Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Ford Mustang
The 2014 Ford Mustang has significant airbag recall issues, mainly due to inflator problems, which increases risk. Owners have also reported issues with the power train and engine. Before purchase, verify airbag recalls were addressed and test drive to catch performance issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Ford Mustang has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 359 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21E013000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V319000 Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 245 complaints
- Power Train 30 complaints
- Steering 22 complaints
- Engine 18 complaints
- Structure 17 complaints
- Unknown or Other 15 complaints
Of the 359 complaints on file, 30 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 359 complaints, owners report 23 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflators may rupture
How to check: Verify recalls addressed via manufacturer records
Transmission shifting problems
How to check: Test for rough or delayed shifting in all gears
Steering component failures
How to check: Check for loose or unresponsive steering feel
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
Low-speed maneuvers
What to check: Check for smooth transmission shifts
Red flag: Delayed or rough shifting
- 03
Straight road
What to check: Steering response and alignment
Red flag: Pulls to one side
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Engine power and smoothness
Red flag: Lags or hesitation
- 05
Braking
What to check: Brake responsiveness and noises
Red flag: Squealing or soft pedal
- 06
Parking
What to check: Reverse gear engagement and sound
Red flag: Grinds or fails to engage
- 07
After drive
What to check: Look for fluid leaks under engine
Red flag: Puddles of oil or coolant
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have airbag recalls been serviced?
- Any transmission repairs done?
- Recent engine issues or repairs?
- Has the steering had any problems?
- Brake system ever been serviced?
- Any aftermarket modifications?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion records
- Maintenance history
- Accident repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Transmission service receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 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.