2021 Ford Mustang: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Late S550 with low complaint counts. Solid, fun rear-drive coupe; main asterisks are the optional 10-speed automatic shift quality and the usual thirsty V8 running costs. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Ford Mustang ranged from $27,205 to $70,300 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Late S550 with low complaint counts. Solid, fun rear-drive coupe; main asterisks are the optional 10-speed automatic shift quality and the usual thirsty V8 running costs.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/mustang
Known issues
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Coyote 5.0 V8 oil-consumption and engine complaints on a subset of cars; check oil level and service history.
occasional · 43 NHTSA complaints · engine
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10R80 ten-speed automatic (from 2018) can shift harshly or unpredictably, with clunks and hesitation reported on some cars.
occasional · 31 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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2.3L EcoBoost low-pressure fuel-pump failures and direct-injection intake-valve carbon buildup causing rough running or power loss over time.
occasional · fuel
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A-pillar trim cover peels away and lets water leak into the footwell (covered by Ford TSB 22-2242 across 2015-2022 cars).
occasional · body
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Premature left-rear wheel-bearing wear and rear window-regulator failures reported on higher-mileage cars.
occasional · suspension
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=mustang&…
- cjponyparts.comhttps://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/s550-mustang-recall-and-tsb-info
- what-breaks.comhttps://what-breaks.com/ford/mustang-s550/ecoboost-ecoboost-2-3-mustang-228kw…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Simple, well-understood mechanicals with cheap, plentiful parts and a huge enthusiast/aftermarket support base.
- Strong V8 performance: the 4.6L/5.0L V8 delivers genuine muscle-car acceleration and sound, and the EcoBoost turbo-four is brisk and more economical.
- Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling and a slick manual or quick automatic make it fun to drive.
- A lot of performance for the money, with strong resale value that holds up well over time.
Cons
- Large, heavy feel on tight roads and some touchscreen/tech quirks.
- V8 GT fuel economy is poor and trails many modern performance sedans.
- Cramped rear seats with almost no adult headroom and an awkward climb-in.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoBoost | $27,205 | $32,640 | — | — |
| EcoBoost Premium | $32,225 | $36,345 | — | — |
| GT | $36,285 | $46,560 | — | — |
| GT Premium | $40,285 | $51,080 | — | — |
| Mach 1 | $52,400 | discontinued | — | — |
| Shelby GT500 | $70,300 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-ford-mustang-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-mustang-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($27,205). Higher trims started higher (up to $70,300), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 21% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-mustang/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/mustang
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-mustang-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Ford Mustang have?
Documented issue patterns include: Coyote 5.0 V8 oil-consumption and engine complaints on a subset of cars; check oil level and service history; 10R80 ten-speed automatic (from 2018) can shift harshly or unpredictably, with clunks and hesitation reported on some cars; 2.3L EcoBoost low-pressure fuel-pump failures and direct-injection intake-valve carbon buildup causing rough running or power loss over time; A-pillar trim cover peels away and lets water leak into the footwell (covered by Ford TSB 22-2242 across 2015-2022 cars). Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?
Late S550 with low complaint counts. Solid, fun rear-drive coupe; main asterisks are the optional 10-speed automatic shift quality and the usual thirsty V8 running costs.
How much did the 2021 Ford Mustang cost new?
Between $27,205 and $70,300 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Ford Mustang expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.