Issues with the current Mustang’s manual transmission have been the subject of numerous discussions on enthusiast forums since last summer. Last fall, Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin to correct a condition where the clutch pedal may not return to normal. Subsequent discussions, however, indicate that the recommended repair procedure was not 100% effective.

Documents released on Sunday by the Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) of the National Highway Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveal that the government agency has opened an investigation after receiving 32 related complaints.

The purpose of the investigation is to “to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect,” according to the NTSB documents. The investigation, which will focus on model year 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs equipped with manual transmissions, may involve as many as 26,000 vehicles.

The complaints are a concern to the ODI due to reports of incidents while merging into high speed traffic and others allege that incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic. At least one report alleges that the erratic shifting behavior almost caused a collision with adjacent vehicles.

The MT82 6-speed manual transmission is the result of a joint venture between Ford and Getrag of Germany. Built in China, the transmission is also used in other Ford vehicles internationally. While there may be a couple of different issues clouding the concerns reported by Mustang owners, Ford is reported to have promised full cooperation with the government investigation.

Vehicle owners who feel their car has an unresolved safety defect can file a complaint of the NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations.