2021 Ford Mustang: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Ford Mustang? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 52 complaints, with Fuel System as the top reported area.
2021 Ford Mustang Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2021 Ford Mustang trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2021 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Ford Mustang C RWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated8.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
8.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Ford Mustang has 52 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Mustang
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 52
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Fuel System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Ford Mustang Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel System
Gasoline
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Ford Mustang?
The 2021 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Ford Mustang
Inspection Focus
- Inspect fuel system components for leaks or performance issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect fuel system components for leaks or performance issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Ford Mustang, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Ford Mustang are concentrated in the fuel system, engine, and transmission/drivetrain, with a moderate number of electrical and brake issues. The data is based on 52 complaints and 6 recalls, but confidence is low due to limited sample size.
- Fuel system and engine problems each account for 10 complaints, the highest counts.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 9 complaints, a notable concern.
- Crash-related complaints are 4, indicating some safety incidents reported.
- Fuel System
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2021 Ford Mustang Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that there was a banging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated while …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The vehicle had stalled several times. The vehicle was able to restart, and the loss of automotive power was intermittent. The contact recei…
A steady Check Engine Light came on after starting the car; brought it to Ford Dealer of Montebello and they stated coolant leak and got into one of the cylinders that caused misfires.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that in May 2025, there was a misfire in the engine after refueling with warm fuel. The check engine warning light was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25…
At highway speed (60-65mph), in 6th gear, cruise control activated, the car began to surge and stall and loose power. Applying more throttle to maintain speed did not help. Pulled to roadside and engine stalled. No check engine light at that time. Re-started with rough idle, chec…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera display glitched and switched between a black and a blue colored screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware o…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated and the engine misfired, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light w…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and the accelerator pedal was depressed on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated to accele…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle hesitate…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that parts had not yet been available for six months. The contact w…
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR. THE REAR BACK-UP CAMERA WAS IN A FLIP FLOPPED STATE. MEANING, WHAT WAS DISPLAYED ON THE CABIN SCREEN ON THE LEFT, WAS ACTUALLY ON THE RIGHT PLUS THE GUIDING LINES ON THE SCREEN WERE MISSING. I PURCHASED AND INSTALLED A NEW CAMERA FROM FORD. THIS FI…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then vibrated. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while attempting to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact rec…
Rear camara is inconsistent but lately works 25% of the time.
While entering an on-ramp and just before merging onto the freeway the vehicle failed to accelerate and I lost complete power from the engine. The vehicle was still powered on, but produced no combustion from the engine. The check engine light illuminated and a message appeared o…
The contact owns 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was turned off however, while attempting to restart the vehicle the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illumi…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f…
Vehicle stalled while pulling into traffic from apartment driveway.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted and black intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that rearview camera needed to be r…
My 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is currently experiencing an ongoing issue with the EVAP purge valve, a critical emissions component. The vehicle suffers from stuttering, rough idle, and a check engine light, especially immediately after refueling, where the engine has stalled mult…
Reverse camera stopped working.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Ford Mustang.
2021 Ford Mustang Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Mustang. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Ford Mustang Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 52 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Mustang?▾
#1: Fuel System (10 complaints). #2: Gasoline (10 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Mustang?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Ford Mustang?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Ford Mustang, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 52 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ford Mustang. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Mustang?▾
The 2021 Ford Mustang shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Fuel System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Mustang reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Ford Mustang based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.