2021 FORD Mustang

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Ford Mustang showcases a series of recalls primarily focused on critical safety components like air bags and electrical systems. Given the average failure mileage of 21,479 miles, prospective buyers should be particularly vigilant about these issues as they can manifest early in ownership.

Key Factor:Significant safety recall issues

📋Why This Matters

The presence of multiple recalls for the 2021 Mustang underlines important safety concerns, especially regarding air bag deployment and electrical system reliability. Any malfunction in these areas can lead to dangerous situations on the road, making it imperative for both current owners and potential buyers to be informed about these defects. The implications go beyond inconvenience; they touch on vital aspects of occupant safety and vehicle control, which are non-negotiable in any car purchase decision.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.6)
    📝
    Summary: Compared to industry standards for reliability, the 2021 Mustang's safety trend reveals an uptick in risks associated with early model years. While it maintains Ford's iconic performance reputation, the high number of recalls and complaints indicates that this model year demands careful scrutiny from buyers.

Safety & Reliability Score

40/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-2.2
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 FORD Mustang

Model Year2021
MakeFORD
ModelMustang
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jul25
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

17 complaints (39% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 44 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(5%)
🟡Medium
16(36%)
🟢Low
26(59%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

With peak failure incidents occurring within the first 20,000 miles, new owners may experience significant issues shortly after purchase. Buyers should prepare for possible repairs or inspections within this initial mileage range to avoid potentially hazardous situations.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 20 of 44 complaints (45% coverage)
0-20k
12 reports (60%)
20k-40k
2 reports (10%)
40k-60k
5 reports (25%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (5%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

AIR BAGSELECTRICAL SYSTEMBACK OVER PREVENTIONFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Air Bags

Issue: Inadequate air bag inflation due to incorrect gas amount or insufficient welds.

Schedule an inspection to verify air bag functionality immediately.

🔍

Request thorough service records confirming compliance with recall repairs.

Campaigns:21V09721V072
2

Electrical System

Issue: Brake fluid level sensor may fail to activate visual warning indicator.

Check brake fluid levels regularly and ensure sensor is operational.

🔍

Confirm that electrical system components have been inspected or repaired as part of recall campaigns.

Campaign:22V031
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (6)

Campaign: 21V980000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Summary

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."

Consequence

An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on February 3, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C37.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 22V083000

AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER

Summary

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.

Consequence

An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S07.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 23V727000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

Summary

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."

Consequence

Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V455000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

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.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V689000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

Summary

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."

Consequence

Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 17, 2025.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Mustang.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Mustang performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 10,748
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Mustang performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 18,925

Consumer Complaints

44 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Mustang.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning39%
Acceleration Issues16%
Stall14%
Check Engine Light11%
Crash/Accident9%
Hesitate7%
Battery7%
Accident7%
Jerk7%
Display5%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 hesitated. The contact pulled into a gas station where the vehicle experienced vapor lock. The vehicle failed to restart, with an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the failure persisted. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure might be caused by the purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failures occurred when the vehicle had a half tank to a full tank of fuel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 was concerned that the vehicle could lose motive power while driving at 65 MPH. The contact stated that if the failure occurred while driving, he could be killed. The contact was informed by two dealers that the parts were not yet available, and there was no available date for the parts' availability. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Electrical🔶 Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 FIXED THE FLIP FLOPPED IMMAGE , BUT, NOT THE MISSING LINES ON THE SCREEN. SECURING THE WIRES I NOTICED THE WIRING HARNESS AT THE BEND AT THE DECK AND LID WAS FULLY EXPOSED TO BEING FRAYED BY THE METAL DECK LID. I DID NOT SEE ANY COPPER WIRE SHOWING. BUT, I WONDER HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO FRAY TO RAW WIRE? I ALSO OWN A 2015 MUSTANG GT THAT WAS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME CONDITION. THAT WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED BY MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IN 2024.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). However, when the dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear camara is inconsistent but lately works 25% of the time.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 on the dash stating to shift the vehicle into neutral. I pulled off on the shoulder and shifted the vehicle into park. I shut the vehicle off and started it back up. After doing so I had full power once again. This is the sixth time this has happened.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 4,855.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE

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 for the recall repair. The contact stated that after storing the vehicle in storage for the winter and connecting a battery retainer, the check engine warning light temporarily illuminated for one day. The dealer was contacted and was unsure when parts would be available. The contact called another dealer, Evansville Ford (428 N Union Rd, Evansville, WI 53536); who was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN

Vehicle stalled while pulling into traffic from apartment driveway.

Safety Systems🔵 Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION

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 replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25V315000(Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 53,291.

Frequently Asked Questions

"What are the primary concerns regarding the safety features of the 2021 Ford Mustang?"

"The main concerns involve recalls related to air bags and electrical systems. Specifically, there have been issues with air bag inflation due to improper manufacturing processes and a brake fluid level sensor that may not alert drivers when necessary. These defects are critical as they directly affect passenger safety during operation."

"How does the resale value of a recalled vehicle like the 2021 Ford Mustang typically fare?"

"Vehicles with multiple recalls often exhibit depreciation due to perceived reliability issues among buyers. For the Mustang, potential resale values may be adversely affected unless all recall repairs are documented and completed effectively. Prospective sellers should maintain transparent records about any work done related to recalls."

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified FORD service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FORD recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Mustang iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a FORD specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.