MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2022 Ford Mustang

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2022 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings

The 2022 Ford Mustang scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 9 recalls, and 48 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

9Recalls
48Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2022 Ford Mustang achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Its performance in federal crash tests was excellent across every category evaluated. However, this robust crash-test showing is tempered by nine recall campaigns and a modest defect record score, indicating a strong but not flawless safety profile for the model year.

The 2022 Ford Mustang holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 7 Coupes from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Ford Mustang ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2022 Ford Mustang safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index88 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 / 5 stars
Rollover risk9.3%
Recalls on file9
Owner complaints48 (unverified allegations)
Class rank3 of 7 Coupes tested for 2022
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Ford Mustang?

The 2022 Ford Mustang posts a Safety Index of 88 out of 100, one point below the 2021 model's 89. That single-point decline is almost entirely attributable to the defect record sub-score, which lands at 8 out of a possible 20, the weakest component of the three scored categories. Crash protection is a perfect 70 out of 70, and crash-avoidance technology earns a full 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year. The five-star sweep across overall, frontal, side, and rollover NHTSA categories is the headline strength. Against that backdrop, nine recall campaigns stand out as the defining safety story for this specific year. Two of those campaigns address the electric power assist steering torque sensor, one of which is a follow-up recall issued after an earlier repair was performed incorrectly, suggesting a remediation process that required a second attempt. The fuel pump and body control module campaigns add further scope. The 48 owner complaints, while unverified, cluster around fuel system and steering components that align directly with active recall subjects, reinforcing why defect-record pressure pulled the Index below the prior year.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Ford Mustang perform in crash tests?

The 2022 Ford Mustang achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in its overall safety rating from NHTSA. This top-tier assessment was consistent across all evaluated categories, with the Mustang earning 5-star scores for frontal crash protection, side impact safety, and rollover resistance. Its rollover risk was calculated at 9 percent, further supported by a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test. Every tested aspect of the 2022 Mustang's performance met the highest safety benchmarks.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16359

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record8/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Ford Mustang have any recalls?

Nine recall campaigns cover this model year. Notable issues include the electric power assist steering secondary torque sensor potentially miscalibrated, a brake fluid concern tied to a prior body control module repair, and a fuel pump recall shared with several Ford and Lincoln platforms. A back-over prevention software recall and a broad multi-model fuel delivery recall also apply. Shoppers should verify VIN-level remedy completion for all nine campaigns.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM25V689000

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 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 17, 2025.

Reported 2025-10-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Reported 2025-07-07

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

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM25V096000

Risk: A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the power steering control module (PSCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S11.

Reported 2025-02-14

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM24V493000

Risk: A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the power steering control module (PSCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S44.

Reported 2024-06-28

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 TRANSMISSION23V070000

Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.

Reported 2023-02-10

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V334000

Risk: A front-facing camera that is not functioning properly may restrict or disable certain features including Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Driver Alert, and Auto High Beam Control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will realign the front-facing camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S34.

Reported 2022-05-13

AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER22V083000

Risk: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S07.

Reported 2022-02-16

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Ford Mustang?

Owners have filed 48 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Fuel System and Gasoline (8 each), followed by Steering (7), Electrical System (7), and Unknown or Other (7).

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

3reported crash
1reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsFuel System 8Gasoline 8Steering 7Unknown Or Other 7Electrical System 7Fuel/Propulsion System 6

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Ford Mustang?

Shoppers considering a used 2022 Ford Mustang should prioritize a VIN check against NHTSA's recall database. Nine recall campaigns have been issued for the 2022 model, including two addressing steering components and one for the fuel pump. Verifying the completion of these remedies is paramount for any prospective buyer, representing the most critical safety diligence for this model year.

  • The 2022 model year carries nine NHTSA recall campaigns, more than typical for this nameplate, with two separate steering electric power assist system actions including one issued because an earlier repair under recall 24V-493 was performed incorrectly.
  • The defect-record sub-score of 8 out of 20 is the direct reason the 2022 Index sits one point below the 2021 model's 89, despite identical perfect scores in crash protection and avoidance technology.
  • NHTSA's 48 unverified owner complaints for this model year include alleged fuel system and steering concerns that overlap with active recall subjects, making VIN-specific remedy verification especially important.
  • All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2022 Ford Mustang, contributing to its full 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.

RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Ford Mustang places

FAQ2022 Ford Mustang safety questions

Was the 2022 Ford Mustang crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Ford Mustang, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2022 Ford Mustang crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Ford Mustang have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Ford Mustang. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Ford Mustang?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 48 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Ford Mustang. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Mustang years

Rivals in Coupe (2022)

Safest Coupe rivals, 2022 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2022 Chevrolet Camaro Ss89/1005 of 50
2022 Chevrolet Camaro88/1005 of 51
2022 Chevrolet Camaro Lt187/1005 of 50
2022 Chevrolet Camaro Zl186/100not rated0
2022 Dodge Challenger83/1005 of 52
2022 Ford Mustang GT 50080/1005 of 59
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16359), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang 2022.
  • 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 3 of 7 in the Coupe class for 2022.
  • 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.