2021 Ford Mustang Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
13/100
#14 most-complained of 16 Mustang years
The 2021 Ford Mustang has a Complaint Index of 13, ranking 14th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other Mustang years. NHTSA lists 55 complaints, 6 recalls, and 4 crashes, with Fuel System issues topping complaints at 27%.
- Complaints
- 55
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 27 hwy
Top 2021 Ford Mustang problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System15 (27%)
- Engine11 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (16%)
- Electrical System6 (11%)
- Brakes5 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (9%)
- Other5 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (7%)
- Airbags2 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (4%)
What owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly failed to respond during low-speed stops, causing the vehicle to lunge forward into another car.
- Steering wheel reportedly veered independently at highway speed, leading to a crash into a barrier with airbag deployment.
- Rear-view mirror reportedly vibrated above 50 MPH, with the mirror replaced multiple times and a new driveshaft installed without fixing the issue.
- Seat belts reportedly repositioned from the shoulder to the neck area during driving.
- Engine reportedly experienced random misfire with loss of power shortly after purchase, requiring a reprogrammed engine computer and camshaft sensor replacement.
- Vehicle reportedly bucked or lunged forward unexpectedly at low speed during light acceleration or braking, described as a safety hazard.
2021 Ford Mustang recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V689000Oct 10, 2025Electrical System2,101 vehicles
Electrical system:body control module/bcm
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 25V455000Jul 7, 2025Fuel System850,318 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
- NHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras200,237 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
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.
Risk: 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.
2021 Ford Mustang fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?
- Relative to other Mustang model years, the 2021 ranks well. It has a Complaint Index of 13, the 14th worst (meaning 2nd best) out of 16 years tracked, with a "Best" verdict.
- What problems does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
- NHTSA lists 55 complaints, with Fuel System issues being the top category at 27% of complaints, followed by Engine at 20% and Transmission & Powertrain at 16%. Six recalls have been issued, covering electrical, fuel, camera, and airbag systems.
- Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Mustang, including a brake fluid sensor warning issue, a low-pressure fuel pump recall, a rearview camera software update, and two separate airbag recalls.
- What year Ford Mustang should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2011 and 2015 are the worst-ranked Mustang years, with Complaint Indexes of 100 and 93. The 2021 Mustang is not an avoid year; it carries a "Best" verdict with an index of 13.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang?
- NHTSA lists 55 complaints for the 2021 Ford Mustang, along with 4 crashes, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths.