Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Ford Mustang
The 2021 Ford Mustang has some notable recall issues, including problems with the brake fluid sensor, low-pressure fuel pump, and airbag deployment. These issues can affect safety and engine reliability. Carefully verify that these recalls have been addressed before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Ford Mustang has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 55 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V689000 Low Brake Fluid Warning Inoperative/FMVSS 135 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V455000 Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V727000 Low Brake Fluid Warning Inoperative/FMVSS 135 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V083000 Passenger Knee Air Bag May Deploy Improperly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V980000 Side Curtain Air Bag May Not Inflate Properly NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 10 complaints
- Power Train 9 complaints
- Engine 8 complaints
- Electrical System 6 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
- Unknown or Other 5 complaints
Of the 55 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 55 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Brake fluid sensor failure
How to check: Verify warning lights activate when brake fluid is low.
Low-pressure fuel pump failure
How to check: Inspect for any recall repair documentation.
Improper airbag deployment
How to check: Confirm airbags have been inspected or replaced by dealer.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Look for dashboard warning lights on.
Red flag: Brake warning light remains on
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or stalling sounds
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check brake responsiveness and pedal feel.
Red flag: Spongy brakes or delayed response
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for hesitation or stalling.
Red flag: Engine hesitates or stalls
- 05
Parking
What to check: Test rearview camera functionality.
Red flag: Camera image not displaying properly
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Has the rearview camera software been updated?
- Have the airbags been inspected recently?
- Any history of engine stalling issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service history records
- Vehicle inspection report
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 Ford Mustang? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.