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2021 Ford Mustang

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Mustang.

The 2021 Ford Mustang remains a quintessential American muscle car built on Ford’s durable platform, powered by a single‑engine layout that delivers both performance and everyday practicality; it requires 6.0 quarts of 5W‑30 oil for optimal operation. With only 55 owner complaints—most centered on its fuel system and gasoline delivery—and six recalls, the Mustang’s reliability profile for this model year is relatively solid, especially when compared to the brand’s peak of 868 complaints in 2005 and the recent low of just four complaints in 2026, indicating a steady improvement in durability over the decades.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 96R · 560 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 96R · 560 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size235/55R17 99HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5, Optional: 8, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length188.2 in
Overall width75.6 in
Overall height54.7 in
Wheelbase107.1 in
Curb weight3706 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 65 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Mustang of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.2–4.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.20 sec — 2021 Mach 1 Premium Fastback (Handling Pack)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Mach 1 Premium Fastback (Handling Pack) 5.0L V84.20 sec12.60 sec480 hpRWD
2021Mach 1 Premium Fastback (Handling Pack) 5.0L V84.30 sec12.60 sec480 hpRWD
2021Mach 1 Fastback (Handling Pack) 5.0L V84.50 sec13.10 sec480 hpRWD
2020Shelby GT500 Fastback 5.2L Supercharger V83.30 sec11.20 sec760 hpRWD
2020Shelby GT500 Fastback (Carbon Fiber Track Pack) (Mich. Pilot Sport 4S) 5.2L Supercharger V83.40 sec11.30 sec760 hpRWD
2020Shelby GT500 Fastback (Carbon Fiber Track Pack) 5.2L Supercharger V83.60 sec11.40 sec760 hpRWD
2020Shelby GT500 Fastback (Carbon Fiber Track Pack) 5.2L Supercharger V83.60 sec11.30 sec760 hpRWD
2020Shelby GT500 Fastback 5.2L Supercharger V83.70 sec11.50 sec760 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, 75W-85 · Synthetic in the differential, Dot 4 brake fluid. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDot 4
Differential Gear Oil75W-85 · Synthetic
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated
Engine Coolant Capacity9.47 qt
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated
Engine Coolant Capacity14.0 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · Synthetic

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.16 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.16 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.50 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14; Supercharged Model: 8.08 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts only.
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts only.

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1
Cylinder Firing Order1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.049-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque10.66 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.030 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.18 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity3.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number96R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance560 cca
Standard BCI Group Number96R

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum50.8 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum75.4 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure MinimumLow Pressure Side: 50.8 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure MaximumLow Pressure Side: 75.4 psi
Engine Oil Pressure29.0-60.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPMEngine Hot: 2,000 rpms rpm

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness0.118 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14.41 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°, Step 3: Bolts 1-9: 4.41 ft. lbs., Step 4: Bolts 1, 2, 5-10 & 13-19: 45°, Step 5: Bolts 3, 4, 11 & 12: 90°.4.41 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.835.16 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14.41 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.41 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45°.4.41 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 28.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 105°14.75 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 1 Turn, Step 3: 21.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°7.14 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 24.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°18 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1103.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 74.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°103 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180°74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1103.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 96.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°; Supercharged Models: Step 1: 66.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 129.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°103 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1018 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.08 ft. lbs., Step 3: 41.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 90°5.16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°, Step 4: 90°. Supercharged Models: Step 1: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°, Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 90°.22 ft. lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.83 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180°11.83 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
143.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°43 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
128.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°28 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 14.75 ft. lbs., Step 3: 59.07.14 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
18.50 ft. lbs., Step 2: 35°8.5 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 24.018 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 24.018 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
135°
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 24.018 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.66 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°3.66 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.14 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45°18 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolt A7.14 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 14.757.14 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolt A7.14 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
At 20,000 miTransmission Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 40,000 miTransmission Filter (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 model year represents a low point in complaint volume within the generation’s federal record, registering only 55 complaints compared to 114 in 2020 and 48 in 2022, while maintaining six recalls and zero investigations. This year sits near the bottom of a downward trend that began after the 2015 redesign peak of 434 complaints, with subsequent years showing progressively fewer complaints through 2021 before a slight uptick in 2024. The 147 technical service bulletins issued for 2021 continue the declining pattern from the 2018 high of 198, suggesting maturing production processes. Top reported concerns include nine fuel system and seven powertrain complaints, though the data does not specify underlying causes, and fire-related complaints are notably absent. With complaint volume at generational lows and investigation activity nonexistent, the 2021 Mustang presents as a favorable used purchase within this generation’s lifecycle.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
147
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
55
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’24’25’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 55 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Fuel System, Gasoline9
Power Train7
Back Over Prevention3
Electrical System3
Unknown Or Other3
Engine3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Fuel/Propulsion System2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V980000Air Bags:Side/Window:CurtainReported 16/12/2021

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… 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…

22V083000Air Bags:Knee BolsterReported 16/02/2022

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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 147 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB 26-22262026-05-08Power TrainThis bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the…
SSM 547202026-04-02Electrical SystemVarious 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system…
SSM 547192026-04-02Power TrainFor 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch…
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
SSM 546742026-03-19Power TrainFor 2021-2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Mustang. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 96R batteryVehicles taking 6.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Mustang take?

6.0 qt of Base Engine: Motorcraft 5W-30 Synthetic; H.O. Engine: Motorcraft 5W-30 Full Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Mustang have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.