RoadVitals

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.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
181
Latest Nov 13, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Feb 16, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19
7 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags13564.6%
  • 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.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 16, 2021
1,067 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 21S05View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 16, 2021
249 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 21S05View on NHTSA.gov
18V046000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 11, 2018
327,796 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 19S01View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 13, 2023

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
Airbags
Filed Jul 6, 2022

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
Airbags
Filed Jun 22, 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
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Jun 14, 2020

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON

NHTSA ID
11328763
Incident
May 20, 2020
Mileage
194,241 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 28, 2020

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
Suspension
Filed Feb 7, 2020

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
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 26, 2019

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
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Nov 6, 2019
Crash reported

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.

SSM 54601

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

SSM 52476

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.

22B05 S1

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.

SSM 51536

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.

22B05

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.

TSB 20-2233

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

Ford Mustang by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026530
2025145057.1
20247311058.9
2023156062.7
2022499060.2
2021556059.4
20201178170.4
20191426056.1
20181864056.4
20172646163.4
20163715158.4
201543611363.5
20143594054.6
20132716052.2
20124697154.0
20114665153.0
20102606052.5
2009Viewing1816055.6
20083478462.7
20076159462.7
20064229358.8
20057059358.2
20041166364.9
20031456368.0
20021186161.3
20011738162.6
20003119163.8
199921310163.9
199823614265.3
199717611261.3
199624612361.8
199560216466.0
199435613464.3
19931017168.6
1992695372.1
1991776269.6
1990855372.8
19891095472.0
19881085573.3
1987385673.3
1986302568.0
1985163470.8
1984184467.0
1983513
1982114
1981024
1980422
1979072
1978350
1977030
1976230
1975001
1974010
1973010
1972010
1971010
1970020
1969340
1968120
1967250
1966410
1965410

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.