Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Mustang, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Fuel system, gasoline10
- Power train9
- Engine8
- Electrical system6
- Unknown or other5
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Back over prevention4
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Suspension3
- Engine and engine cooling2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 28 2021 Mustang vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 17 people died inside them, and 6 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Ford Mustang failed the safety check 0.64% of the time — 32% less often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 10,112 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
3,300 new Ford Mustang cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Germany (1,530), Spain (600), Poland (333).
- Average mass
- 1,881 kg
- Average CO₂
- 236 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 308 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 89% · Electric 11%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
1,638 Ford Mustang cars first registered in Europe in 2021 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol versions use 13.7 l/100 km on the road against 11.6 in the WLTP test (+18%).
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1,638 | 13.7 | 11.6 | +18% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
31 first registered in 2021 are on Dutch roads; 87% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €110,167.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde8
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld4
- Richtingaanwijzer werkt niet (goed)1
- Achteruitrijlicht werkt niet (goed)1
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht1
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
491 cars built in 2021 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 49 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
In Finland
24 of these cars first registered in 2021 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 31,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
350 2021 cars are on the New Zealand register; 5% arrived as used imports, 95% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | 9.3 % |
| 2021 Ford Mustang C RWD | — | 8.1 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 9 variants: combined 9.4–13.9 L/100 km (about 17–25 mpg US), CO₂ 221–325 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 11.0 | 7.5 | 9.4 |
| Mustang · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 11.0 | 7.5 | 9.4 |
| Mustang · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 11.4 | 8.1 | 9.9 |
| Mustang (High Performance) · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 11.7 | 8.6 | 10.3 |
| Mustang (High Performance) · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 11.9 | 8.7 | 10.5 |
| Mustang · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 15.3 | 9.8 | 12.8 |
| Mustang Mach 1 · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 15.3 | 10.1 | 12.9 |
| Mustang · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 16.2 | 10.0 | 13.4 |
| Mustang Mach 1 · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 16.6 | 10.5 | 13.9 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Ford Mustang.
| 2025703 18 Dec 2025 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23C35 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-587) may not have been done co… |
| 2025366 8 Jul 2025 | Fuel System Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may t… |
| 2023587 31 Oct 2023 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the low brake fluid warning lamp not to turn on if the brake fluid level gets too low. A low brake … |
| 2022075 17 Feb 2022 | Airbag Issue: On a small number of vehicles, there may be a weld problem with the front passenger knee airbag. As a result, the knee airbag may not inflate properly … |
| 2021769 17 Dec 2021 | Airbag Issue: On a small number of vehicles, there may be a problem with the side curtain airbag inflators. As a result, the side curtain airbags may not inflate pro… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2021 Ford Mustang: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11009440 | Some 2020-2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 vehicles may exhibit a transmission fluid leak at the mating surface between the rear transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission case. |
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11008391 | Various Vehicles Equipped With A 10R80 Automatic Transmission - Harsh/Delayed Engagement And/Or Harsh/Delayed Shift - Built On Or Before 15-Aug-2022 |
| 11007073 | 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 TIM template may cause the cells to operate at a temperature higher than design intent, resulting in reduced cell performance and, over time, a progressive reduction in vehicle range that may become noticeable to the driver. This may also result in a malfunction indicator |
| 11006862 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off. |
| 11006772 | Some 2020-2022 Explorer, 2020-2023 Transit, 2021-2022 F-150, 2021-2022 Mustang and 2022 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission (excluding hybrid) may exhibit harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated MIL with DTC P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the PCM or TCM. This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circu |
| 11006036 | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates. |
| 11005746 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in t |
| 11005710 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the conditio |
| 11003146 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level |
| 11001646 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface modul |
| 11001364 | Some 2018-2023 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 km/h) and with the transmission in 8th, 9th, or 10th gear. This buck/jerk sensation is a characteristic of the vehicle and can be compared to a like vehicle that is equipped with a similar powertrain (engine, transmission, and rear end gear ratio) driven in the same manner. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will not set because of this condition. If no DTC is set, inform the customer that |
| 11000297 | Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required. |
| 11000294 | 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 freely in both directions. The supercharger drive assembly KR3Z-6J022-B is now available as a lower level service part, separate from the supercharger assembly. Refer to the parts catalog and Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-12 for installation. |
| 11000181 | 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 freely in both directions. The supercharger drive assembly KR3Z-6J022-B is now available as a lower level service part, separate from the supercharger assembly. Refer to the parts catalog and Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-12D for installation. |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10253687 | 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 reversals creating the ting, pop, clunk, or click noise. To correct the condition, refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) to replace the halfshaft and hub assembly of the suspected side(s). |
| 10253683 | Some 2018-2024 Mustang vehicles built on 04-Dec-2017 and through 01-Oct-2023 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 reversals creating the ting, pop, clunk, or click noise. To correct the condition, refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) to replace the halfshaft and hub assembly of the suspected side. |
| 10253559 | Some 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles may exhibit a configuration failure when trying to program a BCM for field service action (FSA) 23C35. This may be due to the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software level. To correct this condition, make sure the IDS software is at R130.04 or newer when configuring the BCM. If the state of charge (SOC) is less than 50%, charge the battery by attaching the battery charger's negative clamp to the engine or chassis ground and not the negative battery terminal. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01. |
| 10253552 | Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual recentlyupdated for diagnostics and repairs on SYNC generation 3 and later applications. When performingdiagnostics and repairs on SYNC Gen 3 or later, select the diagnostics tab and search for related symptoms,DTCs and keywords. The search results will be shown in the search results pane. Read and follow allTechnical Service Bulletins (TSB), Special Service Message (SSM)s or General Service Bulletin (GSB) first if abulletin specifically addresses the vehicle concern. If there are no messages, run the |
| 10252713 | Quality improvements include: -Add soft button on SYNC screen for frunk electronic latch function. |
| 10252674 | This article supersedes TSB 24-2046 to update the Service Procedure LTIS statement. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that are stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cyli |
| 10251952 | For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbochar |
| 10251951 | Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPM. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise tick rate can be faster |
| 10251934 | During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)