Print this page

7.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,700
Average Mileage:
47,800 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (16 reports)
  2. new hood (9 reports)
  3. re-paint (2 reports)
2010 Ford Mustang body / paint problems

body / paint problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Ford Mustang:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2010 Ford Mustang Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #27

Oct 312012

Mustang GT 4.6L V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had this problem too, for years. It started under the hood and I waited until it reached the exterior and was seen. By that time it was also bubbling on the roof. In the end, I had to have the hood, roof, and both rear quarter panels repainted and the windshield replaced because it had to be removed. Luckily I claimed extensive chip damage, which was true, and insurance paid at for that portion of it.

I was told by Ford that they would have fixed it for free as a recall kind of thing...if I had brought the car to them before it reached four years of age. Had I known that, had Ford informed me as a Ford owner, I would have. As it stands I forked out $1600 for this.

- Amy K., Frankenthal, Germany

problem #26

Nov 042017

Mustang V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

Over the last few months I have noticed my paint on my hood bubbling up and chipping. It is only on the hood. It is definitely a manufacture issue. Is there any assistance that Ford will provide to repair this problem?

- Lisa C., Spring Hill, US

problem #25

Jul 012016

Mustang 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,680 miles

Found it's a problem Ford knows about, Hood must be replaced, cannot be fixed.

- jdevine51, Huntingdon Valley, PA, US

problem #24

Apr 152017

Mustang Coupe V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I just found out there are millions of people like me, furious at Ford for not accepting the fact they have a paint issue with all their cars. What kind of company is that?! You can't guarantee your paint will stay so don't even bother selling cars. I understand this is not an airbag recall but it is very annoying and we paid a very high price for a car we wanted to have cosmetic issues later. Step up and fix your mistakes.

- Priscila B., Los Angeles, US

problem #23

Mar 012014

Mustang 4.0L V6 12v Sohc Efi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

click to see larger images

corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood

I have a 2010 Ford Mustang, original owner. This car only has 21,800 miles on it and has been very well-kept and is in new condition EXCEPT the paint is now bubbling on my hood! After doing some research on this, I found out that this is apparently a known Ford defect for many different Ford models and many different Ford years! The bubbling is apparently going to lead to the paint just peeling off of my hood, on an only SIX year old car!!?

I contacted Ford and they will not do a darn thing about. Apparently they don't care about their loyal customers at all. So it looks like I am going to be left holding the bag and I will need to fork out the money to repaint at least my hood (not sure if this is going to pop up elsewhere on my car yet), and apparently this is going to be an expensive process because "Testing has revealed that the aluminum corrosion was caused by iron particles working their way into the aluminum body part, prior to it being painted", which means all kind of special processes will be needed to ensure the same thing doesn't happen again after it is repainted.

"Apparently Ford used aluminum hoods but failed to properly insulate them from prior model year iron-based connecting and supporting parts, despite knowing that "would give rise to galvanic coupling" and corrosion" per this website: https://www.autobody-review.com/blog/mustang-hood-paint-problems-and-what-to-do-about-it

We have owned, driven and recommended Fords for years and have been walking advertisements for Ford, but if this ends up my responsibility to pay for this hood when I should absolutely not have to, we will not only take our business to anther car manufacturer, maybe Honda or Toyota, but we will make sure that our huge circle of family/friends/co-workers/acquaintances are all very well informed on the poor quality of Ford cars and how we were treated.

There is even a lawsuit on this paint issue right now which goes on to say "that the automaker went on to conceal this inevitable problem from buyers, drastically reducing the long-term value of their vehicles." What does this say about Ford? They purposely concealed this information from us and then they are making us pay to fix it!

I also read: "What is interesting to note about this issue is that Ford actually wrote a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and sent it out to all of its dealers in 2004 outlining the issues with the hoods and how to repair them properly even though they deny all wrong doing or that an issue even exists.

It is pretty hard to ignore that an issue exists when a simple Google search of “Mustang Hood problems” will bring up forum after forum of Mustang owners complaining about this issue. The 2004 TSB covers more than just the Mustang for this same issue." (also from the same website)

I want Ford to pay to repaint my car because their factory painting job was defective. I am not going to go away quietly and I will be telling anyone and everyone I know about this unless/until Ford takes care of their mistake!! I'm going to be contacting our local media this week and see if I can get one of them to pick the story up also.

- Lauren M., Glen Mills, PA, US

problem #22

Mar 212016

Mustang V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

I just bought my 2010 Mustang, a car I've wanted for well over a decade and noticed the bubbling on the hood. I figured this would be something I could just take to a body shop and have fixed for a few hundred dollars, but after reading up on this issue, it is not from rust, it is from the aluminum hood being contaminated BEFORE Ford painted it, and if I repaint the issue will just come back.

I need to know what to do about this, because I want my hood fixed so I can be proud of my new purchase without it looking like a rust bucket!

- Drew S., Middlefield, OH, US

problem #21

Feb 122014

Mustang

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The corrosion of the hood is a common problem with Ford. Not only do you have to replace the hood, but you have to also paint the two front fender panels so that the color matches. Ford, with all of their loyal customers (including myself ) should own up to the problem and fix it. Shame on you Ford for taking our money on buying your products and not holding yourself responsible for defects.

- Matthew G., Freeport, NY, US

problem #20

Feb 022016

Mustang 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

After MANY years of being a Chevy guy, I caved and got my daughter her dream car - a Ford Mustang. Since then, I have had the joy of learning about the MANY design flaws on this car, but the bubbling paint on the hood is the best, and the one I'll talk about here. After a TON of researching, I have come to a decision on 2 things. First, the best way to fix the hood/paint issue is to buy an aftermarket hood of fiberglass or metal. If you just have it repainted, unless you take it to someone who CLEARLY knows how to paint on aluminum (NASA Maybe?) the problem will return.

2nd, never EVER stray from Chevys!

Oh, and one more thing. I would like to thank Ford Motor Company for working so hard to not address a clear design flaw issue that affects ALL of their vehicles with aluminum parts. Nice to see an American company stand behind their product!

- Kevin K., Bentonville, AR, US

problem #19

Jan 012013

Mustang 4.0L, V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

I have a black 2010 Mustang that started to have paint bubbling on the hood not too long after I bought it..it has progressively gotten worse but have babied it enough that it isn't chipping and peeling as bad as some others I've seen, however Ford should be taking care of it's customers and fixing this defect that definitely affects the looks and value of our cars....this is my fourth Mustang but I will no longer buy Ford products if something is not done to resolve this.

- Cindy K., Texas City, TX, US

problem #18

Aug 012015

Mustang 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

I have a 2010 Mustang that has three spots on hood that is bubbling. I have talked to two car dealers just for them to say basically not their problem. I took it to a body shop and they said the hood needed to be replaced they could fix the hood but in a year or two the same thing would happen.

After numerous calls to Fords customer service and the home base office I was basically told the same. When I questioned them about all the complaints on line I was told there were no complaints. I asked does Ford not read about there car complaints at which time the rep from Ford said, have a nice day and hung up instead of helping me.

When you pay $30,000 plus for a car you don't expect to have to deal with corrosion after 5 years. I have bought fords for the last 36 years and unfortunately I will no longer be a Ford girl. If Ford won't stand by their product than I am done with Fords and I suggest that everyone that this has happened to should do the same. Bye bye Ford and hello Chevy!!! I wonder if I take my car in to trade it would it hurt the value?? I feel we as loyal customers should stand together and do something about this

- Jeanette V., Bridgeport, NJ, US

problem #17

May 012015

Mustang Convertible V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car is not used in the winter and while the rest of the body is in great shape the entire front lip and about two inches in from the lip of the hood is bubbling and rusting thru. I spoke to a body shop and he indicated this is a very common problem that Ford is aware, but chooses to ignore and not recall. It will cost about $1800 to fix. I have a number of Fords and find that this quality is horrible and the fact that Ford will not rectify the problem and stand by its product ridiculous.

- David K., Hillsborough, NJ, US

problem #16

Sep 022015

Mustang 4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 48,467 miles

I need advice please. 2010 Mustang has developed a paint bubble on the aluminum hood. Front edge, finger-sized.

Auto body shop with best reputation among car guys says a $1000 , won't be warrantied at all. For $3000, they will order and paint a new hood. Well-maintained vehicle, one owner.

- S. F., Winnipeg, MB, Canada

problem #15

May 012015

Mustang V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 48,093 miles

click to see larger images

corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood

Filed a claim with Ford through dealer, claim was denied. They said any corrosion claims must be all the way thrugh the metal.

- lantzj, Hanover, US

problem #14

Jun 012014

Mustang

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,637 miles

My 2010 Mustang's hood is beginning to corrode on the front tip. The dealer states the fix lies with me & they will not take responsibility.

- Dan S., Dublin, OH, US

problem #13

Apr 012015

Mustang GT V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 37,000 miles

2010 Mustang GT 37,000 miles never in snow, only in rain a couple of times. Always garaged. Hood bubbling on front edge underside across seam and bubbling continues to creep towards top side. Seems to be an large problem because there are many posts on this. Ford apparently does not want to address this.

- Bill H., Statesville, NC, US

problem #12

Nov 032014

Mustang V6 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,117 miles

Ford is denying my Warranty Claim of the hood corrosion. Explained........it is covered for only 5 years from purchase. My warranty expired in September. I contend the issue of Warranty is irrelevant. I have the beginning of a corrosion problem and they need to fix it. No fault of my own.

- 2010mustang, St Louis, MO, US

problem #11

Jun 012013

Mustang V6 Premium Convertible V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

click to see larger images

corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood corrosion on the hood

In a decade or so of using aluminum hoods on Ford Mustangs, Ford has still not developed a manufacturing process that eliminates the corrosion, rust, blistering paint issue with the hoods. I noticed the paint bubbling first in June 2013 while the car was under a CPO warranty. Subsequent claims for warranty repair were denied or did not properly fix the issue. Do some research, many, many complaints on Ford and Mustang web sites and forums. Any Mustang with an aluminum hood is effected, up to and including 2014 models. Ford released a Technical Service Bulletin TSB about the issue, but still denies there is a problem. Begins on the under side of hood and may go unnoticed until it reaches a more visible area. If you currently own a Mustang, lift the hood and check for blistering and peeling paint especially around the seam. It will spread like a weed. If you own a Ford Mustang built in the last 10 years: CHECK YOUR HOOD!!!!!!!!!!

Does not cause any bodily harm, unless you count your wallet as bodily harm. DO NOT purchase a Ford Mustang unless you are willing to replace your hood at YOUR expense, or you don't mind having a car you cannot trade-in because the hood is hideous and has been greatly devalued by the materials and workmanship on the vehicle. Well, you can trade it in or sell it, you just have to accept half the value of what it should be worth. Not talking highest trade-in value, just KBB average trade in values. Take a look at the hoods while walking through the mall parking lot, ask a Mustang owner, look at the hoods at car shows, etc. You will see!

- luap1376, Franklinville, NJ, US

problem #10

Aug 012014

Mustang V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 43,500 miles

All I would like to do is note that my aluminum Mustang hood is starting to bubble on the front edge and will need to be re-finished and painted. I have notified FORD and am waiting a response. I will keep everyone informed.

- richardking87, San Diego, CA, US

problem #9

Jul 012014

Mustang GT 4.6L V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I had rust on the hood while under Ford warranty, had it repainted March 2013, now the hood is rusting again in the same area but warranty expired.

- Dennis G., Lake Worth, FL, US

problem #8

Feb 242014

Mustang 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,800 miles

I bought my 2010 Mustang in August of 2013. It was used but it was in great shape and I got a good deal on it. I fell in love with the car the first time I drove it for a test ride. Mind you at the time I had been driving a Honda Civic daily for the last eight years. So getting behind the wheel of a newer Mustang was pretty cool.

In February of this year I was washing the car and noticed a rough spot in the paint under the front edge of the hood on the passenger side. I thought it was probably clear coat that got brushed by accident at the factory when it was still fresh. Never gave it another thought. Recently, I was washing and waxing the car and noticed that the spot had grown in to a visible bubble on the surface of the hood. I looked under the hood and found several more bubbles along the front and both sides. It appears that the hood is corroding on the underside, essentially rotting away from underneath. I couldn't believe my eyes. I kinda freaked out and after settling down it occurred to me that maybe I wasn't the only person to experience this problem. I started searching the web and after only a few minutes I discovered that hundreds of Mustang owners have had the exact same problem. As near as I can tell the complaints started with the 2005 models and continue right through to 2012.

After doing more digging I found out that the hoods are made of Aluminum. The bubbles aren't rust they're corrosion caused by a defect in the manufacturing and finishing of the hood at the factory. And the hood corrosion doesn't discriminate, it's happening to base model Mustangs, GTs, 302s, Shelby 500 Cobras too. From what I've read whenever the problem was reported to Ford they weren't exactly eager to address the issue. Some customers have had varying degrees of success but most seemed dissatisfied with the support or lack thereof from Ford. Nevertheless, last week I contacted Ford customer service by phone to report my problem. The rep who took my call was very understanding and courteous. I was given a case number and informed that someone would contact me in no later than two business days. A week passed and I hadn't heard from anyone. I called Ford customer service and referenced my case number. The rep was very short with me and informed me that the person I originally talked to was a trainee. The trainee was wrong and should have told me it would be four business days before I would be contacted. I had to point out that it had already been five business days since I reported the problem. The rep was apologetic and obsessed with finding out why no one contacted me. I told them that I just wanted to know what they can do to help me with my issue. I was informed that I would have to take my car to a Ford dealership to report the problem. And that the case that had already been open for a week was closed.

I contacted the service dept at the nearest dealership and was informed that I'd have to take it to a dealership that does body service as well. So I contacted those dudes and explained my problem. I was told that the five year unlimited mileage body warranty only covered corrosion that had perforated the metal. I still insisted that I want them to take pictures and open a new case. Again I was told that the warranty rep would deny repairs based on the vehicle's warranty and was encouraged not to pursue the issue until a hole developed in the hood.

At this point it seems fairly hopeless that Ford is going to help me with my problem. But I'm going to keep trying.

For the heck of it I contacted a body shop I've dealt with in the past and explained my situation. I was informed that they've seen many Mustang hoods with this same problem over the years. Repairs vary depending on the amount of corrosion. Most commonly a new hood is the best fix. After installation and painting/finishing I'm looking at a cost of around $2k. Two Thousand dollars!!! Am I the only one that thinks THAT'S CRAZY!!!

How can Ford get away with this? This type of problem wouldn't happen to a steel hood unless it was very old, neglected and most probably mistreated. My car is kept clean and sits in an attached, dry, semi-heated garage most of the time. There's no way this type of thing should be happening to any part of it.

Is anybody, except the Ford Motor Company, OK with this situation???

I still love my Pony car and it kills me to see the hood look this way. Especially in knowing that the unsightliness is only going to get worse. I'm not a rich man, just a working stiff with a family to support. Truth be told if I had the money I probably would have bought a new GT with a manual tranny instead of a three year old Base model V6. You do what you can I guess. Needless to say I really can't afford to replace my hood. At least not right away.

To say that I'm only a little pissed off is a gross understatement. Don't forget to add demoralized and dejected as well. If anyone out there reads this rant and can offer any constructive advice it would be very much appreciated. Also if anyone knows of a related class action suit filed or being filed against Ford I'd be very eager to join in.

Update from Sep 3, 2014: Ford apologized for my inconvenience but declined to help to fix/repair my corroding hood. Apparently they felt no responsibility since I didn't purchase the car new, from a Ford dealer. Guess I'm on my own.

- Bob G., Brunswick, OH, US

Read the next 7 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?