MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Ford Mustang Mach-E

NHTSA safety across every Ford Mustang Mach-E model year we cover.

Across the 2 model years of the Ford Mustang Mach-E we cover (2021 to 2022), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-02

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a fully electric midsize SUV that borrows one of Detroit's most storied nameplates and plants it squarely in the rapidly growing EV crossover segment. Aimed at tech-forward families and performance-curious drivers who want zero-emission practicality without sacrificing style, the Mach-E competes against rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 in a segment where safety credentials matter as much as range.

For model years 2021 and 2022, the Ford Mustang Mach-E puts together a genuinely strong safety picture. The 2021 model year earns a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, landing in the Exceptional band, which is a meaningful result in a crowded and competitive segment. Side and rollover crash-test results both come in at a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, reflecting the structural confidence you would expect from a purpose-built EV platform. Frontal results are listed as not rated for the covered years, so shoppers should note that gap when making direct comparisons. Perhaps the most striking data point across the 2021 to 2022 coverage window is the recall count: zero. In an era when new model launches routinely generate early-cycle recall activity, that clean sheet is worth acknowledging. Owner complaints across both model years total 459, a figure that deserves honest context. Within those unverified allegations, 25 involve reported crashes, 12 involve reported injuries, and 1 involves a reported fire, with no reported deaths. These are consumer-filed claims and remain unverified, but 459 complaints across two model years is a number shoppers should weigh carefully, particularly given the relatively limited sales volume of an early-cycle EV launch. Bottom line: the Mach-E's formal crash-test credentials are excellent where tested, and the zero-recall record is a genuine positive. The complaint volume warrants attention, but the core safety architecture here is solid.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Mustang Mach-E as a well-rounded electric SUV that successfully blends everyday practicality with an engaging driving character. Most praise its cabin technology, available performance variants, and polished road manners, while noting that the Mustang name sets expectations the Mach-E largely meets on its own terms as a family-oriented EV crossover.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2021 Mustang Mach-E earns a 94 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, one of the stronger scores in its segment for that model year.
  • Side and rollover crash tests both score a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for the covered model years, but frontal crash results are not rated, leaving a gap shoppers should factor into cross-shopping comparisons.
  • Neither the 2021 nor the 2022 model year carries any NHTSA recalls, a notably clean record for a first-generation EV launch across two consecutive model years.
  • Owner complaints total 459 across 2021 and 2022, including 25 alleged crashes and 12 alleged injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations, but the volume is elevated enough that prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's database before purchasing.

Safety Index by year

BY YEARMustang Mach-E by model year