Wrench.Pro

2014 Ford Mustang Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Ford Mustang carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unexpected downshift and limp-mode power loss.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V001000 · Jul 1, 2019

Issue: 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:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #15V319000 · May 28, 2015

Issue: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #21E013000 · Feb 16, 2021

Issue: 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.

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 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #21V081000 · Feb 16, 2021

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Ford Mustang.

Reported to NHTSA

Unexpected downshift and limp-mode power loss

POWER TRAIN

28 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2014 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a low gear. The check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated after the first failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754392
“The contact owns a 2014 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the instrument cluster was red”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648136
“ON 8/18/16, I WAS DRIVING ON MARYLAND STATE ROUTE 198, AT ABOUT 40 MPH, WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD, STOP, LURCH FORWARD AS I CAME THROUGH A ROUNDABOUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897205

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion in doors or trunk and hood corrosion

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2025-05

“The contact owns a 2014 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, water leaked into the doors. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that while it was snowing the water in the door would freeze”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659027
“WATER CLOGGED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF FORD MUSTANG 2014 CONVERTIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY PARKED IN FRONT OF HOME ALONG THE CURB FOR 15-20 DAYS AND ITS RAINY SEASON IN CALIFORNIA. A PUDDLE IS FORMED ON THE LEFT SIDE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11180533
“ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION CAUSING PAINT TO BUBBLE AND CRACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377262

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts backorder

AIR BAGS

105 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2026-08

“I am reporting a safety hazard and a failure by Ford Motor Company to properly remedy the mandatory Takata Airbag Recall. Following the recall repair, a technician reassembly error left the airbag warning light permanently illuminated, meaning my Supplemental Restraint System”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754796
“The contact owns a 2014 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V319000 (Air Bags) and 19V001000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622598
“TAKATA RECALL THIS RECALL WAS INITIATED IN MAY OF 2015 WHICH IS NOW 16 MONTHS AGO AND THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND NO FIX EXPECTED FOR ANOTHER 3 MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906013

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment failure or non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2026-04

“My son was driving to school. He was not speeding or any type of reckless driving. He hit an ice patch. His car spun and flew thru the air. The airbag compartment opened but it was defective. All metal shards came flying out of it causing multiple lacerations”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729852
“THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A UTILITY POLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10930349
“TAKATA RECALL- I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH ANOTHER DRIVER DID AN ILLEGAL UTURN IN FRONT OF ME AND I T-BONED THEM. THE BULK OF THE DAMAGE WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH SUCH INTENSITY THAT IT BROKE MY ARM AND DISLOCATED MY ELBOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11010485

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss or lockup

STEERING

17 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2026-08

“I was driving down the road and just lost power steering , a message came on and said loss of power steering assist , I pulled o er cut the car off waited a few min then started it back up and it was working again , then about 10 miles down the road it did it again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661760
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD MUSTANG. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241138
“WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. ON MY CONSOLE A MESSAGE STATING THAT I HAD A POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT SHOWED UP. SINCE I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL I HAD TO STOP IMMEDIATELY SINCE IT WAS HEADING INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141829

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Traction control warning with unintended brake engagement

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2022-06

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD MUSTANG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11315584
“AT STARTUP, WHILE LEAVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD A DRY CLEAR DAY (NO RAPID ACCELERATION) , EXPERIENCES A LOSS OF POWER. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, GRINDING SOUND OCCURS THEN NORMAL DRIVING RESUMES AND LIGHT TURNS OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11003858
“THE VEHICLE HAS UNDER 7,500 MILES AND A SERVICE ADVANCETRAC WARNING JUST CAME UP ON MY COMMUTE TO WORK THIS MORNING. WAS DRIVING ON A NICE ROAD IN DOWNTOWN RIVERSIDE AND HAD NO IMPACT OR OTHER EVENTS PRIOR TO THE LIGHT TURNING ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11014661

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

128 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

30

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Ford Mustang reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →