NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Mustang scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford Mustang achieves a perfect five-star sweep across all of NHTSA's crash-test categories. This strong performance in impact protection forms the foundation of its 87/100 NHTSA Safety Index score. The Safety Index places it in the Strong band, though it stands one point below the 2022 model. This slight reduction can be attributed to six recall campaigns and a modest score in avoidance technology, rather than any deficit in its demonstrated crashworthiness.
The 2023 Ford Mustang Coupe received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 11 Coupes from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Mustang ranks 2 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 | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 11 Coupes tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Mustang?
The 2023 Ford Mustang posts an 87/100 Safety Index in the Strong band, a one-point slip from the 2022 model's 88/100. That narrow decline is traceable to the defect record component, which scores 11.5 out of a possible 20, reflecting six recall campaigns against this specific model year. The crash-protection component, by contrast, is a perfect 70/70, driven by a five-star sweep in every NHTSA NCAP category and a 9 percent rollover risk with a clean No Tip dynamic result. The avoidance-tech score of 5/10 reflects that lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard, but forward collision warning carries both standard and optional designations depending on trim, leaving room for variation in real-world equipment. The two steering-related recalls, one of which is itself a correction of an improperly performed prior remedy, are the most operationally significant entries in the defect record. The BCM brake-fluid-sensor recall adds a second safety-critical system to the list. Together, these campaigns explain why this model year lands a point below its predecessor despite identical crash-test performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Mustang perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ford Mustang Coupe's performance in NHTSA's NCAP battery is noteworthy for its consistent top ratings in all evaluated areas. Its rollover risk is measured at 9 percent, and the vehicle recorded a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17327
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Two address the electrical system body control module, specifically a brake fluid level sensor that may fail to trigger a visual warning. Two more target the electric power assist steering system, where a secondary torque sensor may be improperly calibrated. A fifth campaign concerns back-over prevention software. A sixth is a remedy-correction recall tied to an earlier steering repair. Shoppers should verify all five campaigns are resolved by VIN.
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
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Mustang?
Fifteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System and Steering, each cited five times, followed by Service Brakes with four alleged reports. Forward Collision Avoidance and Engine each appear in two unverified allegations.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Mustang?
The 2023 Ford Mustang's recall record warrants careful review by prospective owners. Six separate recall campaigns have been issued, with particular attention required for those addressing the steering torque sensor and brake fluid sensor. Any open recalls, especially those impacting safety-critical systems, should be remediated by a Ford dealer at no cost before vehicle delivery.
- This model year carries six recall campaigns, two of which are correction recalls addressing improperly performed prior repairs to the electric power assist steering system, making VIN verification of remedy completion especially important.
- The defect record component scores 11.5 out of 20, the primary reason the 2023 index falls one point below the 2022 Mustang's 88/100, despite identical five-star crash-test results in both years.
- A BCM-related recall specific to 2020-2023 Mustangs flags that the brake fluid level sensor may not activate a visual warning when fluid is low, a safety-critical gap that owners should confirm has been remedied.
- Fifteen unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA cluster around the Electrical System and Steering, the same two systems addressed by active recall campaigns, which gives those complaint categories added context for prospective buyers.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Mustang places
The 2023 Ford Mustang qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Mustang safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Mustang crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Ford Mustang crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Ford Mustang have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Mustang. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Mustang?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford Mustang. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mustang years
Rivals in Coupe (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Mustang GT 500 | 92/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Dodge Challenger Awd | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Camaro Lt1 Without Recaro | 85/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Camaro Ss Without Recaro | 85/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Camaro Without Recaro | 85/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Dodge Challenger | 84/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17327), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang 2023.
- 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 2 of 11 in the Coupe class for 2023.
- 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.