Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Transmission seems to lose power while driving, the car will barely pull itself but the rpms increase if I accelerate. This has happened several times while driving and occasionally there are dash lights lighting and speedometer/gas gauge doesn't work but that doesn't happen every time. When it happens I pull over and shut it down and restart and it runs correctly until it happens again! I do a lot of highway driving and the car just "falling flat" on a multi-lane highway at 70+ mph is definitely a safety issue! I have taken it to my local fastlane shop and the car was driven but didn't malfunction at that time. He advised me to try to drive it there if it happened again, but I have never been close to the shop at the times it happens or they are closed. There is no advance warning, it happens at various speeds and even on takeoff after stopping for traffic lights. …
Speedometer went to zero while driving and seemed to be in neutral. Could not accelerate. Also low fuel warning light came on when I had a full tank. After car was shut off and restarted speedometer seemed fine for about 1 mile, then self accelerated. Now continues to read zero and can not accelerate unless I restart engine.
Issue # 1 brakes: upgrade "brembo" brakes squeaked about 2 weeks out the dealership. Took it a total of 4 times and dealer could not find the issue, the 5th time, I drove the vehicle and showed service advisor and tech. According to dealer the rear brakes were replaced. The next day, brakes are still squeaking, take it back to dealer where it was repaired a second time, picked up the car, on the 4th day, I was coming to slowing down ready to brake, pushed the clutch and car jolted forward (as if I pushed the gas and let go of the clutch). I did not think anything of it, 5 minutes later, the car started grinding, noise was only heard when driving and would stop as the vehicle came to a stop. …
When starting my car, the wrench icon stays lit on my dashboard. The car manual states that this is an issue with the electronic throttle control. The car does not recognize when I am (or not) pushing on the gas pedal- sometimes when I lightly push the pedal, the engine revs, other times the car won't move at all. This has put me (and other drivers on the road) in a very dangerous position to be in, that I can't control my car. I have read many things online that there has been this issue with many other Ford/Lincoln cars, from 2011-2015. When calling my local dealership, they said they will not fix this issue free of charge, even though Ford had a "customer satisfaction program". I was told my car is not in those that had that issue.
I was driving in the expressway at 60 MPH when suddenly my car lost power on the acceleration. A wrench tool appear and the dashboard on the RPM clock ... At that moment the car desaccelerate almost to 30 MPH and I was unable to gain speed. I went to a side of the road, turn it off and restarted the car. Everything appear to be normal but the first thing I did was go to the dealer. They run a test on it and told me that the problem was related to the electeic throttle body. I dont understand how is possible to happend something like that when my car barely has 4 years. There is no warranty on ot and the repair for it is really expensive.
While driving on freeway (60mph - 65mph) car suddenly stalls. No power to engine, need to limp to side of freeway (very dangerous). Car sits, then you can re-start. Sounds like electronic thottle body (etb) issue that you are well aware of. Why are you not investigating this issue??? Ford (westway Ford, irving, tx) cannot diagnose. This is a critical safety issue. Cars stalling on freeway are a hazard to all parties. You guys need to investigate this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. While installing an amateur radio in the vehicle and driving at various speeds, the contact observed an abnormal noise while the radio was transmitting. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Takata recall when I was driving on highway. Several lights on dashboard turned on (airbag, fuel level , wrench light, tire pressure ) and said tire pressure monitor defaulted. After restarted the car, everything works normally. Ford dealer checked the car and said my PCM didn't work. And replaced it for $1000. After several days the problem came again. They did't fix it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed the electronic throttle body needed to be replaced. The repair was made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
The fan blower motor 2p connector is damage. Mechanic indicate signs of melting and burning on the main harshness which relays the fan, and ac compressor. Also intense chipping of paint on left front quarter panel.
Electrical complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Ford Mustang, 4% of the model year's 469 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Mustang electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2012 Ford Mustang, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Mustang electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.