Ford · Known Issues

2010 Ford Mustang Problems: 7 Known Issues

2010 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2010 Ford Mustang has 7 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Fuel Tank Cracking and Fuel Vapor/Fuel Leak at Tank Seam or EVAP Area ($900-$1,800 repair), S197 Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor Fault Causing Airbag Warning and Disabled Passenger Airbag ($700-$1,800 repair) and Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Mustang problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2010 Ford Mustang has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel Tank Cracking and Fuel Vapor/Fuel Leak at Tank Seam or EVAP Area, S197 Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor Fault Causing Airbag Warning and Disabled Passenger Airbag, Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Mustang reliable?

The 2010 Ford Mustang has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Fuel Tank Cracking and Fuel Vapor/Fuel Leak at Tank Seam or EVAP Area and S197 Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor Fault Causing Airbag Warning and Disabled Passenger Airbag and Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Mustang problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Mustang issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fuel Tank Cracking and Fuel Vapor/Fuel Leak at Tank Seam or EVAP Area, typically costs $900-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang Fuel Tank Cracking and Fuel Vapor/Fuel Leak at Tank Seam or EVAP Area?

S197 Mustangs from the mid-2000s have a documented pattern of fuel tank cracking or leaking, often near the seam or around the evaporative emissions components. Owners report strong fuel odor in garages, visible dripping after fill-ups, and EVAP-related warning lights. Because th… Repairs typically run $900-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang S197 Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor Fault Causing Airbag Warning and Disabled Passenger Airbag?

On 2005-2010 Mustangs, the passenger seat occupant classification system (OCS) can fail or become inaccurate, illuminating the airbag warning lamp and causing the passenger airbag to be disabled. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 15B24 for certain vehicles because the OCS… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2014 Ford Mustang Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk?

Many 2005-2014 Mustangs were included in the Takata airbag inflator recalls. The driver airbag inflator can degrade over time, especially in hot and humid climates, and may rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. This is a major safety defect documented… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2014 Ford Mustang S197 Hood Corrosion and Paint Bubbling at Front Edge/Aluminum Panel?

2010-2014 Mustangs commonly develop paint bubbling and corrosion on the hood, especially along the front lip and around panel edges. Owners frequently report blistering under intact paint that later spreads, often attributed to aluminum panel corrosion or paint adhesion issues. W… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang 2005-2010 Smart Junction Box Water Intrusion Causing Wiper, Lighting, and Electrical Malfunctions?

S197 Mustangs are known to suffer from water intrusion at the cowl/windshield area that reaches the Smart Junction Box (SJB)/fuse box, leading to erratic electrical behavior. Owners report inoperative or self-activating wipers, lighting faults, battery drain, no-start conditions,… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang 4.0L Cologne V6 Thermostat Housing Cracking and Coolant Leaks?

The 4.0L SOHC V6 used in 2005-2010 Mustangs commonly develops coolant leaks from the composite thermostat housing and related seals. The plastic housing can warp or crack with age and heat cycling, causing external coolant seepage and sometimes overheating if the leak worsens. Th… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2014 Ford Mustang Front Strut Mount and Sway Bar End Link Clunking on S197 Suspension?

A common S197 complaint is front-end clunking or popping over bumps, driveways, and low-speed turns caused by worn upper strut mounts, strut bearings, or sway bar end links. The issue is widely discussed in owner forums and often appears as mileage accumulates or after lowering s… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

All 7 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2005-2010 Ford Mustang: S197 Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor Fault Causing Airbag Warning and Disabled Passenger Airbag#

2005-2014 Ford Mustang: Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk#

2005-2010 Ford Mustang: Fuel Tank Cracking and Fuel Vapor/Fuel Leak at Tank Seam or EVAP Area#

2010-2014 Ford Mustang: S197 Hood Corrosion and Paint Bubbling at Front Edge/Aluminum Panel#

2005-2010 Ford Mustang: 2005-2010 Smart Junction Box Water Intrusion Causing Wiper, Lighting, and Electrical Malfunctions#

2005-2010 Ford Mustang: 4.0L Cologne V6 Thermostat Housing Cracking and Coolant Leaks#

2005-2014 Ford Mustang: Front Strut Mount and Sway Bar End Link Clunking on S197 Suspension#

Other Ford Models