2021 FORD MUSTANG — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
59
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
32
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2021 FORD MUSTANG
The 2021 FORD MUSTANG has received a total of 59 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. 32 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (8 complaints), Engine (7 complaints), and Fuel System Gasoline (7 complaints).
Recalls for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG
NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG, potentially affecting up to 4,642,363 vehicles.
Recall 25V689000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
| 2,101 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 25V442000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
| 200,237 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
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.
View full details →Recall 23V727000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
| 187,922 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
View full details →Recall 21V980000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
| 93 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 21V980000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
| 93 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 22V083000 — AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
| 327 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
View full details →Recall 25V455000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 850,318 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332....
View full details →Recall 25V455000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 850,318 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332....
View full details →Recall 25V455000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 850,318 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332....
View full details →Recall 25V455000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 850,318 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332....
View full details →Recall 25V455000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 850,318 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332....
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG
59 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warningswitchsensorfloat | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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 with crank-no start, check engine light on. Car had approx. 1/4 tank fuel and range of 80 miles to empty. Had to tow. After towing home about 2 hours post-incident, car is still crank-no start. Scanned for codes: P0087:00- 64, P008A:00-EC, P00C6:00-26, P008A:00 fuel pressure low codes.
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 recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,500.
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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was advised by the dealer that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,878.
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 repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 5.
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 an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the failure persisted. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure might be caused by the purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failures occurred when the vehicle had a half tank to a full tank of fuel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Safety Rating for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG
The 2021 FORD MUSTANG received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG
Ford Motor Company has issued 32 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
23B12 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Certain 2021-2022 Model Year Mustang Mach E and 2022 Model Year E-Transit High Voltage Battery Module (HVBM) Replacement In all of the affected vehicles, a High Voltage Battery Module (HVBM) was previously replaced using an incorrect Thermal Interface Material (TIM) template. A HVBM that has been serviced using the incorrect...
SSM 52502 — ENGINE
Some 2020-2022 Mustang GT500 vehicles may exhibit a lack of power and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1228. This may be due to the one-way clutch on the supercharger drive assembly. With the supercharger belt removed, a failed one-way clutch within the pulley rotates...
SSM 52444 — POWER TRAIN
Some 2018-2024 Mustang vehicles built on and after 04-Dec-2017 may exhibit a ting, pop, clunk, or click noise from the rear wheel hub when accelerating, applying brakes, or when shifting between drive/reverse (torque reversals). This condition may be caused by stick/slip between the hub and halfshaft interface during the torque...
OTASU6 P2Mach — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Quality improvements include: -Add soft button on SYNC screen for frunk electronic latch function.
OTASU6 P2Mach — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Quality improvements include: -Add soft button on SYNC screen for frunk electronic latch function.
OTA24PU0102CSUFX — BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Software Update 24-PU0102-CHG-SUFX for 2021-2023 MY Mach E vehicles is now available. Quality Improvements include: - Improved robustness in alignment of turtle light display to reduced power event. - Improved AC Charge process reporting accuracy - Improves HV Battery Charging experience. - Robustness actions for DC Fast Charge: charging and...
SSM 51939 — POWER TRAIN
Some 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving. This may be identified as coming from the bellhousing and the front of the transmission fluid pan. The whine noise may become louder when the transmission is at...
TSB 23-2261 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This article supersedes TSB 23-2168 to update the vehicle line affected. Some 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E (non-GT) vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit a whine noise from the front drive unit when driving steady at speeds between 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h) without diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present. This may...
TSB 23-2020 — POWER TRAIN
Some 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles built on or before 28-May-2022 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0563, P0ADA, P0ADE, P0AA1, P0AA4, P0AA5, P0AA2, P0D10, P0D0F, and/or P0C78 stored in battery energy control module (BECM). It may also have...
SSM 51232 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Some 2018-2022 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a buck/jerk sensation that may be perceived as an engine misfire during throttle tip-in between 35-45 MPH (56-72 KPH) and with the transmission in 8th, 9th, or 10th gear. This buck/jerk sensation can be compared...
Showing 10 of 32 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2021 FORD MUSTANG
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the FORD MUSTANG
- 2016 FORD MUSTANG — 481 complaints
- 2017 FORD MUSTANG — 322 complaints
- 2018 FORD MUSTANG — 221 complaints
- 2019 FORD MUSTANG — 173 complaints
- 2020 FORD MUSTANG — 155 complaints
- 2021 FORD MUSTANG (current)
- 2022 FORD MUSTANG — 63 complaints
- 2023 FORD MUSTANG — 25 complaints
- 2024 FORD MUSTANG — 102 complaints
- 2025 FORD MUSTANG — 11 complaints
- 2026 FORD MUSTANG — 0 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints