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Ford issues large Mustang recall over pretensioner corrosion
Ford has announced a safety recall affecting 332,778 Mustang fastbacks and convertibles from model years 2015–2017 after an investigation found that seatbelt anchor pretensioner cables can corrode when exposed to moisture and salt. The recall covers a broad range of powertrains including the Cyclone V6, EcoBoost I4, Coyote V8 and the Voodoo V8.
How the problem was uncovered
The issue first came to light following a Transport Canada defect investigation into premature corrosion of the pretensioner cable. Lab analysis identified sodium chloride, iron, zinc and carbon deposits on inspected cables — clear indicators of saltwater exposure. Ford launched a targeted harvest program and inspected 305 vehicles; 33 showed corrosion at the seatbelt anchor area and two had experienced separation of the cable from the pretensioner assembly.
Engineers from Ford's Product Development Restraints team concluded that the carpet underlayment around the pretensioner can wick and retain moisture, accelerating corrosion in certain environments. Between December 2024 and August 2025, Ford received thousands of owner communications — including 5,487 letters from Canada and corrosion-related reports from the US — plus a small number of warranty claims and defect complaints.
NHTSA expands the recall
Ford initially planned to limit the recall to cars delivered to states with corrosive conditions, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required a nationwide remedy. The affected production run spans vehicles built between February 14, 2014 and October 2, 2017. Aside from the Multimatic-built GTD, most S550 and S650 Mustangs were assembled at Ford's Flat Rock facility in Michigan.
Owner remedies and timeline
Ford will replace all affected seatbelt anchor pretensioner assemblies free of charge. In addition, technicians will trim the carpet assembly to prevent contact with the pretensioner cable and reduce the risk of future wicking. Owners can expect remedy notification letters to arrive between January 1, 2026 and March 31, 2026.
Key points for Mustang owners:
- Total recalled: 332,778 vehicles (2015–2017 model years)
- Production dates included: Feb 14, 2014 to Oct 2, 2017
- Remedy: replacement of seatbelt pretensioner assemblies and carpet trimming
- Expected owner letters: Jan–Mar 2026
"This recall is focused on preventing premature corrosion that could compromise restraint performance in a crash," a Ford spokesperson said in a statement to regulators.
Practical advice and market context
Owners of affected Mustangs should check their VIN on Ford's recall lookup or on the NHTSA site and contact their dealer to schedule repairs once notification goes out. Drivers in coastal areas or in regions that use road salt should be especially vigilant, as salt exposure is a primary factor in the corrosion findings.
From a market perspective, recalls of this size can affect resale values for specific model years, particularly when the issue relates to safety systems. However, a dealer-performed remedy typically restores buyer confidence once the recall repair is documented.
Where this sits in the Mustang timeline
The affected vehicles belong to the S550 generation, which preceded the S650 introduced for 2024. The newer S650 brought a refreshed EcoBoost inline-four and the fourth-generation Coyote V8, with performance variants like the GT and Dark Horse using advanced intake hardware such as dual throttle bodies. Meanwhile, Ford continues to expand the lineup with models like the GTD and an upcoming, more affordable Shelby GT500 variant reportedly powered by a new 'Legend' engine.
For now, the immediate priority for owners is safety: confirm whether your Mustang is included, watch for the official remedy letter, and arrange to have the pretensioner and carpet work completed at an authorized dealer.
Source: autoevolution
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