The Lemon Index2021 Ford Mustang.
The 2021 Ford Mustang is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 26 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 49, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 18 to 25 mpg combined. The best Ford Mustang year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2015–2023 Ford Mustang, 69.7M views. The 2021 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical777K views
DIY - 2017/2016 Ford Mustang - How to change SmartKey Key fob Battery on Ford MustangKey Fob Rob · 506K views · 2 videos - Timing chain & engine289K views
Watch This Guide BEFORE You Buy A 2020 Ford Mustang!TFLnow · 289K views - Windows, doors & mirrors202K views
2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible Soft Top Open CloseLoonyGarage · 202K views
Before you buy, watch
Should You Buy a 2018 Mustang GT Over a 2013 Mustang GT? - Which is Better? (In Depth Comparison)ThatDudeinBlue · 576K views
Ford Mustang coupe 2015-2018 review - CarbuyerCarbuyer · 331K views
Ford Mustang V8 Sports Car 2018 review | Mat Watson Reviewscarwow · 2.0M viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 55 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Mustang year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 42K miles on the car (20 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- electrical 2025
The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low.
- fuel system, gasoline 2025
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
- back over prevention 2025
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.
Show all 6 recalls
- electrical 2023
The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low.
- airbags 2022
An insufficient weld on the front passenger knee air bag may result in an improper air bag deployment.
- airbags 2021
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 150 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Ticking noise at idle
- Transmission fluid leak caused by improperly seated
- Transmission fluid leak caused by improperly seated
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang C RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Ford Mustang GT500 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Check engine light keeps coming on even after dealer says it is fixed. Keeps throwing codes evaporative emission system problem.
2021 Ford Mustang owner · NHTSA complaint 11561274
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Mustang year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Mustang problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (19%), electrical (15%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
6 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Mustang get?
18 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Mustang problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 42,200 miles. The middle report was at 5,500 miles, from 20 complaints.
Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Ford Mustang cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
What Ford Mustang year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2021 and 2022.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works