Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Ford Mustang Reliability Report
The 2021 Ford Mustang scores 54/100 ("Mixed"). With 18 recalls and 373 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
18
Complaints
373
Complaint Rate
71.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$709
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400–$3,500
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (113)
- POWER TRAIN (52)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (48)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 3 years after the 2018 update refresh.
- Year 7 in the Sixth generation (2015) (2015–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 6th generation Mustang (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2015: Sixth generation (2015) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2018: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 3 years after the 2018 update refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Ford Mustang?
A 54/100 score puts the 2021 Ford Mustang in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2021 is 3 years after the 2018 update refresh.
Complaint volume sits above average at 373 owner complaints alongside 18 recalls. Issues in electrical system (113) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put electrical system (113) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2022 Ford Mustang, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2020 Ford Mustang for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (14%)
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Coupe
Compare 2021 Ford Mustang With

2021 Toyota Supra
Reliability: 64/100

2021 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability: 71/100

2021 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 48/100

2021 Honda Accord
Reliability: 78/100

2021 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 82/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 18 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (113)
- POWER TRAIN (52)
Recall Overview
18
recalls on record
The 2021 Ford Mustang has 18 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
71.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.6
Safety Incidents
17
Crashes
1
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Ford Mustang Recall Details
18 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Mustang. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E and 2022 Maverick vehicles. The rear seat belt buckles may not be properly attached to the rear floor assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence
Improperly attached seat belts may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the rear seat belt buckle attachments, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C36.
VISIBILITY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence
A windshield that separates from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C22.
VISIBILITY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The vehicle's panoramic roof glass panel may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach.
Consequence
A roof panel that separates from a vehicle can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will apply additional urethane adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S42.
Showing 10 of 18 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2021 Ford Mustang? Check its history first
Every 2021 Ford Mustang has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Ford Mustang NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.3%
Safety Technologies
Ford MustangRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$709
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Ford Mustang Resale Value
The Ford Mustang is estimated to retain about 76.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Ford Mustang model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.
- Value Retained
- 76.8%
- Depreciation
- 23.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 720
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Ford Mustang depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
17–25 MPG
Running cost: $3,100–$4,200/yr
Fuel + repair
14–21 city / 22–32 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 32 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Mustang 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 21 | 32 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Mustang 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Mustang Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Mustang HO Coupe 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Mustang HO Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Mustang HO Coupe 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Mustang HO Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Mustang 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Mustang 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Mustang Convertible 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Mustang Mach 1 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Mustang Mach 1 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Ford Mustang.
Check for brake vibrations or pulsations during a test drive
Inspect front camera functionality and ensure all safety features are operational
Verify the vehicle starts and shifts smoothly without electrical issues
Test drive to check for any unintended acceleration or speed control issues
Inspect tires for uneven wear and verify alignment
Check for any warning lights on the dashboard during operation
Test the infotainment system and ensure all displays are functioning correctly
2021 Ford Mustang Common Problems by Component
373 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
113 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Ford Mustang, particularly involving the 12-volt battery and camera system faults. Common symptoms include battery failures leading to vehicle lockouts and electrical shutdowns, often occurring around 50,000 to 73,000 miles. Camera faults disrupt safety features such as pre-collision assist and cruise control, with some owners noting these issues after bumps in the road. Safety implications include incidents of vehicles stalling on highways, one reported fire during charging, and a case of an occupant being trapped due to electrical failure. These patterns suggest potential safety concerns for prospective buyers, especially in terms of operational reliability and safety feature functionality.
POWER TRAIN
52 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the powertrain of the 2021 Ford Mustang, particularly involving transmission malfunctions and high-voltage battery system failures. Common symptoms include rough shifting, unexpected neutral gear engagement, random lurching, and complete loss of propulsion, often without warning. These issues typically occur at various mileages, sometimes as early as 12,000 miles, and can lead to safety concerns such as loss of control and near accidents, with one reported crash and two injuries. Additionally, multiple owners describe difficulties with the vehicle stalling, being stuck in accessory mode, and not shifting out of park. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and potential safety implications.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
48 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving the front camera fault which disables critical safety features such as pre-collision assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Symptoms often include dashboard warnings indicating "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" and "Front Camera Fault," with many reports noting these issues occur after hitting bumps or at random intervals. Complaints suggest these problems can begin as early as 8,000 miles and persist despite multiple repair attempts. Safety implications are significant, with two reported crashes and three injuries linked to these system failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they could affect the vehicle's safety features and incur significant repair costs.
SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2021 Ford Mustang's service brakes, including sudden front brake grabbing at low speeds and brake lock-up during downshifting, often without warning lights. Complaints frequently mention vibrations and pulsations during braking, with some attributing this to faulty brake pad material adhering to rotors, as noted in a service bulletin. Mileage at the onset of issues varies widely, from as low as 3,000 miles to over 46,000 miles. Two incidents involve crashes, one resulting in injury, highlighting potential safety implications. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the parking brake system and regenerative braking failure, which can lead to unexpected speed increases and loss of control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (17 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report various issues with vehicle speed control in the 2021 Ford Mustang, particularly involving unintended acceleration and problems with cruise control. Complaints frequently mention sudden acceleration when using cruise control and one-pedal drive mode, sometimes resulting in crashes. Multiple owners describe faults with the front camera, leading to the disabling of adaptive cruise control and other safety features, often accompanied by warning messages. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some incidents occurring shortly after vehicle purchase. Safety implications are significant, with four crashes and one injury reported, highlighting potential risks for used car buyers.
STEERING (15 complaints)
STEERING
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Ford Mustang frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving erratic steering behavior and loss of control. One complaint describes the steering wheel veering independently to the right at highway speeds, resulting in a crash and injury. Other owners mention steering oscillation and vibrations during braking, often occurring between 12,000 and 36,000 miles. These steering-related complaints highlight significant safety implications, including the potential for crashes and loss of vehicle control, which prospective buyers should consider.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (8 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2021 Ford Mustang's fuel/propulsion system that include the vehicle failing to start, often accompanied by a "Stop Safely Now" message. These incidents typically occur after the vehicle has been parked briefly, with some owners noting the need for towing and subsequent dealer repairs involving the Battery Energy Control Module or High-Voltage Battery Junction Box. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling or losing power while driving, sometimes with no prior warning or check engine light, leading to a crank-no start condition. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, but one report mentions a vehicle with 10,000 miles. One incident involved a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while parking, although this specific issue was not reproducible. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, especially regarding unexpected vehicle immobilization.
ENGINE (6 complaints)
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Ford Mustang report several engine-related issues, with a notable pattern of engine misfires and loss of power, often accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. Some complaints describe the engine failing to accelerate or losing motive power, particularly during critical driving moments like merging onto highways. There are also multiple reports of issues related to the EVAP purge valve, leading to rough idling and stalling, especially after refueling, affecting both the EcoBoost and V8 engines. These problems typically arise at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 700 miles and others around 46,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as sudden power loss or stalling can pose risks during traffic re-entry or acceleration, and some owners report difficulty obtaining warranty service for these issues.
STRUCTURE (4 complaints)
STRUCTURE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several structural issues with the 2021 Ford Mustang, particularly involving the door lock and hood latch mechanisms. Complaints frequently mention door jamming problems that led to significant repair costs and, in one case, contributed to a crash and injury. Additionally, multiple owners describe hood latch failures that result in the hood being stuck partially open, posing potential safety risks while driving. Another concern is the misalignment of the rear hatch, noted at low mileage around 800 miles, which dealers reportedly claim is a design characteristic with no available fix. These patterns suggest potential safety implications and repair challenges for prospective buyers.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Ford Mustang report issues primarily related to the engine and cooling systems, with significant safety implications. A notable complaint involves a loss of power steering, blank instrument cluster, and charging system errors, which were followed by an unintended activation of the launch control feature, resulting in a crash and injury. This issue appears to occur intermittently and has been difficult for dealers to replicate. Another complaint highlights the sharpness of the exhaust pipes, suggesting a potential safety hazard. These reports indicate potential safety risks, including loss of control and physical injury, which prospective buyers should consider.
When Do 2021 Ford Mustang Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Mustang Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Mustang Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Mustang year is 2026 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (72/100).
Ford Mustang Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Mustang year is 2021 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to electrical system (113) issues.
2021
(Current Model)
Ford Mustang Reliability Score Trend
Ford Mustang reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 78/100 | Good |
Ford Mustang Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Mustang?
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Ford Mustang without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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