NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Mustang scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Mustang achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, earning an Exceptional band rating. This strong performance is primarily supported by its perfect 5 out of 5 stars in all NHTSA crash-test categories. However, the presence of two active recall campaigns and a lower score for its avoidance technology package prevent it from matching the 2025 model's overall safety index.
The 2026 Ford Mustang holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Coupes from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Mustang ranks 3 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 | 7.9% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 3 Coupes tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang achieves an overall Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Its crash-protection sub-score is a perfect 70 out of 70, reflecting 5-star ratings across overall, frontal, side, and rollover categories. The vehicle's structural performance is further supported by an 8 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic tip result. This year's model sees a one-point decline from the 2025 model's 91/100, which is directly attributable to its defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20. This score reflects two active recall campaigns impacting the 2026 Mustang. A notable area for this model year is avoidance technology. The 2026 Mustang earns a 2 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score due to the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard features. Only electronic stability control is listed as standard equipment. Shoppers should weigh the exceptional crash-test performance against the recall record and the limited active-safety suite.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Mustang perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Mustang achieved a perfect 5-star rating in all federal crash-test categories. This includes 5 out of 5 stars for overall protection, frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. The rollover resistance test further supported these strong results, indicating an 8 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic evaluation. This complete set of top-tier scores leaves no unaddressed or underperforming crash-test dimension to report.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21424
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Mustang have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2026 Ford Mustang. The first addresses engine piston circlips that may have been incorrectly installed, affecting 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The second involves a cylinder head concern shared with 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. Both are engine-related. Neither has been designated a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign based on available NHTSA data.
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V548000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identifica
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:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V205000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S23. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-31
ENGINE25V828000
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 24, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has logged 3 unverified consumer complaints for the 2026 Ford Mustang. Alleged concerns span Power Train, Engine, Electrical System, Service Brakes, Visibility/Wiper, and an Unknown or Other category. One alleged crash has been reported. All are unverified allegations, not established facts.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Mustang?
Two open engine-related recall campaigns are active for this model year. Therefore, any prospective owner must run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase to confirm whether the remedy has been completed, as unresolved recalls transfer with ownership.
- The 2026 Ford Mustang carries two active NHTSA recall campaigns, both engine-related: one for potentially misinstalled piston circlips and one for a cylinder head concern, making VIN-specific recall verification essential before taking delivery.
- Every NHTSA crash-test category for the 2026 model year reached 5 stars, including a rollover rating of 5 stars with an 8 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, producing a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on the 2026 model, a meaningful gap that contributes to the one-point Safety Index decline from the 2025 model year.
- Only 3 unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2026 model year so far, spanning Power Train, Engine, Electrical System, Service Brakes, and Visibility/Wiper categories, with one alleged crash reported among them.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Mustang places
The 2026 Ford Mustang qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Mustang safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Mustang crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 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 2026 Ford Mustang crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Ford Mustang have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Mustang?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Mustang Gtd | 91/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2026 Ford Mustang No Rear Seat | 90/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21424), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Mustang 2026.
- 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 3 in the Coupe class for 2026.
- 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.