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

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecoboost 2dr Convertible | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.7 in | 107.1 in | 62.6 / 65 in | 3,706 lb | 52/48 |
| Ecoboost 2dr Coupe | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.3 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 65 in | 3,543 lb | 52/48 |
| GT 2dr Convertible | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.7 in | 107.1 in | 62.6 / 65 in | 3,891 lb | 54/46 |
| GT 2dr Coupe | 188.2 in | 75.6 in | 54.3 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 65 in | 3,706 lb | 54/46 |
| Shelby Gt500 2dr Coupe | 190.2 in | 76.8 in | 54.3 in | 107.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,182 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | +7% | $2,700 | 356 |
| Mustang | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | +7% | $2,700 | 354 |
| Mustang | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 373 |
| Mustang HO Coupe | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Mustang Convertible | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Mustang Convertible | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -2% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Mustang Convertible | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -2% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Mustang HO Coupe | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 397 |
| Mustang HO Convertible | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Mustang HO Convertible | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -10% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 19 | -19% | $3,550 | 479 |
| Mustang Mach 1 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -23% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -23% | $3,700 | 490 |
| Mustang Convertible | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -23% | $3,700 | 493 |
| Mustang Mach 1 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -27% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Shelby GT500 Mustang | 5.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -40% | $5,850 | 631 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Mustang C RWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 8.1% |
| 2021 Ford Mustang 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.3% |

Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Mustang (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Dodge Challenger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota Avalon | 44 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 24 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.
Not every 2021 Ford Mustang is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Ford Mustang buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2025 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 19 |
| 2024 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 84 |
| 2023 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 15 |
| 2022 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 50 |
| 2020 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 121 |
| 2019 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 151 |
| 2018 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 196 |
| 2017 Mustang | 24 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 268 |
| 2016 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 380 |
| 2015 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 438 |
| 2014 Mustang | 23 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 335 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →