NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 55 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (10) and power train (9). The EPA rates it 18–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mustang vehicles repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V727. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Mustang model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 304 |
| 1997 | 230 |
| 1998 | 320 |
| 1999 | 297 |
| 2000 | 446 |
| 2001 | 280 |
| 2002 | 209 |
| 2003 | 271 |
| 2004 | 130 |
| 2005 | 868 |
| 2006 | 575 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 261 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 359 |
| 2015 | 439 |
| 2016 | 380 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 196 |
| 2019 | 152 |
| 2020 | 122 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 85 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 8 |
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that there was a banging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated while pulling over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove slowly to the destination. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,700.”
“A steady Check Engine Light came on after starting the car; brought it to Ford Dealer of Montebello and they stated coolant leak and got into one of the cylinders that caused misfires.”
“While entering an on-ramp and just before merging onto the freeway the vehicle failed to accelerate and I lost complete power from the engine. The vehicle was still powered on, but produced no combustion from the engine. The check engine light illuminated and a message appeared on the dash stating to shift the vehicle into neutral. I pulled off on the shoulder and shifted the vehicle into park. I shut the vehicle off and started it back up. After doing so I had full power once again. This is the sixth time this has happened.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 32 | 25 | $2,550 | 356 |
| Mustang Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 32 | 25 | $2,550 | 354 |
| Mustang Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 373 |
| Mustang Convertible Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Mustang Convertible Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Mustang Convertible Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Mustang HO Coupe Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Mustang HO Convertible Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Mustang HO Convertible Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 415 |
| Mustang Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 479 |
| Mustang Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,550 | 490 |
| Mustang Convertible Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,550 | 493 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (10), power train (9), engine (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford Mustang at 18–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Ford Mustang 5 out of 5 stars overall.