MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2025 Ford Mustang

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2025 Ford Mustang

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

4Recalls
11Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD MUSTANG

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.

VERDICT

The 2025 Ford Mustang earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, an exceptional 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 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

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

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 7.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20339

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record15.5/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

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

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)26V122000

Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall beca

Reported 2026-03-03

EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V546000

Risk: License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C43.

Reported 2025-08-22

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE25V519000

Risk: Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the LED Driver Modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C39.

Reported 2025-08-08

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY25V164000

Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.

Reported 2025-03-14

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 4Electrical System 2Exterior Lighting 2Forward Collision Avoidance 1Steering 1Visibility/Wiper 1

Other Mustang years

Rivals in Coupe (2025)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 20339), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford Mustang 2025. Class rank 2 of 2 in Coupe 2025. Methodology · Disclosure