AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2009 Ford Mustang
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 18V046000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 181 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Ford Mustang, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and brakes categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 27 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2011 | 1 | 22 |
| Aug 2011 | 1 | 23 |
| Nov 2011 | 2 | 25 |
| Apr 2012 | 2 | 27 |
| Sep 2012 | 2 | 29 |
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 30 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 31 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 32 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 33 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 34 |
| Nov 2014 | 2 | 36 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 37 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 38 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 39 |
| Aug 2015 | 3 | 42 |
| Sep 2015 | 5 | 47 |
| Oct 2015 | 3 | 50 |
| Nov 2015 | 2 | 52 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 53 |
| Jan 2016 | 5 | 58 |
| Feb 2016 | 4 | 62 |
| Mar 2016 | 3 | 65 |
| Apr 2016 | 8 | 73 |
| May 2016 | 3 | 76 |
| Jun 2016 | 2 | 78 |
| Jul 2016 | 2 | 80 |
| Aug 2016 | 1 | 81 |
| Sep 2016 | 2 | 83 |
| Nov 2016 | 3 | 86 |
| Jan 2017 | 2 | 88 |
| Feb 2017 | 2 | 90 |
| Mar 2017 | 2 | 92 |
| Apr 2017 | 2 | 94 |
| May 2017 | 4 | 98 |
| Jun 2017 | 3 | 101 |
| Jul 2017 | 3 | 104 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 106 |
| Sep 2017 | 4 | 110 |
| Oct 2017 | 13 | 123 |
| Nov 2017 | 15 | 138 |
| Dec 2017 | 9 | 147 |
| Jan 2018 | 3 | 150 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 151 |
| Mar 2018 | 4 | 155 |
| Apr 2018 | 2 | 157 |
| May 2018 | 5 | 162 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 163 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 164 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 165 |
| Sep 2018 | 2 | 167 |
| Nov 2018 | 2 | 169 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 170 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 171 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 172 |
| Nov 2019 | 3 | 175 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 177 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 178 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 179 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 180 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 181 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags13564.6%
- Driver assistance2311.0%
- Brakes73.3%
- Electrical73.3%
- Body & structure62.9%
- Suspension62.9%
- Engine41.9%
- Powertrain (other)41.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 and the TSB issued by Ford. I have reached out to Ford directly and had my vehicle inspected at a Ford Dealership. The Ford Dealership indicated the issues were consistent with the known defective parts. There were zero warnings either by warning lights or symptoms and I am just fortunate to have been in an accident with my children. I only have approximately 27,000 miles on this vehicle and it is not modified in any way. I have the dealership documentation as well that I can email at a later date. I unfortunately do not have it in electronic format at this time.
- NHTSA ID
- 11554858
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2023
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11472588
- Incident
- Jul 6, 2022
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11470446
- Incident
- Jun 22, 2022
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
- NHTSA ID
- 11328763
- Incident
- May 20, 2020
- Mileage
- 194,241 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11312159
- Incident
- Feb 26, 2020
- Mileage
- 100,000 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11307643
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2011
- Mileage
- 80,000 mi
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 THE TIRE MANUFACTURER (COOPER TIRES). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF THE CONTACT TOOK THE TIRE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, THE MANUFACTURER WOULD POSSIBLY REFUND THE COST OF THE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT HE HAD THREE MORE COOPER TIRES THAT COULD HAVE THE SAME FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,944.
- NHTSA ID
- 11282436
- Incident
- Nov 25, 2019
- Mileage
- 57,944 mi
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".
- NHTSA ID
- 11278420
- Incident
- Nov 5, 2019
- Mileage
- 111,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
EQUIPMENT
All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
AIR BAGS
Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT ⢠Updated Ranger Technical Information to include images of a pass and fail airbag inflator inspection for 2007-2011 model years.
STRUCTURE
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.
AIR BAGS
Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as repaired under Takata Airbag Safety Recalls 15S21, 17S42, 18S02, 19S01, and 21S12 may not have received the claimed repairs. The propellant in certain Takata airbag inflators can experience an alteration over time with exposure to certain climate conditions. A combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute to the degradation of the propellant in the inflators. This degradation can cause the propellant to burn too quickly, creating high pressure inside the inflator, and in extreme cases causing the inflator to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment. A ruptured inflator can send inflator parts toward vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Additional information regarding Takata recalls can be found at www.nhtsa.gov and www.safercar.gov.
STRUCTURE
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 57.1 |
| 2024 | 73 | 11 | 0 | 58.9 |
| 2023 | 15 | 6 | 0 | 62.7 |
| 2022 | 49 | 9 | 0 | 60.2 |
| 2021 | 55 | 6 | 0 | 59.4 |
| 2020 | 117 | 8 | 1 | 70.4 |
| 2019 | 142 | 6 | 0 | 56.1 |
| 2018 | 186 | 4 | 0 | 56.4 |
| 2017 | 264 | 6 | 1 | 63.4 |
| 2016 | 371 | 5 | 1 | 58.4 |
| 2015 | 436 | 11 | 3 | 63.5 |
| 2014 | 359 | 4 | 0 | 54.6 |
| 2013 | 271 | 6 | 0 | 52.2 |
| 2012 | 469 | 7 | 1 | 54.0 |
| 2011 | 466 | 5 | 1 | 53.0 |
| 2010 | 260 | 6 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2009Viewing | 181 | 6 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 2008 | 347 | 8 | 4 | 62.7 |
| 2007 | 615 | 9 | 4 | 62.7 |
| 2006 | 422 | 9 | 3 | 58.8 |
| 2005 | 705 | 9 | 3 | 58.2 |
| 2004 | 116 | 6 | 3 | 64.9 |
| 2003 | 145 | 6 | 3 | 68.0 |
| 2002 | 118 | 6 | 1 | 61.3 |
| 2001 | 173 | 8 | 1 | 62.6 |
| 2000 | 311 | 9 | 1 | 63.8 |
| 1999 | 213 | 10 | 1 | 63.9 |
| 1998 | 236 | 14 | 2 | 65.3 |
| 1997 | 176 | 11 | 2 | 61.3 |
| 1996 | 246 | 12 | 3 | 61.8 |
| 1995 | 602 | 16 | 4 | 66.0 |
| 1994 | 356 | 13 | 4 | 64.3 |
| 1993 | 101 | 7 | 1 | 68.6 |
| 1992 | 69 | 5 | 3 | 72.1 |
| 1991 | 77 | 6 | 2 | 69.6 |
| 1990 | 85 | 5 | 3 | 72.8 |
| 1989 | 109 | 5 | 4 | 72.0 |
| 1988 | 108 | 5 | 5 | 73.3 |
| 1987 | 38 | 5 | 6 | 73.3 |
| 1986 | 30 | 2 | 5 | 68.0 |
| 1985 | 16 | 3 | 4 | 70.8 |
| 1984 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 67.0 |
| 1983 | 5 | 1 | 3 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | 4 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 2 | 4 | — |
| 1980 | 4 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 1979 | 0 | 7 | 2 | — |
| 1978 | 3 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1971 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1969 | 3 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1967 | 2 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 1966 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1965 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.