2026 Ford Mustang: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among 8 value Coupes, the 2026 Ford Mustang scores well for safety but below average for fuel cost. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file, more than the 0.9 average for Coupes.
- Starting MSRP
- $32,640 - $63,080
- EPA Combined MPG
- 19 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $3,150 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 4 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $750 more over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,092 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- United States
The 2026 Ford Mustang is a Coupe priced from $32,640 to $63,080 across 8 trims. Below is the data on what that performance costs to buy, fuel, insure, and maintain.
- Fuel cost $390 per year above value Coupes average
- 2 recalls on file (above Coupe average of 0.9)
- Base price $720 more than 2025 model
2026 Ford Mustang at a Glance
Compared with similar coupes in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Ford Mustang are high published crash-test results and lower estimated ownership costs for its vehicle class, but fuel cost is a weak spot.
- safety
- ownership cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA.
- AAA estimates $9,956 per year in non-fuel ownership costs for the Medium Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Above-average fuel cost among gas Coupes.
- There are 2 recalls on file, above the current coupes average. Zero-recall cars 2026 →
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang earned the highest possible 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Among Coupes, 100% have earned this top score. Ratings are based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests on production vehicles. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
100% of Coupes share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 7.9%
The five-star NHTSA scale gives you the broad picture. The IIHS breakdown below shows how the 2026 Ford Mustang performed in specific test categories, which can highlight strengths or gaps the star rating does not capture.
How Did the 2026 Ford Mustang Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Ford Mustang but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. A vehicle can still perform well in most categories without earning the overall award. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | M Marginal |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize cars
Strong crash test scores are reassuring, but they do not cover every component. The recall section below shows whether NHTSA or Ford has identified any issues worth correcting on vehicles already sold.
Does the 2026 Ford Mustang Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang, affecting ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. This is more than the 0.9 average for Coupes. A higher recall count does not necessarily indicate a less safe vehicle. It may reflect a manufacturer's responsiveness to potential issues. Repairs are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Most recent: March 2026
Units affected: 590,343
What Do 2026 Ford Mustang Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Ford Mustang. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Performance comes at a cost, and fuel is part of it. The EPA data below shows what the 2026 Ford Mustang's horsepower-to-efficiency trade-off looks like in dollars per year.
What Is the 2026 Ford Mustang Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Ford Mustang achieves up to 19 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,150. That is $390 more per year than the $2,760 average for value Coupes. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoBoost Coupe AT | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
| EcoBoost Premium Coupe AT | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
| EcoBoost Convertible AT | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
| EcoBoost Premium Convertibl... | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
| GT RWD GAS | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
| GT Premium Coupe MT | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
| GT Premium Convertible MT | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
| Dark Horse RWD GAS | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3,150 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $15,750 based on EPA data.
Performance vehicles often carry higher insurance premiums due to their power and repair costs. AAA estimates the full ownership cost below, including depreciation and maintenance.
What Does the 2026 Ford Mustang Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Ford Mustang ranges from $75,240 to $125,860 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
Performance trims often add significant horsepower at significant cost. The table below shows how power, fuel economy, and price scale across all 8 options.
How Do the 2026 Ford Mustang Trims Compare?
The 2026 Ford Mustang is available in 8 trims, with base prices ranging from $32,640 to $63,080. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoBoost Coupe AT | $32,640 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 315 hp | 3,588 lbs | $75,240 |
| EcoBoost Premium Coupe AT | $36,345 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 315 hp | 3,588 lbs | $78,945 |
| EcoBoost Convertible AT | $40,440 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 315 hp | 3,741 lbs | $83,040 |
| EcoBoost Premium Convertibl... | $41,845 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 315 hp | 3,741 lbs | $84,445 |
| GT RWD GAS | $46,560 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 480 hp | 3,827 lbs | $108,590 |
| GT Premium Coupe MT | $51,080 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 480 hp | 3,827 lbs | $113,110 |
| GT Premium Convertible MT | $56,580 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 480 hp | 3,991 lbs | $118,610 |
| Dark Horse RWD GAS | $63,080 | 19 MPG | $3,150 per year | 500 hp | $125,860 |
The Ford Mustang lineup has contracted from 11 trims in 2024 to 8 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $720 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- GT RWD GAS
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- GT Coupe Prod. MT
- GT Coupe MT
- GT Premium Coupe Prod. MT
- GT Premium Convertible Prod...
Price changes since 2024
- Dark Horse RWD GAS $59,335 (2024) → $63,080 (2026) +$3,745
- GT Premium Coupe MT $47,380 (2024) → $51,080 (2026) +$3,700
- GT Premium Convertible MT $52,880 (2024) → $56,580 (2026) +$3,700
- EcoBoost Premium Coupe AT $37,445 (2024) → $36,345 (2026) -$1,100
- EcoBoost Premium Convertibl... $42,945 (2024) → $41,845 (2026) -$1,100
- EcoBoost Coupe AT $31,920 (2024) → $32,640 (2026) +$720
- EcoBoost Convertible AT $40,020 (2024) → $40,440 (2026) +$420
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoBoost Coupe AT | $31,920 18 MPG | $31,920 19 MPG | $32,640 19 MPG |
| EcoBoost Premium Coupe AT | $37,445 18 MPG | $37,545 19 MPG | $36,345 19 MPG |
| EcoBoost Convertible AT | $40,020 18 MPG | $40,120 19 MPG | $40,440 19 MPG |
| GT Coupe Prod. MT | $42,860 18 MPG | — | — |
| GT Coupe MT | $42,860 18 MPG | — | — |
| EcoBoost Premium Convertibl... | $42,945 18 MPG | $43,045 19 MPG | $41,845 19 MPG |
| GT Premium Coupe Prod. MT | $47,380 18 MPG | — | — |
| GT Premium Coupe MT | $47,380 18 MPG | $51,080 19 MPG | $51,080 19 MPG |
| GT Premium Convertible Prod... | $52,880 18 MPG | — | — |
| GT Premium Convertible MT | $52,880 18 MPG | $56,580 19 MPG | $56,580 19 MPG |
| Dark Horse RWD GAS | $59,335 18 MPG | $63,080 19 MPG | $63,080 19 MPG |
| GT RWD GAS | — | $46,560 19 MPG | $46,560 19 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
You have seen what each trim costs. Now, how often does it break? RepairPal aggregates repair data from thousands of shops to answer that question.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Ford Mustang?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Ford Mustang at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value Coupes. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Reliability ratings come from repair shops. Warranty terms come from Ford. Together, they give you both the historical track record and the manufacturer's commitment.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Ford Mustang Come With?
Here is what Ford covers at no cost for the 2026 Mustang. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Ford Mustang Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Ford Mustang. These figures are published by Ford and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Sports car
| Engine | 2.3L I4, 5L V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 315 - 500 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 168.4 - 250.8 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $97 - $133 |
| Torque | 350 - 486 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 304 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 189.4 - 189.7 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 75.4 - 75.5 in |
| Height | 54.8 - 55.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,588 - 3,991 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Ford Mustang?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Ford Mustang. Performance vehicles carry trade-offs in fuel cost and insurance that the data above quantifies. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Ford Mustang FAQ
Which 2026 Ford Mustang trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 8 available trims, the EcoBoost Coupe AT has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $75,240, starting at $32,640 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $125,860. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Ford Mustang?
In the coupe segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Ford Mustang are 2026 Toyota GR86 (starting at $31,200, 22-24 MPG); and 2026 Subaru BRZ (starting at $35,860, 25 MPG); and 2026 Honda Prelude (starting at $42,000, 44 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Coupes.
What changed on the 2026 Ford Mustang from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 1 new trim was added, 4 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $720 for the Ford Mustang lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Ford Mustang cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Ford Mustang include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $263 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,093 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Ford based?
Ford's headquarters are in United States. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Ford models are available for 2026?
Ford offers multiple models for 2026. Our Ford models page lists every available Ford vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
How much horsepower does the 2026 Ford Mustang have?
The 2026 Ford Mustang offers up to 500 horsepower in its top trim. Horsepower varies by trim and powertrain option. See the trim comparison table above for a side-by-side view of power, fuel economy, and price across all 8 configurations.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.