2021 Ford Mustang Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Mustang, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1524.2%
- Engine1016.1%
- Powertrain (other)914.5%
- Driver assistance69.7%
- Electrical69.7%
- Brakes58.1%
- Suspension34.8%
- Visibility23.2%
- Airbags23.2%
- Seat belts11.6%
- Steering11.6%
- Body & structure11.6%
- Other / unspecified11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle, VIN [XXX], is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V455 (Ford Recall 25S75) involving a defective low-pressure fuel pump that may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, or engine stalling. This recall was announced in July 2025 and remains open on the NHTSA VIN lookup as of June 2026. More than eleven months have passed since the recall was announced, and Ford has not provided a repair remedy for my vehicle. I believe this is an unreasonable delay for a safety-related defect. In addition, the recall previously appeared in the FordPass application associated with my vehicle but no longer appears there, even though both the NHTSA and Ford recall website VIN lookup continues to show the recall as open. This discrepancy creates confusion regarding the status of the recall and whether Ford is actively notifying affected owners. I am concerned that my vehicle remains subject to a known safety defect without an available repair and request that NHTSA review Ford’s handling of Recall 25V455, the prolonged delay in providing a remedy, and the inconsistency between Ford’s customer-facing systems and the NHTSA recall database. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
A steady Check Engine Light came on after starting the car; brought it to Ford Dealer of Montebello and they stated coolant leak and got into one of the cylinders that caused misfires.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
A steady Check Engine Light came on after starting the car; brought it to Ford Dealer of Montebello and they stated coolant leak and got into one of the cylinders that caused misfires.
Vehicle stalled while pulling into traffic from apartment driveway.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The backup camera goes blank and says to contact Ford
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera display glitched and switched between a black and a blue colored screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Rear camara is inconsistent but lately works 25% of the time.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Failure to repair NHTSA Recall Number 23V727 Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR MAY NOT ILLUMINATE IF THE BRAKE FLUID IS DEPLETED FROM THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. Safety Risk THIS MAY RESULT IN NO BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID IS BELOW THE RECOMMENDED LEVEL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received a notification through a ride sharing app that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: Awaiting# (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a popping sound coming from the front driver's and passenger's side wheel wells. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while making a turn or while reversing. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer where it was diagnosed with failed front strut seats. The contact was informed that the strut seats needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had started shortly after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,130.
I had to put 3 sets of tires on my car by 50,000 miles. The Ford company told me to go to an alignment specialist because without putting some sort of aftermarket part on my car they can't properly align it and they are tired of fooling with it. I had taken my car for a regular 25,000 mile service, and my tires were so bad that the Ford company would not allow me to leave without rotating the tires. They told me that new tires are soft and not good quality really, they are for selling the car so they are soft rubber. They also told me i had to drive fast because its a muscle car and it would squatt upon going fast making the tires contact the road more even. After getting new, more premium tires and driving another 25,000 miles and the same thing happened at my 50,000 mile service, I started investigating and other year models have this same problem (years 15-23). I am in a situation where I have to put aftermarket parts on my car and potentially void my warranties and pay out of my own pocket. I have had an alignment 4 times and they say it is within specs but at the same time they say I do not have any camber adjustment left to prevent this problem. Ford makes an adjustable cam plate that is 410$ and another 480$ labor plus tax is almost a thousand dollars. Plus another realignment. This is not fair for a new car. I had to research myself and it was most definitely a safety concern. If I hadn't went right on time, I could have had a blow out. My tires have been properly rotated, and not driven in some bad way. It is also an environmental problem because I am throwing away perfectly good tires that are worn thru on the insides
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked while closing the convertible top, the driver’s side rear window failed to close. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred to the rear passenger’s side window when the vehicle was first purchased and was repaired under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective driver’s side rear window power motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,800.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 50 MPH, the rear-view mirror would vibrate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the mirror was replaced three times. Additionally, the mechanic installed a new driveshaft; however, failure persisted. The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that the vibration was a characteristic of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Light keeps coming up for restraint warning for airbags not working properly
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the onboard App diagnosed the vehicle and related the failure with the air bags knee bolster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V083000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side seat belts would remain positioned on the occupant’s neck area instead of the shoulder region. The contacted stated that after securing the seat belts, the strap would move from the occupant’s shoulder area and rest on the occupant’s neck. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 10.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel independently veered in the right direction causing the contact to crash into a barrier without warning. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact sought medical attention and was treated for lacerations and bruising to the left eye. A CT scan was also performed which ruled out any further injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a local dealer where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E055000(Steering) which was linked to the failure. The failure mileage was 5,800.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver door opened to secondary latch position while driving on the highway at 70mph on 5/16/2026. The warning system came on and driver had to navigate holding the door and stopping safely during high speed traffic to close the door. Will take to dealership when next available opening day. No accident or police were involved. Driver found older warning affecting same year,make,model for recall but unsure if problem was corrected before purchase or if this vin# was included in recall campaign. Campaign 21N10.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
After owning the car for 3 years and putting a little under 50K miles on the vehicle, I have had to change my tires twice now because the inner tread would go bald after 20k miles or so. I had to alignment checked and the dealership said it was within spec. I have kept up with the tire rotations as well and the suspension and shocks are working as well. I believe the problem is that the camber/toe in and toe out specs are too wide that it allows for the tires to wear unevenly.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .