NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings
The 2019 Ford Mustang scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 141 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Perfect five-star NHTSA crash scores across every category anchor the 2019 Ford Mustang's strong showing, contributing to a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100. This places the vehicle firmly in our Strong band. Despite these exemplary crash-test results, the model did not achieve our top tier, a consequence of six recall campaigns and a modest score in avoidance technology.
The 2019 Ford Mustang holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 and a five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 9 Coupes from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Ford Mustang ranks 4 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.3% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 141 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 4 of 9 Coupes tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Ford Mustang?
The 2019 Ford Mustang achieved a maximum 70 out of 70 points for crash protection, a defining strength for this model year. Its federal crash test performance included top marks in frontal, side, and rollover evaluations. The vehicle demonstrated a 9 percent rollover risk, with dynamic testing showing no tip. This strong protection forms the basis of its 87/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. However, the vehicle's safety profile is not uniformly strong. Its avoidance technology sub-score is 6 out of 10 points. This reflects that while electronic stability control is standard, critical features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning were offered only as options for this model year. The defect record further distinguishes this Mustang model. A sub-score of 11.25 out of 20 reflects six recall campaigns. Two of these specifically address powertrain issues in 5.0L variants equipped with manual transmissions. These recalls introduce a notable contrast with the model's otherwise robust crash protection.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Ford Mustang perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Ford Mustang achieved a perfect safety sweep, earning five out of five stars in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This includes the overall rating, frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. The vehicle's rollover risk was determined to be 9 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" result. Every category evaluated received the highest possible star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13250
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include the instrument cluster electrical system, backup camera sensing and software, and two powertrain actions targeting 5.0L manual-transmission vehicles for a Powertrain Control Module issue and an incorrect Transmission Not In Park warning. Buyers should verify all five named campaigns are resolved on any specific VIN before purchase.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V372000
Risk: A blank instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C27. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Reported 2026-06-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V572000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identificatio
Reported 2025-09-04
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)22V382000
Risk: A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 15, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S37.
Reported 2022-05-27
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)20V263000
Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.
Reported 2020-05-08
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL19V076000
Risk: A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings. Driving with an inoperative cluster can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC), free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C03.
Reported 2019-02-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has logged 141 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas, as reported by consumers, are led by the Engine at 45 reports, followed by the Electrical System at 31, and the Power Train at 26. Three alleged crashes and one alleged fire are included in those unverified filings.
141 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Ford Mustang?
A critical step for anyone considering a 2019 Ford Mustang is to verify its recall status. All six of its recall campaigns, including those addressing powertrain and backup camera issues, may still be pending on individual units. Buyers should confirm the completion of all recall remedies in writing with the seller.
- The 2019 Mustang achieved a perfect five-star NHTSA score in all four tested categories, including a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, giving it the maximum 70 out of 70 crash-protection sub-score.
- Two of the six recall campaigns specifically target 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions, covering a Powertrain Control Module fault and an incorrect park-warning message.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional, not standard, on this model year, which holds the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a meaningful gap for safety-focused buyers comparing trim levels.
- NHTSA's complaint file for this model year includes 141 unverified consumer allegations, with the Engine category alone accounting for 45 of those reports, making powertrain and electrical concerns the most frequently alleged issues on record.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Ford Mustang places
The 2019 Ford Mustang qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Ford Mustang safety questions
Was the 2019 Ford Mustang crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Ford Mustang, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Ford Mustang crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Ford Mustang 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 9.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Mustang have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Ford Mustang. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Ford Mustang?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 141 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Ford Mustang. 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 years
Rivals in Coupe (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Mustang Gt350r | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 88/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 | 85/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Subaru BRZ | 83/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota 86 | 79/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13250), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang 2019.
- 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 4 of 9 in the Coupe class for 2019.
- 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.