2005 Ford Mustang problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2005 Ford Mustang carries two red flags at once: 893 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 7.6× the Mustang norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the Mustang years to avoid. Complainants reported 36 injuries in total across these filings.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 236 reports (26% of the total).

893

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations · 1 open

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Mustang years?

Mustang NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mustang years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Ford Mustang problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Airbags	236	26%	▲ up
Electrical System	235	26%	▲ up
Fuel System	101	11%	▲ up
Body & Structure	57	6%	▲ up
Speed Control	55	6%	▲ up
Engine	44	5%	▲ up
Brakes	40	4%	▲ up
Other	33	4%	▲ up
Transmission	26	3%	▲ up
Suspension	22	2%	▲ up
Lighting	17	2%	▲ up
Steering	8	1%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	7	1%	— flat
Latches & Locks	5	1%	▲ up
Seats	4	0%	▲ up
Seat Belts	2	0%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 2005 Ford Mustang have recalls?

9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V081000AirbagsFebruary 16, 2021 · 1,067 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

21E013000AirbagsFebruary 16, 2021 · 249 units

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.

Consequence

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.

17V024000AirbagsJanuary 10, 2017 · 654,695 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. 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.

16V384000AirbagsMay 31, 2016 · 1,892,343 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. 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.

15V319000AirbagsMay 28, 2015 · 1,018,622 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

08V082000AirbagsFebruary 25, 2008 · 434,593 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING 434,593 MY 2008 MUSTANG VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ONE OF THE NECK INJURY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION," FOR AN UNBELTED 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHILE IT IS IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION.

Consequence

DURING AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IF A SMALL FEMALE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT WEARING THE SAFETY BELT, AND HAS THE SEAT IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION, THERE MAY BE AN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A NECK INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332 OR THROUGH EMAIL TO WWW.OWNERCONNECTION.COM.

06E089000SuspensionOctober 27, 2006 · 400 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET EIBACH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS ONLY, PART NO. 35101.8001, AND EIBACH BRANDED FRONT STRUTS AS SUSPENSION KITS, PART NOS. 35101.840, 35101.680, 35101.780, 35100.680, 35100.780, 4.10135.680, AND 4.10035.780, SOLD FOR USE ON 2005 THROUGH 2007 FORD MUSTANG VEHICLES. THE FRONT ANTI ROLL BAR ATTACHMENT BRACKET ON THE FRONT STRUT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STRUT HOUSING DUE TO INCONSISTENT WELDING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CLUNKING NOISE AND OR POOR HANDLING IN EXTREME OR EMERGENCY MANEUVERS.

Consequence

IF THE BROKEN BRACKET CONTACTS THE TIRE, SIDEWALL DAMAGE CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

EIBACH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO PROVIDE NEW STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EIBACH AT 951-256-8300.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA15001

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AT 40 MPH THE 4 WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES ON MY 2005 FORD MUSTANG LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT, CAUSING MY CAR TO HYDROPLANE INTO THE BACK OF A DODGE PICKUP. THE ENGINE IN MY CAR WAS DRIVEN BACK INTO THE FIRE WALL UPON IMPACT; HOWEVER, MY AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILED RESULTING IN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 15, 2005 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING HOME. THE ROAD WAS WET. BECAUSE OF THIS, I RELIED ON MY SPEEDOMETER TO MAKE SURE I AM GOING A BIT SLOWER THAN MY SPEED LIMIT. I DID NOT NOTICED UNTIL I HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES TO AVOID A STRAY DOG. MY CAR SKIDDED; I WAS GOING FASTER THAN WHAT THE GAUGE WAS SAYING (WHICH IS LOWER THAN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 3, 2012 · crash

“GAS PEDAL STUCK GOING DOWN HILL RESULTING IN AUTO RUNNING OFF ROAD AND OVER A CLIFF. THE DRIVER IS ON LIFE SUPPORT, THE PASSENGER PARALYZED WITH A BROKEN BACK. THE PEDAL STUCK ONE TIME BEFORE AND IT WAS NOT THOUGHT TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM. AS A RESULT OF THE SERIOUS INJURIES, I AM FILING FOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 2, 2015 · crash

“CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILURE AT 28,000 MILES. CAR IS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE ON HIGHWAYS AFTER CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILURE. COMMON PROBLEM ON 2005 MUSTANGS. TOP BECOMES STUCK AT HALF UP POSITION. THIS OBSTRUCTS VISION IN REAR-VIEW MIRROR, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE LANES SAFELY. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 10, 2010 · crash

“WHILE BACKING INTO MY GARAGE, FOOT ON BRAKE, SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAR TOOK OFF FULL THROTTLE. HIT WALL OF GARAGE BOUNCED OFF WALL HIT CONCRETE RETAINING WALL. DAMAGE TO PASSENGER SIDE BACK QTR PANEL, REAR END AND BUCKLED THE DRIVER SIDE. DAMAGES EST OVER $6000.00. TOOK BACK TO FORD AND THEY SAID…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 14, 2006 · crash

2005 Ford Mustang — common questions

Is the 2005 Ford Mustang reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 893 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 62 Mustang years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Mustang years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Mustang problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (236 complaints), electrical system (235 complaints), fuel system (101 complaints).

Does the 2005 Ford Mustang have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Ford Mustang. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Ford Mustang under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ford Mustang years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mustang years to avoid are 2005, 1995, 2007, 2015, 2011, 2012, 2006, 1994, 2016, 2000, 2014, 2008, 2017, 1996, 2013, 1998, 2010, 1999, 2018, 1997, 2001, 2009, 2019, 2003, 2020. The cleanest record among Mustang years belongs to 1981.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2005 compare to other Mustang years?

What are the most common 2005 Ford Mustang problems?

Does the 2005 Ford Mustang have recalls?

Open NHTSA investigations

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Ford Mustang — common questions

Is the 2005 Ford Mustang reliable?

What are the most common 2005 Mustang problems?

Does the 2005 Ford Mustang have recalls?

Is the 2005 Ford Mustang under NHTSA investigation?

Which Ford Mustang years should you avoid?

Related