Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT 2005-2014: Crash Test and Safety Ratings

A popular car, the 2005-2014 Ford Mustang delivers some revealing crash test and safety ratings that you'll want to know about.

By Charlie Gaston - September 23, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang (2005-2014).

The 2005-2014 Ford Mustang is a highly rated car with a number of cutting-edge car safety features that are sure to impress. Available in coupe or convertible body styles, the Ford Mustang is a competitor among today's leading cars. Choose from six trims, including, but not limited to, Premium, GT, GT Premium, and Boss 302, which is limited to the coupe body style. Ford Mustang owners can expect high visibility on the road thanks to high intensity discharge headlamps and LED running lights, which are available on all trims.

Safety Features

The Ford Mustang V6 and Ford Mustang GT come loaded with front-impact air bags on the driver-side and passenger-side of the vehicle as well as seat belt pre-tensioners, which automatically tighten front and rear seat belts for optimum safety for both the driver and passenger(s).

Figure 1. It's important to know the safety features of your Ford Mustang.

National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency seeks to protect drivers and passengers by reducing vehicle related crashes, which occur at a rate of approximately 5.5 million times per year in the United States alone. The NHTSA gave the 2014 Ford Mustang an overall roll-over rating of five stars, which is one of the highest ratings available.

Figure 2. This is the NHTSA logo.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

  • When it comes to head restraints and seats, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2005-2014 Ford Mustang a "good" rating, which includes the vehicle's overall rating as well as the vehicle's dynamic rating.
  • The moderate overlap front test fared equally well for the Ford Mustang, with the vehicle receiving a "good" rating across the board in this category. Chest, head/neck, left leg/foot, overall front, restraints, right leg/foot, and structure/safety cage all received a "good" rating, as well.
  • Side-impact tests were strong; however, some key areas only scored a "marginal" or "acceptable" rating. Overall, the side rating was "acceptable" as well as the structure and safety cage. Areas that tested "marginal" were head/neck. Driver and rear passenger head protection, driver and rear passenger pelvis/leg, as well as driver and rear passenger driver torso all received a "good" rating.
Figure 3. IIHS awards the Ford Mustang "good" ratings all around.

Common Questions

Does the V6 or GT come equipped with a security system?

Yes. The 2005-2014 Ford Mustang comes equipped with a security system that deters theft by preventing the engine from starting if an incorrect key is used.

Does the V6 or GT come with traction control?

Yes. The V6 and the GT both come with an anti-lock brake system as well as a high-performance drivetrain, which controls the wheels on your Ford Mustang.

How does the fuel economy on the 2014 Ford Mustang rate?

At 18 miles in the city and 26 miles on the highway, the 2014 Ford Mustang achieves excellent fuel economy.

Is there an increase in horsepower between the GT and the Shelby GT500?

Yes. The GT increased to 420 horsepower, while the Shelby GT500 saw a jump to 662 thanks to the model's new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine.

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