MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
3Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD MUSTANG NO REAR SEAT

The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat is a two-seat performance coupe aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want a focused, track-capable experience without the compromise of a back row. Sitting at the sportier end of the American pony-car segment, this configuration strips the cabin down to its essentials, signaling that this Mustang is built for the driver first and foremost.

VERDICT

The 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Mustang as one of the most characterful and driver-focused entries in the American performance coupe space, praising its engaging driving dynamics and bold styling. Opinions on interior refinement and materials tend to be mixed, with some finding the cabin appointments adequate for the price point while others expect a more premium finish at this level.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 7.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21427

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record17.5/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 1Unknown Or Other 1Engine 1Visibility/Wiper 1Electrical System 1Service Brakes 1

Rivals in Coupe (2026)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 21427), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford Mustang No Rear Seat 2026. Class rank 3 of 3 in Coupe 2026. Methodology · Disclosure