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2021 Ford Mustang

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Ford Mustang
Pictured: Ford Mustang VII GT Rutesheimer Autoschau 2025 DSC 9234. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
Ecoboost 2dr Convertible, Ecoboost 2dr Coupe, GT 2dr Convertible, GT 2dr Coupe
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.2L 8-cyl
Horsepower
310–435 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Seats
4
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 21 city / 32 hwy
Length
188.2–190.2 in
Curb weight
3,543–4,182 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Ford Mustang is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 188 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,706 lb (Ecoboost 2dr Convertible).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 32 highway), 7% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel system.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Mustang — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Mustang →

Trims, performance & features

Engine435 hp5.0L 8-cyl
Engine310 hp2.3L 4-cyl
Engine–5.2L 8-cyl
DriveRWD
Seating4 seats · 2 rows

Trims

GT CoupeI4 CoupeI4 ConvertibleGT ConvertibleShelby GT500 Coupe

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Flatrock, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Mustang configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Ecoboost 2dr Convertible188.2 in75.6 in54.7 in107.1 in62.6 / 65 in3,706 lb52/48
Ecoboost 2dr Coupe188.2 in75.6 in54.3 in107.1 in62.2 / 65 in3,543 lb52/48
GT 2dr Convertible188.2 in75.6 in54.7 in107.1 in62.6 / 65 in3,891 lb54/46
GT 2dr Coupe188.2 in75.6 in54.3 in107.1 in62.2 / 65 in3,706 lb54/46
Shelby Gt500 2dr Coupe190.2 in76.8 in54.3 in107.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,182 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Mustang2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 32 / 25+7%$2,700356
Mustang2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 32 / 25+7%$2,700354
Mustang2.3L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+3%$2,800373
Mustang HO Coupe2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-2%$2,900386
Mustang Convertible2.3L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-2%$2,900386
Mustang Convertible2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-2%$2,900387
Mustang Convertible2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-2%$2,900387
Mustang HO Coupe2.3L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22-6%$3,050397
Mustang HO Convertible2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-6%$3,050404
Mustang HO Convertible2.3L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-10%$3,200415
Mustang5.0L 8-cylAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 24 / 19-19%$3,550479
Mustang Mach 15.0L 8-cylAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-23%$3,700494
Mustang5.0L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 24 / 18-23%$3,700490
Mustang Convertible5.0L 8-cylAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-23%$3,700493
Mustang Mach 15.0L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-27%$3,950523
Shelby GT500 Mustang5.2L 8-cylAutomatic (AM7)Rear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-40%$5,850631
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.4 MPG2021 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Ford Mustang C RWDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★Not ratedNot rated★★★★★8.1%
2021 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.3%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Ford Mustang (this car)25 MPG★★★★★6
2021 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Chevrolet Camaro25 MPG★★★★★4
2021 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2021 Dodge Challenger23 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Toyota Avalon44 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Nissan Maxima24 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (6)

Electrical System › Body Control Module/Bcm · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V689000 · 2,101 vehicles

Problem
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 · Jul 7, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles

Problem
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 · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
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 · Oct 27, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V727000 · 187,922 vehicles

Problem
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 · Feb 16, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V083000 · 327 vehicles

Problem
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 · Dec 16, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V980000 · 93 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Ford Mustang is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

55Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
5,800 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel System, Gasoline10
Power Train9
Engine8
Electrical System6
Unknown Or Other5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Suspension3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/06: 123/10: 223/11: 123/12: 324/05: 224/07: 124/08: 124/09: 124/10: 125/01: 325/03: 325/05: 125/07: 525/08: 125/09: 125/10: 125/11: 125/12: 326/01: 226/02: 226/03: 226/04: 126/05: 226/06: 123/0623/1224/0825/0125/0725/1026/0126/04max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Ford Mustang buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Fuel System, Gasoline — 10 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  3. Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Mustang years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Mustang26189.4 inNot rated58
2025 Mustang26189.4 in★★★★★619
2024 Mustang26189.4 in★★★★★1284
2023 Mustang25188.2 inNot rated615
2022 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★950
2020 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★8121
2019 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★6151
2018 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★3196
2017 Mustang24188.2 in★★★★★6268
2016 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★5380
2015 Mustang25188.2 in★★★★★11438
2014 Mustang23188.2 in★★★★★3335

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →