2021 Ford Mustang
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 15 of 55 complaints (27%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 119 in 2020 to 55 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,500–4,850 | 2,500–5,550 | 2,500–5,550 | 2,500–5,550 | 2,500–3,650 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–25 | 14–25 | 14–25 | 14–25 | 17–25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–21 / 21–32 | 12–21 / 18–32 | 12–21 / 18–32 | 12–22 / 18–32 | 14–22 / 22–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 355–549 | 354–631 | 354–631 | 350–631 | 350–523 | |
| Complaints filed | 147 | 119 | 55 | 49 | 15 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 3 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 5 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 11 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Ford Mustang?
Fuel System: 15 of 55 NHTSA complaints (27%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Mustang get?
EPA rates it 14–25 MPG combined across 16 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Ford Mustang?
EPA estimates $2,500–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (16)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S10) | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 373 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 397 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 356 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 415 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 387 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (AM7) | 8 | 5.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 12 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 631 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 10-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 354 g/mi (low) |
Show 5 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 490 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S10) | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 479 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic (S10) | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 493 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 14 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic 10-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 387 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM · Campaign 25V689000 · Oct 14, 2025
Defect: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 25V455000 · Jul 8, 2025
Defect: 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: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 25V442000 · Jun 30, 2025
Defect: 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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM · Campaign 23V727000 · Oct 30, 2023
Defect: 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.
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER · Campaign 22V083000 · Feb 17, 2022
Defect: 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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · Campaign 21V980000 · Dec 16, 2021
Defect: 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.