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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 1
Average Mileage:
31,521 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford Mustang drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2012 Ford Mustang Owner Comments (Page 2 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #136

Jun 172012

Mustang

  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Fyi I can not include the top/roof due to it wont allow me to input the check mark) I baught this Mustang in June 2012, used from Ford here in sioux falls sd, since that time I have asked about the top about the clunking and if they would notify me if any recalls. They only sent one for the passenger air bag, until this week when I received a second notice for the takata air bags from the day I took her off the lot. I wanted to know why my front end suspension is making a clunking sound in front and it's been there since the first day, I even had her looked at to make sure she wasn't damaged, within minutes they came back and said she's fine no problems and why my transmission does not want to shift to higher gears from 1st thru overdrive, she bogs down like there isnt any fuel getting to her engine and she doesn't shift through the gears properly, if I had recieved the recalls it would of been in immediately. My top leaks water when washed so it can cause damage on the inside especially the door electrical systems, yet Ford refused to have the top redone since they feel it's just normal wear yet its happened since the first time I had to wash her. I'm starting to think think Ford has taken advantage of me in this case as I still can not get any updated information on my car and if I can either get the work done or the vehicle replaced, mind you I still owe on her and to be honest I do not want a trade in, I'd rather Ford fix these issues and write off the remaining debt due to negligence for not advising me of these recalls in a timely manner and for bit fixing the issues when the recalls came out. It's quite frustrating to know I've paid over 20000 for a car that they are willfully neglecting to fix and yet I'm to be liable for the debt no matter the possiblity that they are negligent and dismissive of my claims.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #135

Mar 152019

Mustang

  • 64,230 miles
I was driving a county back road with nobody in front or behind me. The vehicle is an automatic and it was in overdrive as my speed was approx. 60 mph. Without warning and without me touching the shifter, the vehicle suddenly downshifted into 1st gear locking the rear wheels until my speed was reduced and they began to roll again. I never lost control of the vehicle but it scared me to death! there was light up wrench symbol error warning. The dash turned red and all speed, fuel level and mileage was blank. I put the vehicle in park and made sure it was engaged. I pulled the emergency brake on and shut the ignition off. Checked the transmission fluid which was fine. My Mustang was made in January 2012 at the flat rock assembly plant. As I began my research, I found the Ford recall 16S19. Which described exactly what happened in my situation. When the dealership called Ford for approval, they said my vehicle was not affected because my VIN was not showing it as an exposed vehicle. It manufacture date, assembly plant, transmission type all match but somehow my VIN was not showing. I paid $950 out of my own pocket for the exact repair this recall called for. Which corrected the issue. How in the heck is my car not covered when I know it had the same transmission molded cover issue... please help me. I can provide my repair records to show it was exactly the repair procedure the recall recommended.

- Santee, CA, USA

problem #134

May 302019

Mustang

  • 101,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle downshifted into first gear and decelerated to approximately 15 mph without warning. Fowler Ford (located at 3400 S sheridan rd, tulsa, ok 74145, (918) 346-6500) was contacted and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V248000 (power train). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #133

May 272019

Mustang

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Mustang has been doing this more frequently now, where I'm driving highway speeds and the transmission suddenly downshift to low gear from high gear. This afternoon it almost caused me to crash on my way home from work on the freeway. This is completely unacceptable and life threatening. I went on google, to look up if others are having this same issues and I came across a lot of Mustangs of this year have the same exact issue. Matter of fact, Ford is aware of this issue but why hasn't a recall been put out to fix this transmission problem. A lot of lives are at danger and accidents to occur due to this problem.

- Richmond, CA, USA

problem #132

Mar 252019

Mustang

  • 39,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While driving approximately 70 mph, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle suddenly began to shake and vibrate. In addition, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to Ford country (280 North gibson rd, henderson, nv), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #131

Jun 172018

Mustang

  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The contact called cavalier Ford chesapeake square at 833-858-5801 (located at 4021 portsmouth blvd., chesapeake, va 23321) and was informed that there was no recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

- Shesapeake, VA, USA

problem #130

Feb 012018

Mustang

  • 29,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission gear selector indicator is faulty. It does not indicate the correct gear when driving. For example, the gear is in reverse but the indicator is showing parking. It creates confusion whether you are in right gear or not. Especially I thought you are at P when you are in R.

- Monterey Park, CA, USA

problem #129

Jul 172018

Mustang

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While driving 55 mph, the speedometer failed to display the correct speed and the brakes seized. In addition, the BCM warning indicator illuminated. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (gullo Ford of conroe-the woodlands, 925 I-45 S, conroe, tx 77301, (281)-367-0000) where it was diagnosed with a molded lead frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000.

- Conroe, TX, USA

problem #128

Apr 122018

Mustang

  • 56,000 miles
After putting the vehicle in drive and application of the gas pedal, the transmission would fail to engage first gear. This occurred intermittently and occasionally while driving. The transmission would also downshift to first while driving at 35mph. Brought to Ford and they identified the lead frame and connector as faulty parts. Ford has a recall 16S19 that covers my Mustang's build date and location but said my VIN wasn't included despite the exact same symptoms and exact same parts identified by a Ford technician that needed to be replaced. Ford the customer service refused to cover the repairs to a dangerous condition.

- Orange Park, FL, USA

problem #127

Mar 182018

Mustang

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and downshifted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number 16V248000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

problem #126

Dec 152017

Mustang

  • 73,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While driving 45 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked hard to the left for almost a minute before stopping. The traction control indicator flashed on and off and the ABS engaged. The vehicle was taken to oxmoor Ford Lincoln (100 oxmoor ln, louisville, ky 40222, (502) 426-2500), but no diagnostic failure codes were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened, but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #125

Nov 012017

Mustang

  • 66,000 miles
Over the past couple of weeks, the automatic transmission has had a mind of its own. It has downshifted into first gear on its own from different gears, it has stayed locked in gear on several gears and it has stayed in a high gear while stopped, so it is very slow leaving a light. This happens intermittently, but it has happened approximately 6 times over the past couple of weeks. No trouble codes or lights (mil or wrench) have been thrown or lit up during the incidents. The car seems to right itself after a few minutes. Happens mostly when the car has been sitting for a long period and is cold. Took the car to glenn Ford in nicholasville, ky and explained what the vehicle was doing and if it was related to the recall that they performed (16N02/16S19) on the car back in Feb 2017. They brushed it off and said it would be $110 to look at the car. We said fine. They have held the car for 6 days and said they drove it at least 36 miles and "nothing happened". they said there are no dtc/fault codes, so the car is perfectly fine. They said they will not perform the molded leadframe repair of the recall because there are no fault codes. I called Ford customer service complaining of the situation because the info on the notice says either a fault code shows up or the customer "reports an intermittent unintended downshift into first gear". well, that is exactly what we reported before we even realized anything about the leadframe part of the recall. Both the dealership and Ford have refused to fix the vehicle unless there is a default code/dtc showing. They want us to drive the car until a fault code shows (thus possibly endangering our lives) and then they will look at it again. Doesn't mean fix it, just look at it again for another $110. This is completely out of line. Ford won't even fix it under their own recall instructions!!!! and the car qualifies!

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #124

Sep 132017

Mustang

  • 120,000 miles
Shift solenoid D : veh is part of recall 16S19 and recall 16N02. The vehicle is shifting still at without warning at various speeds. This device was not included in the original recall, and Ford is refusing to cover this defect although it is clearly a part of the same problem. Ford had ordered these transmissions from a manufacturer in china, and they've been nothing but trouble from day one. This occurs while the vehicle is in motion and there is no warning when the malfunction occurs. The car was sold to me this way in February of 2013, and at the time the dealership had told me that this was an open ECM issue and was nothing to be concerned with. I took them at their word and am paying the price for it. I have checked my car fax, and there is absolutely no mention of this as a problem. Now, I am getting a code P0769 read more: Https://www.engine-codes.com/P0769.html this is a safety issue and Ford is saying they do not and are not going to cover this under the recall notification. As a former paramedic, with experience with countless motor vehicle accidents over the years, it is my professional opinion that this is a potential hazard to life, limb and property and a recall should be ordered.

- San Marcos, CA, USA

problem #123

Aug 172017

Mustang

  • 51,700 miles
I was driving on interstate at 70mph and the wrench light came on then the check engine light, airbag warning light all came on the speedometer stopped working, the tire sensor went crazy, car lost all speed in heavy traffic was not involved in accident got to side of road turned car off restarted it was fine for a few miles then everything happened again. Called Ford and they had me take it to dealer for check was told it is the leadframe in the transmission and Ford has recalled other Ford Mustang vehicles same year as mine for same problem but mine is not included this is a safety hazard for anyone who has one needs to be checked in all the cars

- Lexington, NC, USA

problem #122

Aug 022016

Mustang

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and idled, while the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the wrench warning was displayed (power train fault). The contact stated that he used a diagnostic machine and received an unknown code. The vehicle was taken to oxmoor Ford Lincoln 100 oxmoor ln, louisville, ky 40222, phone number: (502) 426-2500 where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not part of the recall but did not offer any further assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #121

May 052016

Mustang

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While slowing down and releasing the brake pedal from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. The accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to friendly Ford (660 N Decatur blvd, las vegas, nv 89107 (800) 928-7190), but was not diagnosed due to the diagnostic fees. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V348000 (power train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #120

Mar 312017

Mustang

  • 43,500 miles
At wide open throttle the transmission will not allow a gear change from first to second if the RPM is grater than 6000 RPM. The clutch peddle releases at the floor. After the engine has slowed the clutch returns to normal and the car can now be shifted into second. It may be caused by trough out bearing or spring tension on the clutch its self. I have had this problem since I bought the car 3 months ago. The car only has 46000 miles on it. I have read other people have had the same common problem.

- Los Alamos, NM, USA

problem #119

Jul 112012

Mustang

  • miles
Front hood has paint peeling issue within 2 years of purchase. Auto trans doesn't shift properly in at least 1 of the first 3 gears. It bucks when cold in winter weather until car warms for at least 30 minutes.. Ford has had the car on 3 occasions without fixing the issue. They replaced the first 3 solenoids in trans without success. Purchased new. These 2 issues remain a big problem. On another note, interior cabin flooded due to rain entering the cowl from a design flaw. Dealership detached a hose.

- Medford, NJ, USA

problem #118

Dec 072016

Mustang

  • 348,256 miles
The transmission downgears causing a loss of power while in motion. It occurs at low speed and at high speed. Alarming when traveling on an expressway at 55 mph.

- Miami Beach, FL, USA

problem #117

Dec 022016

Mustang

  • 17,115 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While driving approximately 45 mph and merging onto an interstate, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Also, the gear shifter failed when the contact attempted to shift into fifth gear. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, restarted, and driven to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 17,115.

- Kings Port, TN, USA

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