MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Ford Mustang Gtd

NHTSA safety across every Ford Mustang Gtd model year we cover.

Across the 2 model years of the Ford Mustang Gtd we cover (2025 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 96 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2026 at 90. 6 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-03

The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance coupe positioned at the absolute pinnacle of the Mustang lineup, targeting serious driving enthusiasts who want track-bred capability in a road-legal package. Built around motorsport-derived engineering and aimed squarely at a premium performance audience, the GTD represents Ford's most ambitious take yet on the iconic Mustang nameplate for the 2025 model year.

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD arrives with a safety profile that is genuinely impressive for a vehicle in this performance tier. NHTSA awarded it a Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is a standout result for any car and particularly notable for a high-output rear-wheel-drive coupe. The crash-test scorecard is about as clean as it gets, with perfect five-star ratings across frontal, side, and rollover categories. That is not a given in this segment, and shoppers should take it seriously. On the recall front, four recalls have been logged across the single model year we cover. That number warrants attention. Four recalls on a brand-new, low-volume performance model is not alarming by itself, but buyers should verify that any vehicle they consider has all open recalls resolved before purchase. The NHTSA recall database is the right place to check using a VIN. Owner complaints sit at 11 total, with one reported crash and zero fires, injuries, or deaths noted. These are unverified allegations, but the complaint volume is relatively modest for a new model launch. The bottom line here is straightforward: the Mustang GTD posts elite crash-test numbers, carries some recall activity worth monitoring, and shows a limited complaint footprint so far. From a pure safety-data standpoint, this is a strong performer.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally treat the Mustang GTD as a landmark performance achievement for Ford, praising its track-focused engineering and the depth of its driving dynamics. Most professional assessments position it as a credible rival to established European high-performance coupes, with broad agreement that it delivers an exceptional experience for dedicated enthusiasts willing to meet its demands.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2025 Mustang GTD earned a 96 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score, landing in the Exceptional band, which is among the highest ratings available and a strong result for a rear-wheel-drive performance coupe.
  • NHTSA recorded four recalls for the 2025 model year. Prospective buyers should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database and confirm all open recalls have been completed before finalizing any purchase.
  • Crash-test results are perfect across all three NHTSA categories, with five stars in frontal, side, and rollover testing. That clean sweep is meaningful and not automatic in the high-performance coupe segment.
  • Owner complaints total 11 for the covered model year, including one reported crash and no reported fires, injuries, or deaths. These are unverified allegations, but the low volume suggests the complaint picture is relatively contained for a new-model launch.

Safety Index by year

Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Ford Mustang Gtd with 4 recalls.

BY YEARMustang Gtd by model year