The Lemon Index2010 Ford Mustang.
The 2010 Ford Mustang is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 37 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 45, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. It's the best Ford Mustang year we track.
One of the most reliable. 2.2× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2014
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 261 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Mustang year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 16K to 66K miles on the car (93 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 24K–66K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 31K–66K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2021
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 hu…
- airbags 2021
Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2015
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 35 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some 2010 models there may be many symptoms such as an engine rattle, malfunction light, lack
- Illuminated mil or safety stop now message, or a no
- Due to vehicles, with carbon fiber clutches, a chatter or moan/groan noise is heard while…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★★
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The driver side airbag deployed when the vehicle came to a hard stop.
2010 Ford Mustang owner · NHTSA complaint 10511278
More owner reports
Cpsc#i11c0026a. 2010 Ford Mustang. Consumer stated the driver shaft broke completely in half.
NHTSA complaint 10443016
Quick answers
Is the 2010 Ford Mustang reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 45; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2010 Ford Mustang problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (22%), airbags (19%) and engine (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Mustang have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Ford Mustang get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Mustang problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 16,500 and 66,500 miles. The middle report was at 43,100 miles, from 93 complaints.
Does the 2010 Ford Mustang have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 22% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2010 Ford Mustang cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 Ford Mustang have?
4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works