2021 Ford Mustang: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 373 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and automatic emergency braking. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 373
- Recalls
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 17
- 11 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 Ford Mustang: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/5
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Mustang is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Ford Mustang. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | RWD | 25 mpg |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | RWD | 19 mpg |
- The 2021 Ford Mustang was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Mustang that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Sudden shutdown, no-start
600–21,000 miles
Brake vibration, warped rotors
12,000–42,000 miles
Front camera fault
30,000–40,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Ford Mustang, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical1132 crashes
The car loses power, refuses to start, or shuts down while driving. Warnings such as "Service Vehicle Soon" or "Battery service" often come first. Reports point to the 12-volt battery and to the high-voltage battery junction box, which is now under recall, and some cars sit at dealers for weeks. In another common failure, the front camera cuts in and out and then quits, which disables collision warning, lane departure and adaptive cruise. One report puts the start near 30,000 miles. Rear camera faults also appear. Filings include 2 crashes, 1 injury, and 1 fire involving a home charger plug.
Transmission521 crash
Sudden loss of propulsion is the main complaint. Warning lights or a "Shift System Fault" message appear, then the car locks in park and cannot be pushed, sometimes in an intersection or at highway speed. Dealers replace the high-voltage battery junction box or apply software updates, and some failures come back within weeks. On the gas Mustang, reports about the 10R80 automatic describe harsh, jerky shifts, unexpected drops into neutral, and lunging or bucking at low speed. Unintended acceleration also appears, including 1 crash with 2 injuries.
Automatic emergency braking482 crashes
A "Front Camera Fault" or "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" message appears, often after hitting bumps. It starts out intermittent and later stays on for good. When it does, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise and BlueCruise all shut off. Reported onset falls around 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Dealers update software or replace the camera, but the fault often returns, and repairs outside warranty are quoted at $4K+. Reports cite service bulletins and a pinched camera cable. Two crash reports describe sudden acceleration around a pre-collision warning, and one involved 3 injuries.
Brakes182 crashes
The steering wheel shakes and the brakes pulse when stopping from 40 to 50 mph. Dealers trace this to warped rotors and worn pads and replace them again and again. Ford calls it wear and tear, so later repairs, quoted at $1300, can fall on the owner. Other reports describe front brakes grabbing at low speed, one-pedal drive switching off after the junction box recall, parking brake faults, and loss of power brake assist. Two crash reports, one with an injury, say the car did not slow when the brake pedal was pressed.
Acceleration and cruise control174 crashes
Unintended acceleration is the main complaint and accounts for 4 crash reports, one with an injury. The cars surge into a building wall, a house or other vehicles while parking, reversing or sitting at a light. Other reports describe cruise control jumping to a higher speed, the car lurching when one-pedal drive faults out, and drive modes changing on their own after a software update. The front camera fault also shows up here. When it hits, adaptive cruise and lane centering disengage, sometimes with hard braking at highway speed.
Steering151 crash
Most filings here describe failures of the high-voltage battery junction box. Propulsion cuts out at highway speed and takes power steering and power brakes with it. Cars also fail to start or lock owners out after fast charging. Several reports cite recall 22S41 and argue that the software fix does not repair contactor damage that has already happened. Other reports describe the wheel veering right at highway speed, which caused one crash with an injury. Steering oscillation, violent wheel vibration from warped rotors, and erratic BlueCruise behavior also appear.
Wipers and visibility11No crashes
Most reports involve windshield recall 21V711000, sometimes along with 21V712000, and describe no actual failure. Parts are not available, dealers refuse or delay the work, or owners are told to pay for windshield work first. One owner found water on the driver's seat from poor windshield adhesion at about 44,000 miles. Reports on the gas Mustang include convertible rear windows that fail to close and a rear-view mirror that vibrates above 50 mph. One door fault produced smoke from the window.
Fuel system81 crash
After a short stop, the car will not start or shift out of park, shows "Stop Safely Now," and has to be towed. Dealers trace this to the high-voltage battery junction box or the battery energy control module. Some cars had recall 22S41 done before the failure. Other reports say recall 22V412 work was blocked by a module shortage or halted by Ford. One gas Mustang stalled at highway speed and set low fuel pressure codes. One crash involved unintended acceleration while parking in a garage.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Mustang owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Front Camera Fault & Pre-Collision Assist Not Available Errors COLLISION WARN MALFUNCTION, COLLISION WARN NOT AVAILABLE or COLLISION WARN DISPLAY FAULT. Over 30k miles in the car so the warranty is over for bumper to bumper coverage. Dealer said an update would fix the issue. It cost 2k. Paid. The error came back within a day. Dealer says the next option is to replace all the wiring for the cameras. Which would be another 2-3k.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
Front camera stopped working after a long period of working intermittently (started to happen after passing warranty at 30,000 miles). Without that camera many safety features are disabled, like a front collision warning, lane departure, cruise control with adoptive speed, emergency breaking. The cable and processor issue was confirmed by Ford dealership service.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
After reversing, I changed the gear to drive and then the car suddenly accelerated and continued doing so. I was about to crash into another car until I pressed the brake when the car came to a stop. This is the second or third time this has happened with the most recent instance being most concerning as the speed was increasing with time. I did not have my foot on the accelerator during this time nor was the car in cruise control.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2024
Shortly after entering the freeway on August 18, 2023, my vehicle experienced a powertrain malfunction and displayed a Service Vehicle Soon warning light along with a vehicle with an exclamation point light and a wrench light. Motive power was reduced. I received a Diagnostic Test Code of P0ADA, indicating that there was a hybrid powertrain fault. The dealer has confirmed the code and is ordering a replacement part.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
I was driving on the highway when the car gave me an error saying that the front camera is faulty and the collision warning system was giving an error. This stopped my cruise control and lane departure settings. I had just got my car back from Ford for this issue where they replaced a $7000 computer part and said it was fixed. This issue has been happening since I purchased the car in Dec 2024.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
While driving and hitting a bump I will get a message in the driver's display stating Forward collision assist unavailable. This causes almost all of the ADAS features to stop working including cruise control and blue cruise. This is very dangerous! There is a huge thread on this issue at the macheforum.com. The issue needs to be addressed by Ford Motor Company in a recall.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2023
All 4 brake rotors warped at once. Had vehicle serviced for 10000 mile evaluation which included rotating tires and checking brake only 6 weeks earlier. Only drove car additional 200 miles since service. All rotors warped at once without excessive braking, heat or water.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
While driving, the service parking brake system alert displayed. The parking brake when I entered a parking lot no longer functioned and displayed an error on the dash. The vehicle had to be repaired before the parking brake became functional again.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
How the 2021 compares with other Mustang years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Mustang years we cover, about 4.1 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical11322
- Transmission5216
- Automatic emergency braking481
- Brakes183
- Acceleration and cruise control172
- Steering154
Where the 2021 fits in the Mustang's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the seventh model year of the Mustang's sixth generation (2015–2023).
It includes the 2018 update.
What changed for 2018
- Minor exterior redesign
- Engine lineup revised, dropping V6
- Increase in horsepower for EcoBoost V8
Recalls to confirm (18)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V689000ElectricalOct 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.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
25V513000BrakesAug 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
25V455000Fuel systemJul 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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
25V442000Backup cameraJun 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
25V404000ElectricalJun 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.
Risk: The inability to enter or exit the vehicle in an emergency increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
25V315000Backup cameraMay 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.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
25V130000ElectricalFeb 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.
Risk: An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
24V777000BrakesOct 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
23V727000ElectricalOct 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.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
23V687000ElectricalOct 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.
Risk: An overheated high voltage battery contactor can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
22V412000ElectricalJun 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Risk: An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
22V333000Acceleration and cruise controlMay 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.
Risk: Unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
22V083000AirbagsFeb 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.
Risk: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V979000Seat beltsDec 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.".
Risk: Improperly attached seat belts may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
21V980000AirbagsDec 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.".
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V711000Wipers and visibilitySep 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.".
Risk: A windshield that separates from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
21V712000Wipers and visibilitySep 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.
Risk: A roof panel that separates from a vehicle can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
21V140000SuspensionMar 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.
Risk: Loose subframe bolts may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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