2021 Ford Mustang VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
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).
Mustang reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Ford Mustang before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Ford Mustang issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System113
- Power Train52
- Forward Collision Avoidance47
- Unknown Or Other39
- Vehicle Speed Control17
- Service Brakes14
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Ford Mustang
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for brake vibrations or pulsations during a test drive
- Inspect front camera functionality and ensure all safety features are operational
- Verify the vehicle starts and shifts smoothly without electrical issues
- Test drive to check for any unintended acceleration or speed control issues
- Inspect tires for uneven wear and verify alignment
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard during operation
- Test the infotainment system and ensure all displays are functioning correctly
2021 Mustang recalls (18)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Mustang. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V979000Dec 16, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E and 2022 Maverick vehicles. The rear seat belt buckles may not be properly attached to the rear floor assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: Improperly attached seat belts may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the rear seat belt buckle attachments, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C36.
- VISIBILITYNHTSA 21V711000Sep 14, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence: A windshield that separates from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C22.
- VISIBILITYNHTSA 21V712000Sep 14, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The vehicle's panoramic roof glass panel may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach.
Consequence: A roof panel that separates from a vehicle can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will apply additional urethane adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S42.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 25V455000Jul 7, 2025
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V687000Oct 13, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Consequence: An overheated high voltage battery contactor can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery junction box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S56. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 22V-412 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V412000Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Consequence: An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the on-board software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S41.
- SUSPENSION, STRUCTURENHTSA 21V140000Mar 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The front subframe bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, which could result in loose bolts.
Consequence: Loose subframe bolts may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front subframe bolts and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S09.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V333000May 13, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The powertrain control module (PCM) functional safety software may fail to detect a software error, resulting in unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power.
Consequence: Unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The PCM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S29.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V689000Oct 10, 2025
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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025
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 SYSTEMNHTSA 23V727000Oct 27, 2023
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 BAGSNHTSA 22V083000Feb 16, 2022
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 BAGSNHTSA 21V980000Dec 16, 2021
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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 25V513000Aug 8, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mach-E vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V777. An Over-The-Air (OTA) update to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may result in a loss of power brake assist, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and driver assistance features.
Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, a disabled antilock brake system and/or stability control system can result in a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ABS calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S81.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESNHTSA 25V404000Jun 13, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Mustang Mach E vehicles. In the event of a low battery charge, the electronic door latches may remain locked once the driver or front passenger exits and shuts the door, possibly trapping someone who is unable to use the inside door release handles, such as a child in the back seat.
Consequence: The inability to enter or exit the vehicle in an emergency increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C (SOBDMC) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to 2021-2025 Mustang Mach-E owners September 12, 2025. Additionally, Owner notification letters were mailed to 2024-2025 Mustang Mach-E owners July 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S65.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V315000May 14, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V130000Feb 28, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-412. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Consequence: An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the on-board software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S14.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 24V777000Oct 18, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mach-E vehicles. An Over-The-Air (OTA) update to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may result in a loss of power brake assist, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and driver assistance features.
Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, a disabled antilock brake system and/or stability control system can result in a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ABS calibration, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S65.
Used-market value
2021 Ford Mustang resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 Ford Mustang on the road
52,384 2021 Ford Mustang units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Ford Mustang stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Ford Mustang
With a 55/100 score against a 79/100 segment average, the 2021 Ford Mustang lands well below typical reliability for its class. That gap signals higher-than-normal buyer exposure to problems over time, especially compared with peers that score closer to the segment norm. Recall activity is elevated, reinforcing that this model year carries more corrective action than most.
Complaint patterns are not confined to a single weak spot. Electrical system reports lead the mix, but powertrain and forward collision avoidance also account for a meaningful share, with additional issues spread across other areas and service brakes. This distribution points to broad system-level variability rather than one isolated trouble area.
Overall, the data supports an elevated reliability risk profile for this model year.
What you get in a 2021 Ford Mustang report
Check a 2021 Ford Mustang now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2021 Ford Mustang — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?
With a 55/100 score against a 79/100 segment average, the 2021 Ford Mustang lands well below typical reliability for its class. That gap signals higher-than-normal buyer exposure to problems over time, especially compared with peers that score closer to the segment norm. Recall activity is elevated, reinforcing that this model year carries more corrective action than most.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
18 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Mustang. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Mustang problems?
The most-reported 2021 Ford Mustang problem areas are: Electrical System (113), Power Train (52), Forward Collision Avoidance (47).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Ford Mustang?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Ford Mustang, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.