NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Mustang Gtd Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Mustang GTD achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, bolstered by perfect crash-test results across all evaluated NHTSA categories. However, the presence of two active recall campaigns and a minimal score in crash-avoidance technology prevent it from reaching the highest safety tier.
The 2026 Ford Mustang GTD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 and a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Coupes from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 7.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 3 Coupes tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd?
The 2026 Ford Mustang GTD presents a Safety Index of 90/100, a measurable six-point drop from the 2025 model's 96/100, both within the Exceptional band. That movement is meaningful and traces directly to the defect record component: two recall campaigns entered the picture this year, pulling the defect score to 17.5 out of a possible 20 and trimming what had been a near-flawless profile. The crash protection story is unchanged at a maximum 70/70, reflecting the perfect five-star sweep across frontal, side, and rollover testing. The avoidance tech score of 2/10 is a persistent structural drag on the Index; this vehicle ships without forward collision warning or lane departure warning, relying solely on standard electronic stability control in that category. Shoppers weighing the 2026 against the 2025 should understand the Index decline is recall-driven, not crash-test-driven. The engine-related campaigns, one involving piston circlips and one involving cylinder head integrity, are real open items that a buyer must verify as remedied before taking delivery or purchasing on the secondary market.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Mustang GTD achieved a full 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category, including frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. This comprehensive sweep indicates robust performance across all evaluated dimensions. The rollover risk is quantified at 8 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21426
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first involves engine hard parts: piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed, a concern shared with the 2026 Explorer. The second targets cylinder head integrity, affecting the 2026 Explorer, this Mustang, the Lincoln Corsair, and the 2025 Maverick. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available NHTSA data.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V418000
Risk: Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 2, 2026.
Reported 2026-06-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd?
NHTSA has received 3 owner complaints for the 2026 Mustang GTD, including one alleged crash. Reported components span the Power Train, Engine, Electrical System, Service Brakes, and Visibility/Wiper systems. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as confirmed defects.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd?
Two open recall campaigns mark the most significant safety consideration. Prospective owners should verify that both the piston circlip and cylinder head recall remedies have been completed. This verification should include running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool and obtaining written documentation of the work from a Ford dealership.
- The Safety Index dropped six points year-over-year, from 96 in 2025 to 90 in 2026, driven by two new recall campaigns rather than any change in crash-test performance.
- Both active recalls involve engine integrity: one addresses potentially misinstalled piston circlips, and the other concerns cylinder head concerns shared across multiple Ford and Lincoln products.
- The avoidance tech score of 2/10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning; electronic stability control is the only qualifying technology present as standard equipment.
- Three owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, including one alleged crash; reported components include the Power Train, Engine, Service Brakes, and Electrical System, all of which remain unverified allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd places
The 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Mustang Gtd safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 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 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd 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 7.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd. 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.
Other Mustang Gtd years
Rivals in Coupe (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat | 90/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2026 Ford Mustang | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 5 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21426), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang Gtd 2026.
- 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 3 in the Coupe class for 2026.
- 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.