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2012 Ford Mustang

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 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/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

Engine305 hp3.7L 6-cyl
Engine412–444 hp5.0L 8-cyl

Trims

V6 CoupeV6 ConvertibleGT CoupeGT Convertible

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Convertible RWD/V6 Premium188.2 in74 in55.9 in107.1 in62.2 / 63 in3,999 lb53/47
2dr Coupe RWD/V6 Premium188.2 in74 in55.9 in107.1 in62.2 / 63 in3,750 lb53/47
GT 2dr Convertible RWD188.2 in74 in55.9 in107.1 in62.2 / 63 in3,719 lb53/47
GT 2dr Coupe RWD/Boss 302188.2 in74 in55.9 in107.1 in62.2 / 63 in3,602 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
Mustang3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23+6%$2,900386
Mustang Convertible3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 29 / 23+6%$2,900386
Mustang3.7L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+1%$3,050404
Mustang5.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-8%$3,350444
Mustang5.0L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-8%$3,350444
Mustang5.4L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-17%$4,550494
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.7 MPG2012 Subcompact Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Ford Mustang (this car)23 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated4
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2012 Dodge Challenger21 MPGNot rated6
2012 Chevrolet Malibu26 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (6)

Safety advisory: 3 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 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 “LAMPS, 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 “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” 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 VEHICLE’S 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Ford Mustang is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

303Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
14Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
54,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags156
Power Train67
Vehicle Speed Control25
Engine18
Fuel/Propulsion System16
Structure › Body15
Electrical System15
Unknown Or Other11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/02: 120/08: 320/09: 220/10: 121/01: 321/03: 121/07: 221/10: 122/02: 122/06: 222/07: 122/09: 122/11: 223/03: 223/04: 123/11: 124/02: 124/05: 124/09: 124/10: 125/02: 125/03: 125/06: 226/04: 120/0220/1021/0722/0622/1123/1124/0925/03max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Ford Mustang buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 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 — 156 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Power Train — 67 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Vehicle Speed Control — 25 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 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 2012 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 in★★★★★5380
2015 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★11438

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