2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang
The 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang is a compact car, rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 25
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $32,000
- Recalls
- 6
Watch: Mustang reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Affordable Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Model | Mustang |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Vehicle class | Compact Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.3 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S10) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 21 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 25 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 356 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2500 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Mustang | 25 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Mustang | 19 MPG combined |
| Mustang | 25 MPG combined |
| Mustang | 24 MPG combined |
| Mustang | 18 MPG combined |
| Mustang Convertible | 23 MPG combined |
| Mustang Convertible | 18 MPG combined |
| Mustang Convertible | 23 MPG combined |
| Mustang Convertible | 23 MPG combined |
| Mustang HO Convertible | 22 MPG combined |
| Mustang HO Convertible | 21 MPG combined |
| Mustang HO Coupe | 23 MPG combined |
| Mustang HO Coupe | 22 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach 1 | 18 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach 1 | 17 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach-E AWD | 93 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach-E AWD Extended | 90 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach-E GT | 84 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach-E GT Performance | 82 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach-E RWD | 100 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach-E RWD California Route 1 | 101 MPG combined |
| Mustang Mach-E RWD Extended | 97 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 21 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 32 MPG |
| Combined | 25 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 21% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $28,800
- Total interest
- $5,010
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,608/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (6)
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN21V980000 · 2021-12-16
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang vehicles. The side curtain air bag inflators may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in improper air bag inflation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 226, "Ejection Mitigation," and 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on February 3, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C37.
- AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER22V083000 · 2022-02-16
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang vehicles. An insufficient weld on the front passenger knee air bag may result in an improper air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger knee air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S07.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM23V727000 · 2023-10-27
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C35.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000 · 2025-06-27
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000 · 2025-07-07
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM25V689000 · 2025-10-10
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mustang vehicles repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V727. The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 17, 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang?
The 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 32 highway).
Is the 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang reliable?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang?
The 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang costs roughly $1,608 per year to fuel, or about $8,040 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang?
The 2021 Affordable Aluminum Mustang is classified as a compact car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC