Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Ford Mustang
The 2010 Ford Mustang is largely known for its airbag-related recalls, with multiple incidents requiring attention. Complaints mostly involve airbag, structure, and powertrain issues. During inspection, focus on airbag recalls, transmission concerns, and electrical faults. With proactive checks, it remains a viable purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Ford Mustang has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 261 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21E013000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V046000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V384000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V319000 Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 179 complaints
- Structure 17 complaints
- Power Train 13 complaints
- Electrical System 11 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 10 complaints
- Engine 8 complaints
Of the 261 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 261 complaints, owners report 11 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Verify recall completion for all airbag units.
Electrical system failures
How to check: Test all electrical components for functionality.
Powertrain/vehicle speed control issues
How to check: Check for smooth gear shifting and steady idle.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rattling or ticking noises.
Red flag: Unusual noises from engine.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe the instrument panel for alerts.
Red flag: Warning lights remain on.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Notice any hesitation or jerking acceleration.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed acceleration.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth and responsive shifting.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for vibrations or pulling to sides.
Red flag: Brakes pulling or excessive vibration.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any lingering electrical system issues?
- Has the transmission been serviced?
- Are there any structural repairs?
- What recent maintenance has been done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion certificate
- Maintenance records
- Repair invoices
- Title and registration
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 Ford Mustang? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.