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2005 Ford Mustang airbags problems

235 complaints (33% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 58,000. 15 crashes reported.

owner complaints
235
of this car's complaints
33%
typical mileage
58,000
crashes
15
recalls
5

Which part fails

  • Frontal
    3
  • Frontal: sensor/control module
    2
  • On-off switch assembly
    1
  • Frontal: passenger side: inflator module
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Mustang airbags problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Ford Mustang airbags

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Airbag light 8No deployment 8

Related recalls

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported February 16, 2021 · 1,067 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. 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 humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Recall number 21V081000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 10, 2017 · 654,695 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Recall number 17V024000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 31, 2016 · 1,892,343 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Recall number 16V384000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported May 28, 2015 · 1,018,622 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2014 Mustang vehicles manufactured April 6, 2004, to June 21, 2014, and 2005-2006 GT vehicles manufactured February 20, 2004, to September 22, 2006. 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.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2016. Even if interim repairs were performed under safety recall 14V‑802, owners must bring their vehicles in for the final remedy. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S21. Note: This recall supersedes safety recall 14V‑802.

Recall number 15V319000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported February 25, 2008 · 434,593 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling 434,593 my 2008 mustang vehicles for failing to comply with one of the neck injury requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection," for an unbelted 5th percentile female sitting in the passenger seat while it is in the full forward position.
Risk
During an air bag deployment, if a small female in the front passenger seat is not wearing the safety belt, and has the seat in the full forward position, there may be an increased potential for a neck injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the restraint control module free of charge. The recall began on march 3, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332 or through email to www.ownerconnection.com.

Recall number 08V082000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened February 24, 2015, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

EA15001

Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened June 11, 2014, closed March 2, 2015

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with consistently high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly, ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016, four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016, four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The PE is now closed/upgraded to an Engineering Evaluation (EA15-001) to include all manufacturersand vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's EA investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The recalls related to this PE are: 14V343, 14V344, 14V348, 14V351, 14V353, 14V655, 14V700, 14V701, 14V752, 14V763, 14V770, 14V773, 14V787, 14V802 and 14V817.The number of vehicles affected are an estimate since some vehicles may have both the driver and passenger side inflators recalled. The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

PE14016

What 2005 Ford Mustang owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Airbags, Body · 87,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that during inclement weather, water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the passenger’s side glove box. The contact stated that due to the failure, mold had developed throughout the vehicle on the carpet, doors, and interior seats. The contact's husband also discovered that water had entered the computer module after inspecting the vehicle and the module was removed. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable after several repairs and several battery replacements. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2024 · Airbags · CA

Took the 2005 Mustang GT in several years ago to have one airbag replaced. Dealer (Autonation Torrance, California) stated parts were not available for the other side. One of the airbags has never been replaced. I now read there is a "Do Not Drive" recall for vehicles of this year and model in "Zone A".

Filed Nov 10, 2022 · Airbags, Brakes · NC

I have done all my airbag recalls and the light came on a few months ago and is steady flashing. Called Cresent Ford in High Pint and they looked up my VIN and my car replacement history. They told me it had been replaced but it was still under warranty and to make an appointment to have it looked at. Made an appointment, which I may add I had to take the day off and drive 40 mins one way, I was told by [XXX] that I had to pay for a diagnostic test because it may not be the airbag and they refused to look at the car until I paid for a diagnostic test. I continue to receive airbag notices and if I was told on the phone this was under warranty. If there are problems in the past with airbags and in the future, we have problems why should this not be covered and looked at by Ford at cost to them to run a diagnostic test. This is absurd. Had this happened to me 3 months ago I NEVER would not have purchased a 2010 Mustang if this is how you do your customers for your defective parts. Also went to pull the parking brake up, which was passed inspection SEVERAL times, and the brake does not work. This is a BIG safety hazard. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jun 1, 2022 · Airbags · NC · crash

Allen , our son had accident Friday May 20th in our 2005 Ford Mustang gt. He swerved to miss something in the road and lost control of the vehicle. It actually rolled over but also damaged the front end enough to bend the frame rails. The ai bags did not set off. There was a recall on them and we had them replaced by Ford in 2020 . My wife and I felt like they should have deployed . Thanks

Filed Jun 24, 2021 · Airbags · WV

Brought the vehicle in for airbag replacement. Made an appointment ahead of time. Left the car over night. Contacted the service dept the next day and they told me the repair was done. I went in and was handed the keys and paperwork and told it was done. I kept getting recall notices from Ford, so I contacted them to let them know the airbags had been replaced. They insisted I never brought the car in, but I have the paperwork. Upon going over the details with Ford during the first phone call. Only one airbag had been replaced, and they gave the car back to me under the impression it was safe to drive. Last week was the third time I've contacted. Each time they say they will investigate the matter and never call back. I've lost confidence in this dealership and Ford for being unwilling to admit they dropped the ball and fix the problem. Their letters say they will come to you, but that's not happening either. I would like to watch this being done, sorry I just don't trust them anymore. (I have the paperwork)

Filed Oct 11, 2019 · Airbags · DC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford mustang. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v001000 (air bags). The contact stated that sheehy ford of marlow heights (located at 5000 auth rd, camp springs, md 20746, (301) 298-0793) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 18, 2019 · Airbags · 98,000 miles · IA

Takata inflators. I have been trying since last august to get the recall done on both my front airbags.first the dealer(charles gabus ford in desmoines iowa)promised me a loaner car for the day my car would be in the shop,only to travel there 40 miles and then they say they had none available.then I contacted ford motor co. Recall department just to try to get my name off of their recall mailing list due to the fact that they don't really take this recall seriously.after requesting to talk to a supervisor because I was getting nowhere with this woman ,she simply hung up on me.

Filed Apr 6, 2019 · Airbags · NY

Had air bags replaced about 2 weeks ago and it shows on the federal safety agency website that bags still need to replaced,how long does it take before it shows they were replaced?

Filed Mar 16, 2019 · Airbags · FL

Takata recall. We need a fix. We keep getting recall notices, when we call the dealers, the same answer every time, we will call you when we get the parts. No returned calls. Our family has a ford and chevy that have been on the recall list for "4" years!?! Neither have a fix for it. I understand takata is to blame, but an alternative fix should be made to take care of this problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Jan 9, 2019 · Airbags · VA

Airbag recall - the manufactuer has been sending reminders about the airbag recall for years now and every time I check with my nearest dealership they put me in the list to recieve parta but I never get the call that they are in. And the dealer says the part just isn't in yet. And this has been over 4 years now.

Questions about the 2005 Ford Mustang airbags

Does the 2005 Ford Mustang have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 235 complaints about the airbags of the 2005 Ford Mustang, 33% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2005 Ford Mustang airbags problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 58,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Ford Mustang airbags?

Yes, 5 recalls: 21V081000, 17V024000, 16V384000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Mustang have bad airbags?

The Ford Mustang model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (348 complaints), 2014 (245 complaints) and 2008 (240 complaints).

Other 2005 Ford Mustang problems

Electrical 225Fuel system 100Body 56Acceleration 54Engine 44Brakes 36Transmission 25Suspension 20Lights 16Steering 8Locks 5Seats 4Tires 4Wheels 3Seat belts 2Driver assistance 1Visibility 1

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