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2021 Ford Mustang problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Ford Mustang has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 55owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 2injuries reported
55 complaints, against an average of 202 for the other 14 Ford Mustang model years.
Every Ford Mustang model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2021 Ford Mustang? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2021 Ford Mustang?
The components named most often in the 55 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Ford Mustang owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 55 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2021 Ford Mustang idle rough, misfire or hesitate?12 owners · 21.8%
- Why does my 2021 Ford Mustang stall, lose power or shut off while driving?9 owners · 16.4% · Recall 25V455000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Ford Mustang?9 owners · 16.4%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2021 Ford Mustang?4 owners · 7.3% · Recall 25V442000
- Why does my 2021 Ford Mustang accelerate unexpectedly or surge?3 owners · 5.5%
- Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have emissions system or DPF problems?3 owners · 5.5%
Fault codes 2021 Ford Mustang owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2021 Ford Mustang been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Body Control Module/Bcm 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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: 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.
Back Over Prevention: Software 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.
Electrical System: Body Control Module/Bcm 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.
Air Bags: Knee Bolster 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.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain 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.
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA25S75 Cross Carline - Low Pressure Fuel Pump Potential Failure
Risk: Affected vehicles may have an issue with the fuel lift pump that could cause the engine to stall.
Fix: Update the Power Control Module software.
UK DVSA26C16 Mustang - Lane Keeping System Software Update
Risk: According to Ford’s records certain Mustang vehicles may not have the remedy for Compliance Recall 21C11 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct software update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition may still exist therefore these vehicles may still have the incorrect software loaded for the Lane Keeping System (LKS). On affected vehicles not having the latest Lane Keeping System (LKS) software may lead to non-compliance with the current regulations relating to Hands-On-Off (HOO) chime requirements that became effective from April 1 2021. Dealers will update the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) and the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) to the latest available software level free of charge.
Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) and the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) to the latest available software level free of charge.
UK DVSA25S92 Mustang - Potential Seat Belt Anchor Pretensioner Issue
Risk: Affected vehicles may experience corrosion that can weaken or detach the seatbelt anchor pretensioner cables for both front seats. A corroded pretensioner cable may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash.
Fix: Replacement parts are not yet available. If corrosion is detected dealers will provide the affected customer with a rental car until replacement seat belt pretensioner parts are available to be installed.
UK DVSAMustang Brake Fluid Level Indicator Update
Risk: The software repair for a previous recall may not have been properly delivered to the vehicle. The underlying noncompliance specified in the recall still exists and customers will not receive a warning if there is a reduction in brake fluid below the recommended level in the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir.
Fix: Update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software and / or replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAFrozen Rearview Camera Screen
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a potential software issue causing the rear-view camera not to function as intended.
Fix: Update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software to the latest level.
UK DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSASome Mustang vehicles have a brake system warning lamp in the vehicle s instrument cluster which may not illuminate if the brake fluid is…Some Mustang vehicles have a brake system warning lamp in the vehicle s instrument cluster which may not illuminate if the brake fluid is depleted from the brake fluid reservoir.
Risk: Some Mustang vehicles have a brake system warning lamp in the vehicle's instrument cluster which may not illuminate if the brake fluid is depleted from the brake fluid reservoir.
Fix: Software update
UK DVSAFaulted signal sent by the powertrain control module
Risk: Various driver assist systems may stop functioning under certain conditions due to a faulted signal sent by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Fix: Reprogram the PCM to the latest available level.
EU Safety GateThe wrong software for the power steering control module (PSCM) may have been installed.The steering wheel can perform autonomous movements when the driver attempts to steer, as the electric power steering (EPAS) provides unintended steering assistance. Unintended steering assistance may lead to loss of control over the vehicle while driving and thus to an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe front passenger's knee airbag may malfunction, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe brake-pedal support bracket may not be sufficiently robust and could break in the event of very hard emergency braking.This may lead to a loss of braking performance, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2021 Ford Mustang owners report?
12 of the 55 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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…
The backup camera goes blank and says to contact Ford
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…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The vehicle had stalled several times. The vehicle was able to restart, and the loss of automotive power was intermittent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part was not yet available. The contact called a local dealer and the manufacturer several times and was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that in May 2025, there was a misfire in the engine after refueling with warm fuel. The check engine warning light was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and associated the misfire with the recall. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated and the engine misfired, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that there was a recall associated with the VIN under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was advised by the dealer that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The…
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…
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.
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…
Vehicle stalled while pulling into traffic from apartment driveway.
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.
2021 Ford Mustang: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Mustang; the most common categories were fuel system (10, 18.2%), gasoline (10, 18.2%), power train (9, 16.4%). There are 6 safety recalls. 4 complaints mention a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Mustang?
Across 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are fuel system (18.2% of complaints), gasoline (18.2% of complaints), power train (16.4% of complaints), engine (14.5% of complaints), electrical system (10.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Ford Mustang; the most recent (campaign 25V689000, 2025-10-10) concerns Electrical System: Body Control Module/Bcm. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Ford Mustang idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
12 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang (21.8%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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 complaint 11722624, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Ford Mustang stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
9 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang (16.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 25V455000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump). 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. One owner wrote: "At highway speed (60-65mph), in 6th gear, cruise control activated, the car began to surge and stall and loose power. Applying more throttle to maintain speed did not help. Pulled to roadside and engine stalled. No check engine light at that time." (NHTSA complaint 11715437, February 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Ford Mustang?
9 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang (16.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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 complaint 11722624, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2021 Ford Mustang?
4 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang (7.3%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. A related recall exists: campaign 25V442000 (back over prevention: software). The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11548399, October 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Ford Mustang accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
3 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang (5.5%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "At highway speed (60-65mph), in 6th gear, cruise control activated, the car began to surge and stall and loose power. Applying more throttle to maintain speed did not help. Pulled to roadside and engine stalled. No check engine light at that time." (NHTSA complaint 11715437, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have emissions system or DPF problems?
3 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang (5.5%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "Check engine light keeps coming on even after dealer says it is fixed. Keeps throwing codes evaporative emission system problem." (NHTSA complaint 11561274, December 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Mustang
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for MUSTANG and MUSTANG GT500. How these reports are made.