NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 55 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Mustang GT500 achieved a perfect five-star sweep across every NHTSA crash-test category, a rare feat. This strong performance, combined with a clean recall record, underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The primary area for improvement in this model year is its near-absent crash-avoidance technology suite.
The 2021 Ford Mustang GT500 received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 7 Coupes from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.3% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 55 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 7 Coupes tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500?
The 2021 Ford Mustang GT500 earns an Exceptional Safety Index of 90 out of 100, a high-water mark within its class. This rating stems from its robust performance in crash protection, where it achieved 70 out of 70 points. The vehicle secured five stars in every NHTSA crash-test category, alongside a 9 percent rollover risk probability and a No Tip dynamic result. Its recall record is similarly strong, contributing 17.5 of a possible 20 points, as NHTSA reports zero recall campaigns for this model year. The primary factor preventing a perfect score is the vehicle's crash-avoidance technology. This area earns only 2 out of 10 points. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are absent. Only electronic stability control is standard. For a high-performance rear-wheel-drive coupe, the lack of active warning systems represents a meaningful gap in its safety profile. Potential buyers should consider this alongside the otherwise outstanding crash-test results.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Mustang GT500 achieved a perfect score in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This includes the overall vehicle score, frontal crash, and side crash ratings. Its rollover resistance was particularly strong, with a low 9 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. All categories were rated, and none fell below the maximum threshold.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15397
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 have any recalls?
The 2021 Ford Mustang GT500 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive directive has been issued for this model year. That clean record contributes directly to the 17.5 out of 20 points the vehicle earns in the defect-record portion of the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500?
Owners have filed 55 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Fuel System and Gasoline, each cited in 10 reports, followed by Power Train at 9, Engine at 8, Electrical System at 6, and Fuel/Propulsion System at 5. Four alleged crashes and two alleged injuries appear in the dataset. These are unverified consumer reports, not established facts.
55 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500?
While no recalls are currently on file for this vehicle, recall status can change after publication of this analysis. Shoppers considering this five-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been opened and that any future remedy has been completed.
- The 2021 GT500 is the only model year in this analysis with zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, earning the full near-maximum defect-record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 points.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year five stars across all four tested categories, including a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, producing a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70.
- Crash-avoidance technology is the measurable weak point for this model year: forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both absent, limiting the avoidance-tech sub-score to just 2 out of 10 and preventing a higher overall Index.
- The 55 unverified owner complaints on file concentrate most heavily in Fuel System and Gasoline categories, each with 10 alleged reports, a pattern worth monitoring through NHTSA's complaint database before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 places
The 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 55 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Coupe (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Mustang | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 6 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 88/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Lt1 | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 | 85/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 84/100 | 5 of 5 | 4 |
| 2021 Dodge Challenger | 80/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15397), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang Gt500 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 1 of 7 in the Coupe class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.