2021 Ford Mustang Safety Report
2021 Ford Mustang Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Ford Mustang
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Ford Mustang. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (51) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Fuel System, Gasoline | Compare fuel system, gasoline issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Ford Mustang with 8 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ford Mustang before buying across this generation. |
Ford Mustang Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Mustang years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ford Mustang | 39 | 9 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ford Mustang | 107 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ford Mustang | 131 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Ford Mustang | 64 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ford Mustang | 175 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Ford Mustang | 8 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Ford Mustang Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Ford Mustang, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Fuel System, Gasoline
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Ford onlyPower Train
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyElectrical System
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ford onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlyEngine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ford onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford Mustang
Reliability Score
The 2021 Ford Mustang receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Ford Mustang
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Ford Mustang
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford Mustang:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump Fuel pump issues have been reported, causing power loss and hesitation. This is a moderate severity issue that can occur around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention: Software Back over prevention system malfunctions have been reported, leading to display glitches and camera inconsistencies. This is a low severity issue that can occur at any mileage. |
Low | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Electrical System: Body Control Module/Bcm Body control module/BCM issues have been reported, causing display glitches and BCM problems. This is a moderate severity issue that can occur at any mileage. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Engine: Fuel/Propulsion System Engine misfires and power loss have been reported, especially after refueling with warm fuel. This is a moderate severity issue that can occur around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford Mustang:
Fuel system issues, particularly with the fuel pump, have been reported.
Back over prevention system malfunctions have been reported.
Electrical system issues, such as BCM problems, have been reported.
Engine misfires and power loss have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2021 Ford Mustang
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Mustang by NHTSA:
Summary: 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."
Consequence: Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 17, 2025.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles. 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."
Consequence: Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang vehicles. An insufficient weld on the front passenger knee air bag may result in an improper air bag deployment.
Consequence: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S07.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang vehicles. The side curtain air bag inflators may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in improper air bag inflation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 226, "Ejection Mitigation," and 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on February 3, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C37.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Ford Mustang
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Ford Mustang with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The vehicle had stalled several times. The vehicle was able to restart, and the loss of automotive power was intermittent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part was not yet available. T...
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that in May 2025, there was a misfire in the engine after refueling with warm fuel. The check engine warning light was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and associated the misfire with the recall. The local dealer was contacted, and the con...
At highway speed (60-65mph), in 6th gear, cruise control activated, the car began to surge and stall and loose power. Applying more throttle to maintain speed did not help. Pulled to roadside and engine stalled. No check engine light at that time. Re-started with rough idle, check engine light illuminated, attempted to drive again but there was no power, vehicle stalled again. Tried to crank again...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera display glitched and switched between a black and a blue colored screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed. The contact referenced an unknown re...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated and the engine misfired, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that there was a recall associated with the VIN under ...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and the accelerator pedal was depressed on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle hesitated. The contact pulled into a gas station where the vehicle experienced vapor lock. The vehicle failed to restart, with a...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that parts had not yet been available for six months. The contact was concerned that the vehicle could lose motive power while driving at 65 MPH. The contact stated that if the failure oc...
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR. THE REAR BACK-UP CAMERA WAS IN A FLIP FLOPPED STATE. MEANING, WHAT WAS DISPLAYED ON THE CABIN SCREEN ON THE LEFT, WAS ACTUALLY ON THE RIGHT PLUS THE GUIDING LINES ON THE SCREEN WERE MISSING. I PURCHASED AND INSTALLED A NEW CAMERA FROM FORD. THIS FIXED THE FLIP FLOPPED IMMAGE , BUT, NOT THE MISSING LINES ON THE SCREEN. SECURING THE WIRES I NOTICED THE WIRING HARNESS...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then vibrated. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while attempting to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). However, when the dealer was contacted, ...
Rear camara is inconsistent but lately works 25% of the time.
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....
The contact owns 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was turned off however, while attempting to restart the vehicle the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pum...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after storing the vehicle in storage for the winter and connecting a batte...
My 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is currently experiencing an ongoing issue with the EVAP purge valve, a critical emissions component. The vehicle suffers from stuttering, rough idle, and a check engine light, especially immediately after refueling, where the engine has stalled multiple times—posing a serious safety risk during traffic re-entry and acceleration.The purge valve has not been replaced, ...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted and black intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25V315000(Back Over Pre...
Vehicle stalled while pulling into traffic from apartment driveway.
Reverse camera stopped working.
While driving my 10R80 automatic transmission shifted into neutral even though the shifter was positioned in drive. I was unable to accelerate and was forced to pull over on the side of the road to prevent an accident from occurring. I placed the shifter into park and turned the car off. I then started the vehicle back up and began driving. The transmission continuously shifted rough while driving...
Showing 20 of 51 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford Mustang
Has the 2021 FORD MUSTANG been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 FORD MUSTANG has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 FORD MUSTANG have?
The 2021 FORD MUSTANG has 51 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
The 2021 FORD MUSTANG does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 FORD MUSTANG involve fuel system, gasoline (8 complaints), power train (7 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, engine, service brakes, hydraulic.
How many crash reports does the 2021 FORD MUSTANG have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2021 FORD MUSTANG out of 51 total complaints (7.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 FORD MUSTANG have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 FORD MUSTANG is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 51 complaints, 6 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 FORD MUSTANG are: 1. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (8 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 5. ENGINE (3 complaints). FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE is the single most-reported problem area with 8 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
Be aware of potential fuel system, back over prevention, electrical system, and engine issues. Check for recalls and have your vehicle serviced regularly. The 2021 FORD MUSTANG has 51 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
The 2021 FORD MUSTANG receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 51 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump and Back Over Prevention: Software.
What are the known issues with the 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
Known issues with the 2021 FORD MUSTANG include: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump, Back Over Prevention: Software, Electrical System: Body Control Module/BCM, Engine: Fuel/Propulsion System. These are based on patterns found across 51 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Ford Mustang?
Fuel system, back over prevention, electrical system, and engine issues are the most common.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Ford Mustang?
Yes, recalls have been issued for fuel system, back over prevention, and electrical system issues.
What should I do if I experience power loss or engine misfires?
Check for recalls and have your vehicle inspected by a professional.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential fuel system, back over prevention, electrical system, and engine issues. Check for recalls and have your vehicle serviced regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford Mustang
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford Mustang. The data includes 51 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16