2021 Ford Mustang: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Ford Mustang: 6 recalls, 55 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V980000 · 2021 · 93 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V083000 · 2022 · 327 vehicles
What's wrong: An insufficient weld on the front passenger knee air bag May result in an improper air bag deployment.
Why it matters: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 8, 2022.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V727000 · 2023 · 187,922 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #25V455000 · 2025 · 850,318 vehicles
What's wrong: The low-pressure fuel pump May fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V689000 · 2025 · 2,101 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (10): the most common themes are warning light on (8).
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5), stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (3).
- Engine (8): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are warning light on (3), electrical failure (3), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2021 Ford Mustang has 55 owner complaints, ranking #33 of 37 Mustang model years for complaints (well below the 240 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 5,465 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (120 complaints, 8 recalls), 2022 (50 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 32 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 32 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Ford Mustang.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Mustang problems?
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (10), transmission & drivetrain (9), engine (8).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Mustang get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic (S10)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Ford Mustang repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.