MODEL
Ford Mustang Gt350r
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 Ford Mustang GT350R puts up an impressive safety scorecard for a car primarily engineered around performance. The 2019 model earns a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, landing firmly in the Strong band, and the crash-test results are about as clean as they come: 5 out of 5 stars across frontal, side, and rollover categories. For a low-slung, rear-wheel-drive performance coupe, that rollover five-star result is particularly noteworthy and speaks to the structural engineering Ford invested in this platform. Perhaps the most striking data point across the 2019 to 2020 coverage window is the recall count: zero. No NHTSA-mandated recalls across either model year is a meaningful finding, especially given that high-performance variants of mainstream vehicles sometimes carry unique component or calibration issues that trigger corrective actions. Owner complaints total 224 across both years, which is worth watching for a low-volume, specialized vehicle. Within those unverified allegations, 16 involve reported crashes, 5 involve fire, and 9 involve injuries. Fire-related complaints on any performance vehicle deserve attention from prospective buyers, and shoppers should review the specific complaint narratives on NHTSA's database before purchasing. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects, but they are real signals worth investigating. Overall, the GT350R presents a strong formal safety profile backed by top-tier crash scores and a clean recall record. The complaint volume warrants due diligence, but the headline numbers are genuinely encouraging for this class.
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.