Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Mustang

1 Ford Mustang Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Mustang average of 65/100

The Ford Mustang years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 54/100. The best Ford Mustang year to buy is 2025 73/100.

Verdict

The 2021 Ford Mustang scores significantly below the model average of 65/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 54/100 due to electrical system (113) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 65/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Mustang Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Mustang average of 65/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202154/100Mixed18373Electrical System (113)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Ford Mustang

The 2021 Ford Mustang has mixed reliability. There are 18 recalls and 373 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (113), Power Train (52), Forward Collision Avoidance (47).

18 recalls373 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (113), Power Train (52), Forward Collision Avoidance (47), Unknown Or Other (39), Vehicle Speed Control (17), Service Brakes (14)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Mustang Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford Mustang model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

269 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

165 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

86 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

55 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

49 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES

47 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Ford Mustang Year to Buy Instead

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Ford Mustang

The 2018 Ford Mustang has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 172 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Mustang. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (41), Engine (38), Electrical System (27).

Score: 65/100 (Good)4 recalls172 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Ford Mustang Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford Mustang Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Mustang years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford Mustang years: 2021 (score: 54/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford Mustang average of 65/100.
What is the best year for the Ford Mustang?
The best year for the Ford Mustang is 2025, with a reliability score of 73/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 8 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Mustang have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Mustang has a total of 71 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Mustang worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 73/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 65/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Mustang problems?
The most common Ford Mustang problems are electrical system (269 complaints), power train (165 complaints), engine (86 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Mustang reliable long-term?
The Ford Mustang has an average reliability score of 65/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Ford Mustang generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford Mustang generation is the Sixth generation (2015) with an average score of 64/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Mustang?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Mustang is $709 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Ford Mustang a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Ford Mustang is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 73/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 8 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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