Home · 2021 Ford Mustang · Complaints

What 55 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Mustang

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (55)Crash / fire / injury (4)Fuel system (15)Transmission & drivetrain (9)Engine (8)Electrical system (6)Brakes (5)Backup camera & sensors (4)Suspension (3)Airbags (2)Engine & cooling (2)Visibility & wipers (2)

Newest first · 55 complaints · page 2 of 3

Mar 14, 2025Engine

Vehicle engine is noisy with grinding sounds coming from lower side of engine, can be heard at idle speeds plus popping, ticking. Engine has no power, smells like raw fuel. Engine internal problems exist at 46,000 miles. Vehicle feels like will stall any minute. Ford engine V8 GT Fastback, Ford Mustang. Engine internal parts grinding, popping and ticking sounds from engine while running. Under warranty but dealer is not honoring warranty. Nielsen Ford, Morristown, NJ.

NHTSA ODI 11648411

Jan 21, 2025Engine

Purge valve has gone out multiple times, replaced multiple times. Very bad randomly occurring idle

NHTSA ODI 11637519

Jan 16, 2025Suspension

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.

NHTSA ODI 11636354

Jan 9, 2025Airbags

Light keeps coming up for restraint warning for airbags not working properly

NHTSA ODI 11635052

Oct 19, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

At idle the engine idles roughly and rotates randomly at speeds from 300 to 900 RPM. When starting from a stop such as a traffic light or when pulling onto a roadway hesitation is often noted and on several occasions this has resulted in near accidents as the vehicle won't proceed as required to move through an intersection.

NHTSA ODI 11620825

Sep 26, 2024Suspension

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

NHTSA ODI 11616555

Aug 22, 2024Wheels

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.

NHTSA ODI 11610255

Jul 16, 2024SteeringCrash1 injury

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.

NHTSA ODI 11602670

May 23, 2024Airbags

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.

NHTSA ODI 11590389

May 2, 2024Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11586633

Dec 21, 2023Electrical systemFuel system

Check engine light keeps coming on even after dealer says it is fixed. Keeps throwing codes evaporative emission system problem.

NHTSA ODI 11561274

Dec 5, 2023Electrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V727000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was 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.

NHTSA ODI 11558588

Dec 5, 2023Electrical systemSpeed controlBrakes

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.

NHTSA ODI 11558589

Nov 1, 2023Brakes

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.

NHTSA ODI 11553004

Oct 5, 2023Backup camera & sensors

Rear view camera is not working and the infotainment display is freezes up every time after starting the vehicle. The entire infotainment system is inoperable until next ignition cycle. The key SAFTEY concerns is rear view camera doesn't work at all. This is huge issue to drive and park the car safely. Problem is happening for past one month and could not able to use the vehicle safely. Ford service is very bad and cant event schedule a service to check the issue. trying all options. This problem has been happening for 3-4 months intermittently and past 6 weeks its happening always.

NHTSA ODI 11548399

Oct 2, 2023SuspensionEngine

Catastrophic engine failure while driving at highway speeds in dense traffic led to seized engine and highly dangerous situation. Root cause wasn't determined due to volume of damage. Three pistons, rods, and crankshaft where shattered beyond recognition along with a cracked block. Engine was highly maintained and showed no signs of failure prior. Completely torn differential bushings around the bolt sleeve with low mileage and roughly a year and a half from build date. Personal research shows that this is a highly common issues that remains unaddressed by Ford and safety agencies.

NHTSA ODI 11547876

Jun 3, 2023Brakes

The front brakes grab suddenly during low speed braking under about 6 mph causing the car to jerk to a stop. The front brakes will lock up when coming to a stop at higher speeds at about 25 mph if the car is downshifting gears. The low speed issue happens for about 80 percent of the stops and the higher speed braking issue is hit or miss. There are no warning lights indicated on the dash. I took the car into the dealership with about 3000 miles on it. The dealership said they could not duplicate, it was just how abs works and that I needed to drive more miles and it would go away. I put the pick up date for my car as the incident date but as this is a current and ongoing issue it is every date.

NHTSA ODI 11525206

May 18, 2023Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemCrash1 injury

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. The contact then stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the launch control feature was inadvertently activated, causing the contact to lose control of the steering wheel, the vehicle to make a 360-degree turn in the middle of the intersection, and the contact to crash onto the sidewalk. The contact had to receive medical attention and sustained a broken wrist and torn ligament. The vehicle was towed to Sunrise Ford(16005 Valley Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335); however, the mechanic advised for body repairs to be done first, and the vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where the tires, rims, and spoiler were replaced. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and after the vehicle was towed back to the dealer, the failures could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11522730

Mar 2, 2023Transmission & 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 dealer wants to repeat the same repair they tried in visit #2, new valve body. -Transmission failed. dealership says valve body but the new one is broken also. waiting on the 3rd one for this car. Possibly available for inspection; it is at dealership. -Random lurching at low speeds and power loss on the highway are my safety concerns. -Dealer found the issue and attempted repair. -Manufacturer, police or insurance have not inspected. I have a ticket open with Ford currently. -Warning lamps? not on the 1st visit. yes, when I lost power on the highway but the light came on well after the issue was apparent with smoke behind me. 3rd visit, no warning lamps.

NHTSA ODI 11509876

Jan 19, 2023Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the pre-collision sensor alert warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was concerned that the sensor had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there would be a fee for the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

NHTSA ODI 11502691

Dec 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

After slight acceleration and then light braking vehicle wants to lunge forward and is a outright safety hazard in 3 separate incidents it almost caused an accident and one was a pedestrian, fors is well aware of this vehicles incidents and well documented by text from dealer acknowledging such incidents

NHTSA ODI 11499594

Dec 16, 2022BrakesCrash

The contact leased a 2021 Ford Mustang from an Enterprise rental company. The contact stated while driving approximately 3-5 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond, lunged forward, and hit the rear of the vehicle before him. The contact stated that it was a fender-bender; however, the front of the vehicle sustained damage. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact did not sustain injuries. The occupants of the other vehicle did not sustain injuries. There was no police report filed. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was returned to Enterprise rental company. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The VIN was unavailable. .

NHTSA ODI 11497775

Nov 9, 2022Engine & cooling

The exhaust pipes on this model like stainless steel knives. Please consider a repair or sleeve to prevent future mishaps. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11492853

Nov 3, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle bucks at low speed after putting in drive and when driving during downshift, on 4 occasions I almost hit my wife's vehicle during low speed bucking with the trans

NHTSA ODI 11492196

Aug 16, 2022Crash

Lane departure lane assist failed along with the blind spot and viper visibllity caused me to crash my vehicle. Insurance refusing to fix. This need to be investigated. I don’t remember the impact my insurnace is accusing me of lying and won’t fix the car but I just got it.

NHTSA ODI 11479487

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Working with the data? Download all 55 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Ford Mustang verdict →