NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 334 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E achieves an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, driven by its perfect crash-protection sub-score and full marks for avoidance technology. This robust performance in fundamental safety areas is notable. The vehicle's defect record sub-score was modest, and its complaint volume was high, factors which temper an otherwise outstanding safety profile.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E ranks 10 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.6% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 334 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 10 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E?
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E establishes a strong baseline with an Exceptional Safety Index of 94 out of 100, a debut for this model. Its crash-protection sub-score reaches the maximum 70 out of 70, reflecting 5-star ratings for side impact and rollover. A 9 percent rollover-risk figure is particularly low for an SUV. The avoidance-technology sub-score also achieves a perfect 10 out of 10, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard features. The defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20 prevents a perfect overall rating. This is primarily due to 334 unverified owner complaints. The Electrical System accounts for 147 of these reports, with Forward Collision Avoidance systems generating another 104. This concentration in two specific areas warrants attention, despite the absence of any recalls for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side impact and rollover protection from NHTSA. Its rollover risk was assessed at a low 9 percent, and the vehicle demonstrated no tip in the dynamic tip-test. However, NHTSA did not assign ratings for the overall or frontal crash categories for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15438
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E have any recalls?
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been subject to a recall action, and no park-outside or do-not-drive directive has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as records can update.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E?
NHTSA has received 334 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Mach-E. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 147 reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance with 104 reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
334 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E?
For shoppers considering this 5-year-old vehicle, the zero-recall count is a straightforward starting point, but running a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database before purchase remains essential, as campaigns can be added at any time. Confirm that no open safety actions exist on the specific unit.
- The 2021 Mach-E earned a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70, anchored by 5-star NHTSA side and rollover ratings and a 9 percent rollover-risk figure specific to this model year.
- NHTSA has not assigned an overall or frontal star rating for this model year; those categories are listed as not rated, which is a gap in the federal test record rather than a low score.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 model year, a clean defect-action record, though the defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20 reflects the weight of 334 unverified owner complaints logged with NHTSA.
- The Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance system together account for 251 of the 334 unverified complaints filed for this model year, a concentration in two specific systems that distinguishes the 2021 complaint profile from a more evenly distributed pattern.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E places
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 Mach-E crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 8.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E 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 Mach-E?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 334 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mustang Mach-E years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15438), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang Mach-E 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 10 of 118 in the SUV 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.