in54.3 in107.1 in62.2 / 62.6 in3,342 lb53/47
GT 2dr Convertible RWD187.4 in74 in54.3 in107.1 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,483 lb53/47
GT 2dr Coupe RWD187.8 in74 in54.3 in107.1 in62.2 / 62.6 in3,488 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Mustang4.0L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-7%$3,350444
Mustang4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-12%$3,550468
Mustang4.6L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-17%$3,700494
Mustang4.6L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-17%$3,700494
Mustang5.4L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-26%$5,150555
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.6 MPG2009 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Ford Mustang under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Ford Mustang (this car)20 MPGNot rated5
2009 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated10
2009 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated9
2009 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Chevrolet Malibu29 MPGNot rated3
2009 Chrysler 30019 MPGNot rated3
2009 Nissan Altima34 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 4 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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 11, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V046000 · 327,796 vehicles

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 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 31, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V384000 · 1,892,343 vehicles

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 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Ford Mustang is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

145Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
50,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags127
Vehicle Speed Control9
Electrical System4
Service Brakes3
Engine3
Unknown Or Other3
Power Train3
Structure › Body2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/08: 217/09: 417/10: 1317/11: 1517/12: 918/01: 318/02: 118/03: 418/04: 218/05: 518/06: 118/07: 118/08: 118/09: 218/11: 218/12: 119/06: 119/08: 119/11: 320/02: 220/06: 122/06: 122/07: 123/11: 117/0817/1118/0218/0518/0818/1219/1122/06max 15

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Ford Mustang buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Air Bags — 127 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control — 9 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Mustang. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Mustang years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Mustang26189.4 inNot rated58
2025 Mustang26189.4 in★★★★★619
2024 Mustang26189.4 in★★★★★1284
2023 Mustang25188.2 inNot rated615
2022 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★950
2021 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★655
2020 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★8121
2019 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★6151
2018 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★3196
2017 Mustang24188.2 in★★★★★6268
2016 Mustang25188.2 inNot rated5380
2015 Mustang25188.2 inNot rated11437

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →