MODEL
Ford Mustang Gt350r Safety
NHTSA safety across every Ford Mustang Gt350r model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Ford Mustang Gt350r we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2019 at 89 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 86. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Ford Mustang GT350R is a track-focused, high-performance coupe built for driving enthusiasts who want a road-legal car that genuinely belongs on a circuit. Sitting at the top of the Shelby Mustang hierarchy for its era, it pairs an iconic American muscle pedigree with serious aerodynamic and chassis upgrades. MotorCaliber covers the 2019 and 2020 model years, examining how this focused performance machine holds up under safety scrutiny.
The 2019 Ford Mustang GT350R achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating in every crash-test category, including frontal, side, and rollover assessments. This perfect score for rollover resistance is a notable result for a low-slung, rear-wheel-drive performance coupe. Its overall Best NHTSA Safety Index score of 89 out of 100 places the vehicle firmly within the Strong band. Further underscoring its safety performance, the 2019 GT350R, alongside the 2020 model, has no NHTSA-mandated recalls on record. This absence of recalls is significant for a high-performance variant, where specialized components or calibrations can often lead to corrective actions. However, the vehicle has accumulated 224 owner complaints across both model years. While these are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects, the volume warrants attention for a specialized, low-production vehicle. Of these, 16 complaints allege crashes, 5 involve fire, and 9 report injuries. The fire-related complaints, in particular, should prompt prospective buyers to review the specific narratives within NHTSA's database for further investigation.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Mustang GT350R as one of the most capable and rewarding American performance cars of its generation, praising its high-revving engine character, track-tuned chassis, and aggressive aerodynamics. Most acknowledge it demands an experienced driver to fully exploit, and some note its firm ride makes it a demanding daily companion outside of performance settings.
- The 2019 GT350R earns a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100 with perfect 5-star ratings across all three crash-test categories, including rollover, which is an exceptional result for a rear-wheel-drive performance coupe.
- Neither the 2019 nor the 2020 model year carries any NHTSA recalls, a clean record that is notable for a low-volume, high-performance variant and gives buyers one less formal safety concern to investigate.
- Owner complaints across both model years total 224, including 5 fire-related allegations and 16 reported crashes. These are unverified, but prospective buyers should review the individual complaint narratives on NHTSA's public database, particularly the fire-related entries, before committing to a purchase.
- As a track-optimized coupe with specialized tires, aerodynamic bodywork, and a performance-tuned suspension, the GT350R's real-world safety margin is closely tied to driver skill and maintenance discipline. Buyers should factor in proper tire upkeep and familiarity with high-performance driving dynamics as part of their ownership safety plan.