VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford Mustang transmission problems

The 2012 Ford Mustang has 180 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 31% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

180

Transmission complaints

31%

Share of year

8

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

16V248000TransmissionApril 27, 2016 · 153,581 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

MY NEPHEW LOST CONTROL OF HIS SIX SPEED 2012 MUSTANG WHILE DRIVING ON MOUNTAIN ROAD AND WAS KILLED. HE WAS DOWNSHIFTING INTO LEFT CORNER OR ROAD THEN ROAD TURNS RIGHT UPHILL (LIKE AN "S" SHAPE). PERHAPS THE POWER TRAIN HAD AN ISSUE.? *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 19, 2012 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2012 Ford Mustang have?

NHTSA has 180 complaints about the 2012 Ford Mustang transmission — 31% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Ford Mustang transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 16V248000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.