2012 Ford Mustang
The 2012 Ford Mustang is a popular sports car known for its iconic design, powerful engine options, and enjoyable driving experience. It was available with a 3.7L V6 engine producing 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, a 5.0L V8 engine (Coyote) that put out 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 5.4L V8 in the Shelby GT500, which delivered 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. People often praise the Mustang for its performance, styling, and affordability. Criticisms sometimes include the quality of some interior materials and fuel economy, especially with the V8 engines.
Engine
3.7L V6
- Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illuminated. Often related to faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
- Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils and/or spark plugs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell. Often occurs around the valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket.
- Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
5.0L V8 (Coyote)
- Engine Knocking/Ticking Noise
- Description/Symptoms: Knocking or ticking sound coming from the engine, especially on cold starts. Can be related to piston slap or timing chain issues.
- Solution: Diagnosis required to determine the exact cause. May involve replacing timing chain components, lifters, or pistons.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeable decrease in oil level between oil changes, blue exhaust smoke.
- Solution: Diagnosis required. Potential solutions include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or addressing cylinder wall issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
5.4L Supercharged V8 (Shelby GT500)
- Supercharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the supercharger, reduced power output.
- Solution: Inspect and repair or replace the supercharger. Could be related to bearings, rotors, or other internal components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
- Difficulty Shifting into Gears
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty engaging gears, especially 1st or 2nd. Can be due to worn synchronizers or a failing clutch.
- Solution: Replace worn synchronizers, clutch disc, pressure plate, or throwout bearing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, inability to shift gears, burning smell.
- Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. Consider resurfacing or replacing the flywheel.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1800+
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jarring shifts, especially between certain gears.
- Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. May require a transmission fluid flush, valve body repair/replacement, or complete transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Engine revs without corresponding acceleration, delayed engagement of gears.
- Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. Could be due to worn clutches, valve body issues, or internal damage. May require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Noises from Suspension
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking, squeaking, or rattling noises coming from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Often related to worn sway bar links, bushings, or ball joints.
- Solution: Replace worn sway bar links, bushings, or ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Battery drains overnight or within a few days, requiring frequent jump starts.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic draw in the electrical system. Possible causes include a faulty alternator, a stuck relay, or an aftermarket accessory draining power.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- SYNC System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, voice command failures.
- Solution: Try resetting the SYNC system. May require a software update or replacement of the SYNC module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset) - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings.
- Solution: Remove the headlight assembly and dry it out. Seal any cracks or openings to prevent moisture intrusion. May need to replace the headlight assembly if the condensation is severe or persistent.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Airbag Light On
- Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
- Solution: Diagnose the airbag system using a scan tool to identify the fault code. Could be related to a faulty seatbelt sensor, clockspring, or airbag module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows that operate slowly, intermittently, or not at all.
- Solution: Inspect the window motor, regulator, and wiring. Replace faulty window motor or regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2012 Ford Mustang has a range of potential issues, varying in severity and cost. Engine issues can range from minor oil leaks to more significant problems like excessive oil consumption or engine knocking, particularly in the 5.0L V8. Transmission problems may include harsh shifting or slipping in the automatic, and difficulty shifting or clutch failure in the manual. Electrical issues like battery drain and SYNC system glitches can also be frustrating. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others, such as engine or transmission repairs, can be costly. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems.