NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford Mustang
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2020 Ford Mustang earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong 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 8 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14883
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V695000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an 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. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification le
Reported 2025-10-13
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM23V727000
Risk: Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.
Reported 2023-10-27
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES20V573000
Risk: A broken brake pedal could affect braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal bracket assembly, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S52.
Reported 2020-09-23
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V575000
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Reported 2020-09-23
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V306000
Risk: If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not operating effectively, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will perform the Lane Departure Warning System camera alignment procedure, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S26.
Reported 2020-05-27
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
113 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.