MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Ford Mustang Gt500

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
55Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD MUSTANG GT500

The 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a high-performance muscle coupe aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want supercar-level speed wrapped in an iconic American body. Sitting at the top of the Mustang lineup, the GT500 competes in the ultra-performance coupe segment and draws buyers who prioritize track capability and heritage as much as everyday usability.

VERDICT

The 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the GT500 as a landmark American performance car, praising its extraordinary straight-line speed and surprisingly composed handling for a vehicle of its power output. Most note that the driving experience is intense and demands respect, while interior refinement and everyday usability are considered secondary priorities for the target buyer.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15397

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record17.5/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

55 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsFuel System 10Gasoline 10Power Train 9Engine 8Electrical System 6Fuel/Propulsion System 5

Rivals in Coupe (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15397), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford Mustang Gt500 2021. Class rank 1 of 7 in Coupe 2021. Methodology · Disclosure