2012 Ford Mustang: whining or grinding noise

Filed Aug 3, 2020 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · CA

The getrag mt-82 manual transmission in my mustang has had a history of shifts that take extra effort, clunky shift engagement, and a high pitched whining noise from the drivetrain under throttle application, since I bought the vehicle used 5 years ago. I have had it looked at at a ford dealer, but they say noting is wrong. The whine is present every time I drive, the other issues are intermittent. In the most odd incident that I had in the vehicle, I was in 2nd gear under throttle and the car began to shake wildly back and forth, with a loud clunking noise coming from the transmission. I'm not sure exactly on the date, a few years ago for sure. I have tried to replicate the effect, and it has happened a few other times in a less dramatic manner, but never quite like that. I am concerned that the transmission will not last the life of the vehicle, and feel it is not very safe. I know that I am not the only person who has had problems with this transmission. Thank you for the investigation.

Filed May 24, 2013 · Transmission · 73 miles · MA

Transmission whine/grating with clutch engaged traveling at speed. Frequent grinding heard/felt going into 3rd and 4th gears mostly when cold. Difficulty shifting into some gears. Clutch will not reengage over approx 4,000 RPM.

Filed Dec 11, 2011 · Brakes, Transmission · 1,350 miles · NC

When I first purchased my car I started to notice that shifting didn't seem right. One morning I walked out to my car to start it and the clutch was on the floor. I pumped the clutch several times to get any kind of pedal pressure back. This happened one more time and I did the same thing the get pressure back. On 6 dec was the first time I brought it in to a ford service dealer to have it looked at. But before I got to the dealer, I started to notice a lot of noise from the transmission. The noise sounded like a whine. Then noises also came from the rear brakes I started to hear a lot of noise from them, like they were still touching the rotors. When I got to the ford dealership I told them about all the issues I was having and left the car with them. Later that evening the service center said the car was done. When I picked it up the same issues were happening with the transmission and the brakes. I returned to the ford service center and dropped off the car again the next day. The service center keeps on saying the transmission and clutch are fine, everything is normal and there are no other reported issues with this problem on the transmission. On the brakes, the service center did find that both rear pads had broken guides on them and they were allowing the pad to move around in the caliper. The service center fixed the brake issue and I haven't had anymore issues with that. Now on 10 dec, I left my house and went to put the car in sixth gear and it wont go in, the gear will just grind. I pulled over and went through all the gears and sixth gear will not work. I have contacted my local ford dealer and service center and have yet to hear anything back from them.

Filed Nov 4, 2011 · Transmission · 1,250 miles · TX

Since new the gear changes were difficult to engage, then when miles accumulate it develops unable/very hard to get into first/second/third gears, an incident almost occur when I try to get into first at the green light and other dangerous situations that result on car behind almost rear end me. Ford replace transmission(with same part number) and again at 4300 miles gear changes start to be difficult and transmission whine is present again.

Filed Oct 12, 2011 · Transmission · 9,111 miles · PA

I was driving to california to visit my good friend [xxx]. I was at a stop light trying to turn left and I heard a crunch or whine. It's probably from my car or my wife is munching on a oreo or whining again. Try my hardest to put in gear and I was locked out of 2nd and 3rd gear. Someone driving a crappy titan almost rear ended me because of that. This mt82 transmission is total junk, I wish I bought a automatic like 2006fan. I rather let people laugh at me for driving automatic than this. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Oct 11, 2011 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · FL

My gt was shifting perfect for 2000 mile. One day I went to afm and everyone said my transmission is pos and will fail. What do you know. Just 2 days later I almost run over my neighbor because I was not able to get into gear. I have 2 other friends with 2011 gts, cbatty and 06gtfan. They have to cry themselves to sleep at night because their car grinds and whines. Ford is not doing anything to help them. Sigh.

Filed May 28, 2011 · Transmission · 295 miles · WI

Brand new 2012 ford mustang boss 302, 5.0l, mt82 6-spd transmission. My understanding is this car has a revised clutch mechanism vs. The 2011 model year. Regardless, I've begun to experience the same issues 2011 model year owners report. I've owned the car less than two weeks and with less than 200 miles on the car at a stop light the transmission failed to engage into first gear fully. This results in a grinding coming from the transmission. Nearly rear ended, vehicle was at a light at the end of a freeway ramp and was unable to accelerate until the car was placed into neutral and re-shifted to 1st. 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd shifts tend to be hard, rough or clunky. On occasion shifts to 5th exhibit a clunky sensation as well. At 295 miles was unable to shift into 2nd gear, you could hear the synchros winding up in the transmission during the attempt. Likewise moving back to first, even at speeds of less than 5mph in this instance, resulted in a rough engagement and synchro whine from the tranny. Driving in 2nd gear at 20mph and pushing the clutch in to coast results in a rattling noise intermittently. This rattling just started within the last 50 miles of driving. The build date on the vehicle was 3/31/2011. I've not yet reported this issue to my ford dealer but intend to shortly! Very very worried at over $42,000 this is the most expensive vehicle I've ever purchased and am gravely concerned I may have a lemon on my hands. My previous mustang with a 5 spd manual never exhibited these tendencies. Ford must resolve the issues the mt-82 6 speed transmission immediately or replace it with a properly designed alternate unit. I won't entertain having my special edition vehicle damaged due to a faulty transmission. Likewise I understand the fix offered to 2011 owners only makes matters worse, I refuse to try anything that will worsen the current situation. Deeply fearful that continued use of my 2012 vehicle will result in considerable drivetrain damage or accident.