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2021 Ford Mustang

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Mustang do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 81.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

20 reports with mileage · 35 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

8 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2026
EnginePower Train

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.

NHTSA ODI #11722624

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

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 neutr…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11682840

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2025
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that afte…

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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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after storing the vehicle in storage for the winter and connecting a battery retainer, the check engine warning light temporarily illuminated for one day. The dealer was contacted and was unsure when parts would be available. The contact called another dealer, Evansville Ford (428 N Union Rd, Evansville, WI 53536); who was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11675387

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

My 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is currently experiencing an ongoing issue with the EVAP purge valve, a critical emissions component. The vehicle suffers from stuttering, rough idle, and a check engine light, especially immediately after refueling, where the engine has stalled multiple times—posing a serious safety risk during tra…

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My 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is currently experiencing an ongoing issue with the EVAP purge valve, a critical emissions component. The vehicle suffers from stuttering, rough idle, and a check engine light, especially immediately after refueling, where the engine has stalled multiple times—posing a serious safety risk during traffic re-entry and acceleration.The purge valve has not been replaced, and the issue remains unresolved. I contacted Ford Customer Relations and three separate Ford dealerships, all of which refused to service the vehicle under warranty, despite the fact that it is still covered under the federal emissions warranty (8 years/80,000 miles) and the powertrain warranty.This refusal contradicts federal warranty guidelines, as the purge valve is clearly part of the evaporative emissions control system. The failure disrupts vapor flow and fuel trim stability, leading to erratic engine behavior and emissions system malfunction.I previously owned another Ford Mustang EcoBoost while living in a different part of the state, and that vehicle experienced the exact same purge valve issue, including stalling after refueling and triggering the check engine light. This recurring failure across multiple vehicles suggests a design flaw or supplier defect that Ford has failed to address.There are hundreds of documented complaints and videos online, including on YouTube and Mustang forums, showing other owners experiencing the same purge valve failure and warranty denial. This suggests a systemic issue that Ford is aware of but continues to ignore.I believe this issue warrants investigation for warranty non-compliance, emissions system reliability, and potential recall consideration due to the safety and environmental risks involved.

NHTSA ODI #11672874

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2025
Engine

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 gri…

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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

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2025
Engine

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

NHTSA ODI #11637519

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2023
EngineSuspension

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 sign…

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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

700 miles · Jun 15, 2022
Engine

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 reprogramm…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11469341

Official recalls

6

25V689000 · Electrical System:body Control Module/bcm

Oct 10, 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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. 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.

25V455000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jul 7, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Jun 27, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

23V727000 · Electrical System:body Control Module/bcm

Oct 27, 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.

22V083000 · Air Bags:knee Bolster

Feb 16, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

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. Ford's number for this recall is 22S07.

21V980000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain

Dec 16, 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C37.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.