MODEL
Ford Mustang GT 500
NHTSA safety across every Ford Mustang GT 500 model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Ford Mustang GT 500 we cover (2022 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 92 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 80. 9 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a high-performance muscle coupe sitting at the pinnacle of the Mustang lineup, aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who demand serious power alongside genuine track capability. Built for buyers who want an uncompromising American performance machine, the GT500 competes in a narrow segment of supercharged, street-legal performance coupes. Our coverage spans the 2022 and 2023 model years.
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 puts up genuinely impressive safety numbers for a vehicle in this performance-focused segment. The 2023 model earns a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 92 out of 100, landing in the Exceptional band, with the 2022 model rating Strong. Crash-test results are about as good as it gets, with the best year delivering five stars across frontal, side, and rollover categories. For a low-slung, rear-wheel-drive performance coupe pushing serious horsepower, those rollover and side scores are particularly noteworthy and speak well of the structural engineering. The less comfortable part of the GT500 safety picture is its recall count. Nine recalls across just two model years is a meaningful number, and shoppers should verify their specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase or delivery. Recalls are not inherently dangerous once remedied, but the volume here warrants attention and prompt action. Owner complaints total 48 across the covered years, including 3 reported crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the fire report in particular deserves a careful look given the GT500's high-output supercharged engine and the heat loads that come with track-style driving. Bottom line: the GT500 earns its Exceptional safety rating in controlled crash testing, but the recall volume and fire complaint mean prospective buyers should do their homework before signing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the GT500 as a stunning performance achievement, praising its supercharged power delivery, chassis composure, and the sense of occasion it provides. Most acknowledge it is a specialized, demanding machine rather than an everyday driver, and they tend to highlight its track-ready character as both its greatest strength and a factor that requires a committed, experienced owner.
- The 2023 GT500 earns a 92 out of 100 MotorCaliber Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, with five-star NHTSA crash-test results across frontal, side, and rollover categories.
- Nine recalls across the 2022 and 2023 model years is an elevated figure for a two-year window. Buyers should run their VIN through the NHTSA recall database and confirm all open recalls have been remedied before taking delivery.
- Owner complaints include one reported fire across the covered model years. While this is an unverified allegation, it is worth discussing with a dealer and monitoring given the GT500's high-output supercharged powertrain and the heat stress associated with spirited or track-style driving.
- With 48 total owner complaints logged, including 3 reported crashes and 2 injuries, the GT500 carries more reported incident activity than many vehicles in its sales volume range. Shoppers should review current NHTSA complaint filings for their target model year before purchasing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Ford Mustang GT 500 with 9 recalls.