NHTSA & EPA data · updated November 2, 2026

2026 Ford Mustang recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2026 Ford Mustang and 8 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (3), electrical system (2), service brakes (2). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 17–26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.

The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Mustang model year from 2012 to 2026. It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 6.7 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 5

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 Ford Mustang. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Electrical system · wiringNHTSA #26V547000 · 08/25/2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness ground connections may fracture and result in a loss of drive power, or a loss of function in the windshield washing system, headlights, air conditioning, or engine cooling fan. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

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.

Fix: 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 (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.

Engine and engine cooling · engine · hard parts internal/mechanicalNHTSA #26V548000 · 08/25/2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.

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

Fix: 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motorNHTSA #26V418000 · 06/30/2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD vehicles. During certain cold temperature conditions, the windshield wipers may function only at their high-speed setting and the washing system may fail to function properly.

Risk: Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will 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.

Engine and engine cooling · engine · hard parts internal/mechanicalNHTSA #26V205000 · 03/31/2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.

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

Fix: 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.

EngineNHTSA #25V828000 · 12/02/2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.

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.

Fix: 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.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Engine3
Electrical system2
Service brakes2
Vehicle speed control2
Wheels1
Power train1
Unknown or other1
Visibility/wiper1

By the numbers

8owner complaints filed
2involved a crash
0involved a fire
1injuries reported

Recent owner reports

09/28/2026 · Engine

Vehicle suffered sudden, total loss of motive power while driving. No dashboard warning lights or error codes were produced. Vehicle is currently grounded at Anderson Ford (SC) under active recall 26V547 / 26C40. Manufacturer and dealer are refusing alternative safe transportation, attempting to force the consumer to drive an unremedied, unsafe vehicle because the intermittent…

09/23/2026 · Electrical system,service brakes,engine

Recalls on 2024 Ford Mustangs: On 09/22/2026, at approximately 11:34AM, my Ford Mustang suffered a catastrophic malfunction. When I was braking on the offramp, the brakes did not engage and remained firm and unresponsive. The car immediately accelerated, despite my efforts on the brakes accompanied by the use of the emergency brake. The car continued to accelerate as I was try…

09/14/2026 · Vehicle speed control

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and pulling out of the driveway, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle quickly accelerated. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and opened the case. The failure mileage was 2,500.

Safety ratings

2026 FORD MUSTANG C N/A RWD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crashNot rated
Side crashNot rated
Rollover★★★★★

2026 FORD MUSTANG 2 DR N/A RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 Ford Mustang.

Mustang

Auto (S10) · 8 cyl · 5.0 L

16city
24hwy
19combined

Regular

Mustang

Auto 10-spd · 4 cyl · 2.3 L · Turbo

22city
33hwy
26combined

Regular

Mustang Dark Horse

Auto (S10) · 8 cyl · 5.0 L

14city
22hwy
17combined

Regular

Mustang Dark Horse

Man 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.0 L

14city
22hwy
17combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Ford Mustang year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Mustang have?

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2026 Ford Mustang, most recently for electrical system · wiring (08/25/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ford Mustang?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (3), electrical system (2), service brakes (2).

Is the 2026 Ford Mustang safe?

The 2026 Ford Mustang earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2026 a good year for the Ford Mustang?

The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Mustang model year from 2012 to 2026. It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 6.7 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2026 Ford Mustang get?

EPA ratings for the 2026 Ford Mustang range from 17 to 26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.

Own a 2026 Ford Mustang in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: MUSTANG, Mustang.

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