NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings
The 2025 Ford Mustang scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Ford Mustang achieved a perfect sweep of five-star ratings across all categories in NHTSA's rigorous crash-testing regimen. This strong performance underpins its Exceptional rating of 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. Prospective owners should address the four active recall campaigns to ensure the vehicle meets its full safety potential prior to operation.
The 2025 Ford Mustang earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 and a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 2 Coupes from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Ford Mustang ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 7.9% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 2 Coupes tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Ford Mustang?
The 2025 Ford Mustang marks a dramatic shift in its NHTSA Safety Index performance, achieving 91/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This is a 12-point gain from the 2024 model year's 79/100, among the more meaningful single-year movements in its segment. The primary factor in this improved rating is crash protection, where the 2025 model earned the full 70 out of 70 available points. This reflects a clean five-star sweep across every NHTSA NCAP discipline. Avoidance technology contributes 5 out of a possible 10 points. Forward collision warning is listed as standard or optional depending on configuration, while lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard. The defect record sub-score stands at 15.5 out of 20, influenced by four recall campaigns. These recalls address the EGR valve, two distinct exterior lighting system issues, and the automatic transmission valve body. Two of the lighting recalls were issued in the same month, indicating a focused period of remediation. With 11 reported complaints, consumer allegation volume is modest for this vehicle type. Complaints related to the Electrical System and Exterior Lighting align with the active recall work. The 2025 Mustang tested exceptionally well in crash safety, but prospective buyers should note the open recall workload.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Ford Mustang perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Ford Mustang's crash-test performance from NHTSA shows a "No Tip" result in dynamic tip testing, with an 8 percent rollover risk. All assessed categories, including overall, frontal impact, and side impact, received the highest star ratings. No assessment category for the Mustang was left unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20339
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2025 Mustang. Components involved are the EGR valve in the engine and engine cooling system, the body control module tied to exterior lighting after potential water intrusion, LED Driver Modules in a separate lighting control module campaign, and the automatic transmission valve body. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING26V547000
Risk: A loss of driver power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a loss of headlight function or windshield washing system function can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine compartment wiring harness ground terminals, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in March 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V
Reported 2026-08-25
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V418000
Risk: Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 2, 2026.
Reported 2026-06-30
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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 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 became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Ford Mustang?
Eleven complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Mustang, including one alleged crash. These are unverified consumer allegations. Top reported components include Unknown or Other issues with four allegations, Electrical System and Exterior Lighting each with two, and single allegations each for Forward Collision Avoidance, Steering, and Visibility and Wiper systems.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Ford Mustang?
All four recall campaigns for the 2025 Mustang, addressing the EGR valve, two distinct lighting system issues, and the transmission valve body, warrant careful attention. Prospective owners should confirm the completion status of these remedies with documentation, using NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2025 Mustang's Safety Index of 91/100 represents a 12-point increase over the 2024 model year's score of 79/100, the largest driver being a perfect 70/70 crash-protection sub-score from NHTSA's five-star sweep.
- Four recall campaigns are active for this model year, covering the EGR valve, two distinct exterior lighting system faults including possible water intrusion into the body control module, and the automatic transmission valve body.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 5/10 reflects a configuration gap: forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on trim, meaning not every 2025 Mustang leaves the lot with the same active-safety equipment.
- Eleven unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Exterior Lighting appearing as a top reported component, a pattern that aligns directly with two of the four open recall campaigns on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Ford Mustang places
The 2025 Ford Mustang qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Ford Mustang safety questions
Was the 2025 Ford Mustang crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Ford Mustang, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2025 Ford Mustang crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 7.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Mustang have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Ford Mustang. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Ford Mustang?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Mustang Gtd | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20339), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang 2025.
- 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 2 in the Coupe class for 2025.
- 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.