Most common 2021 Ford Mustang problems
Share of the 55 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Mustang complaints by model year
Best Mustang years: 2023, 2025, 2021. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2015, 1995, 2005. Compare all years →
2021 Ford Mustang recalls (6)
Electrical system › Body control module/BCM
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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.
Back over prevention › Software
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…
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.
Electrical system › Body control module/BCM
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."
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.
Air bags › Knee bolster
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.
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.
Air bags › Side/window › Curtain
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.
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.
What 2021 Ford Mustang owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
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 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 pulling over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove slowly to the destination. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed 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 made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,700.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the vehicle new, the engine experienced random misfire, causing the vehicle to lose motive power and acceleration. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who reprogrammed the engine computer and replaced the camshaft sensor however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 700.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang GT500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering as the instrument cluster went blank and the charging system error warning message was illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Battery Save Mode, Pull Over, and Turn Car Off and On" message was illuminated. The contact had pulled over to turn off the vehicle and was able to restart. The failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failures could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that the suspension error warning message was illuminated. …
Transmission & drivetrain
1st dealer visit: at low speeds car acted like it was in neutral and then surged when trying to accelerate. Dealer said they corrected the issue. they did not. 2nd dealer visit: car was still doing the same as number 1. While on the highway with cruise control set at 75 mph, I lost power and smoke started billowing from under the car. transmission was shifting erratically, went into limp mode and i made it off the highway to call a tow truck. Dealer said they repaired the issue. 3rd dealer visit: car is still doing the same as number 1. now the car is also very jerky in 3, 5, 8 gears. I almost ran into my own car while parking due to the random lunging. It hesitates and stumbles in most gears and I have no confidence when pulling out onto a street or trying to pass on the highway. It shifts extremely hard from 4th to 5th gear; feels like I ran over something or got rear ended. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang GT500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering as the instrument cluster went blank and the charging system error warning message was illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Battery Save Mode, Pull Over, and Turn Car Off and On" message was illuminated. The contact had pulled over to turn off the vehicle and was able to restart. The failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failures could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that the suspension error warning message was illuminated. …
2021 Ford Mustang engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 21 / 32 / 25 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 24 / 19 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
| 5.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 7-speed dual-clutch | RWD | 12 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang a good car?
Based on 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Mustang rates better than average: 66% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mustang at the same age. It is one of the best Mustang years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford Mustang?
The fuel & propulsion system — 15 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (10) and transmission & drivetrain (9).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2021 Ford Mustang, the most recent from October 10, 2025 (body control module/bcm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Mustang?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2025 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011, 2015, 1995 and 2005. See the full Ford Mustang years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Mustang problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 6,000 miles; 90% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.