2021 Ford Mustang
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2021 Ford Mustang maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford Mustang.
For oil changes, the 2021 Ford Mustang takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 8 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Ford Mustang, torque the lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2021 Ford Mustang have reported 5 common issues including "10R80 Transmission Harsh Shifting", "Active Exhaust System Malfunction" and "Brake Fluid Level Sensor Failure (Recall)". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 6 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2021 Ford Mustang uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (8 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 150 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Ford Mustang.
Common problems reported by 2021 Ford Mustang owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
10R80 Transmission Harsh Shifting
The 10-speed automatic (10R80) in the 2022 Mustang GT exhibits harsh or delayed engagement, hard shifts between gears, and occasional malfunction indicator lamp illumination. The shifts can be violent enough to cause the car to lurch, particularly during spirited driving.
Ford issued a TSB for 2022-2023 Mustang vehicles with the 10R80 addressing PCM software calibration, solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body, and CDF clutch cylinder sleeve axial movement. Start with a PCM reflash; severe cases require valve body replacement.
Est. Cost: $0 - $200 for reflash; $1,500 - $3,000 for valve body repairActive Exhaust System Malfunction
Some 2018-2022 Mustang vehicles (non-Shelby GT350) experience active exhaust valve failures, resulting in 'Drive Mode Not Available' or 'Exhaust Mode Not Available' messages on the dash. The exhaust may default to quiet mode and the check engine light may illuminate.
Ford issued TSB 22-2282 addressing an improperly seated exhaust system. The dealer will inspect and reseat the active exhaust valves and actuators. If the actuator motors are burned out, they need replacement. Updated software calibration may also be applied.
Est. Cost: $0 - $300 for reseat/software; $400 - $900 for actuator replacementBrake Fluid Level Sensor Failure (Recall)
The brake fluid level sensor may not activate the visual warning indicator on the dashboard when brake fluid is low. This means the driver may not be alerted to a dangerous low-fluid condition that could compromise braking performance.
Ford issued a recall for certain 2020-2023 Mustangs. The dealer will update the body control module software to properly detect and display the low brake fluid warning. Contact your dealer to check your VIN.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallSeat Pan Track Looseness and Clunk Noise
Some 2015-2022 Mustangs experience driver or passenger seat pan looseness, lateral seat movement, or a clunk/thump noise during turns. The seat may shift noticeably side to side over bumps or during cornering.
Ford issued a TSB identifying worn or loose seat pan tracks as the cause. The dealer will inspect and replace the seat track assembly. Tightening the seat mounting bolts may temporarily help, but track replacement is the permanent fix.
Est. Cost: $200 - $600Headliner Sagging and Gap at Weatherstrip
Some 2018-2024 Mustang coupe models exhibit a sagging headliner or a visible gap where the headliner meets the upper door weatherstrip. The headliner may droop from the roof and worsen over time, especially in hot climates.
Ford issued a TSB to replace the headliner with an updated version that uses improved adhesive and mounting clips. The repair is labor-intensive but should be covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty if within the coverage period.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $400 - $1,000 if out of warranty6 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Mustang. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
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."
Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy is under development. 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 March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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.
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
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."
Without a low brake fluid warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
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.
An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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."
An air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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.