NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat achieved rare top marks in every crash test category assessed by NHTSA, a significant result for occupant protection. This robust performance is reflected in its strong defect record sub-score and contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, placing it firmly in the Exceptional band. The vehicle's primary area for improvement lies in crash-avoidance technology, which, if enhanced, could elevate its overall index even further.
The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Coupes from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat ranks 2 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 | 7.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 3 Coupes tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat?
The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat opens its index history at 90/100 Exceptional, with no prior-year figure on file for comparison. That score is built on a crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of a possible 70 points, a perfect result that reflects the five-star sweep across all NHTSA test modes and an 8 percent rollover risk probability. The defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 is solid for a vehicle this new, though two recall campaigns are already logged: one targeting potentially misinstalled engine piston circlips and one addressing a cylinder head concern, both shared across a wider Ford and Lincoln platform. What distinctly limits the 2026 index is the avoidance-technology sub-score of only 2 out of 10, driven by the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard equipment, with only electronic stability control confirmed as standard. For buyers who weight active-safety features heavily, that gap is the single most consequential data point this year produces.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat achieved a perfect safety performance in NHTSA's evaluations, securing five out of five stars in every tested category. This includes overall, frontal, side, and rollover assessments. Its rollover risk probability stands at 8 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding with no tip result. No rating for this model year is absent or below the maximum five stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21427
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses engine piston circlips that may have been incorrectly installed, a hard-parts internal mechanical concern shared with the 2026 Explorer. The second involves a cylinder head defect affecting the 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V205000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S23. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-31
ENGINE25V828000
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 24, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat?
Three owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, including one alleged crash. Unverified allegations touch Power Train, Engine, Electrical System, Service Brakes, Visibility/Wiper, and Unknown Or Other categories. No fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these unverified reports.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat?
Any shopper considering this current model year vehicle should verify open recall campaign completion by running the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Two campaigns are already on record: one for a piston circlip and another for a cylinder head.
- The 2026 model year carries two active recall campaigns involving internal engine components, specifically piston circlips and the cylinder head, making VIN-level remedy verification essential before taking delivery.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a perfect five stars in every crash-test category including frontal, side, and rollover, with a measured rollover risk probability of 8 percent and a no-tip dynamic result.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard equipment, which is the primary factor preventing a higher Safety Index in this model year.
- Only three owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year, one of which alleges a crash; all are unverified allegations, but the Power Train and Engine components appearing among them are worth monitoring as the vehicle population grows.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat places
The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat, 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 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat 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 No Rear Seat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat. 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd | 91/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2026 Ford Mustang | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 5 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21427), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang No Rear Seat 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 2 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.