MODEL
Ford Mustang Safety
NHTSA safety across every Ford Mustang model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Ford Mustang we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 89 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 77. 58 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford Mustang is an American icon that needs little introduction, but its safety story deserves a closer look. This rear-wheel-drive coupe competes in the performance pony car segment, targeting enthusiasts who want V8 rumble or turbocharged punch alongside genuine driving engagement. From the refreshed 2019 model through the seventh-generation S650 that arrived for 2024, the Mustang spans a wide range of buyers, from daily drivers to weekend warriors.
The Ford Mustang's safety performance for the 2023 model year is exceptional, earning a 93 out of 100 on our computed NHTSA Safety Index. This achievement is supported by a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating in all NHTSA crash-test categories: frontal, side, and rollover. Such results indicate strong occupant protection from impact forces. However, the broader safety profile of the Mustang across the 2019 to 2025 model years presents a more complex picture. NHTSA has issued 43 recalls for these model years, a significant number over a six-year period. This includes at least one serious "park outside" or "do not drive" recall, which indicates critical safety defects. This volume of recalls warrants close attention from prospective owners. Owner complaints also reflect potential issues, with 453 reports filed with NHTSA for the same model years. These complaints include 34 reported crashes and 17 reported injuries, alongside six specific reports of fire. While these are unverified allegations, they point to patterns that buyers should be aware of. The quantity of recalls and complaints necessitates that any owner, especially of a used model, rigorously check for and complete all open recall repairs. The Mustang demonstrates excellent crashworthiness in its top-performing year, but its recall and complaint record demand ongoing owner vigilance.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally celebrate the Mustang for its driving dynamics, engine options, and unmistakable character, calling it one of the most engaging and accessible performance cars on the market. Most acknowledge that the cabin and technology have modernized meaningfully over this generation. Opinions on everyday usability and refinement relative to rivals tend to be more divided.
- The Mustang earned a 93 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in its best covered year (2023), with 5-star ratings across all three crash-test categories, frontal, side, and rollover, so the structural safety foundation is genuinely strong.
- With 43 recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Mustang carries an above-average recall burden. At least one of those campaigns was classified as a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, the most serious level NHTSA issues. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before buying or driving any used example.
- Owner complaints total 453 across covered years, including 34 reported crashes, 17 reported injuries, and 6 fire-related allegations. These are unverified by NHTSA, but the fire complaint count is worth noting and warrants checking whether any relevant recall applies to the specific vehicle you are considering.
- The Mustang's safety rating band varies across model years, ranging from Average to Exceptional, so the year of manufacture matters. A 2023 model's Exceptional rating does not automatically extend to earlier or later examples. Verify the specific model year's rating before making a purchase decision.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Ford Mustang with 12 recalls.