2021 Ford Mustang Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners 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.

Owners 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.

Owners 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.

Owners 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.

Owners 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.

Owners 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.

Owners 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.