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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Mustang› 2026
Ford · Coupe

2026 Ford Mustang

Gas
Subcompact Cars
6 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
C
Safety Signal
71 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 5
Complaints2 crash · 1 injured reported 8
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 26 mpg
Starting MSRP10 trims · manufacturer $32,995
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2026 Ford Mustang is sold in the U.S. as a gas coupe with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Mustang, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of C. Owners have filed 8 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall. Manufacturer pricing runs from $32,995 to $106,090 across 10 trims.

2026 Ford Mustang

Trims & pricing

Source: manufacturer press kitWhich trim should I buy? → Compare a trim →
TrimPowertrainDriveMSRPHPTorqueWheels
EcoBoost FastbackGasRWD$32,995315 hp350 lb-ft18 in
EcoBoost Premium FastbackGasRWD$36,345315 hp350 lb-ft18 in
EcoBoost ConvertibleGasRWD$40,440315 hp350 lb-ft18 in
EcoBoost Premium ConvertibleGasRWD$41,845315 hp350 lb-ft18 in
GT FastbackGasRWD$46,800480 hp415 lb-ft18 in
GT Premium FastbackGasRWD$51,080480 hp415 lb-ft19 in
GT Premium ConvertibleGasRWD$56,580480 hp415 lb-ft19 in
Dark HorseGasRWD$64,080500 hp418 lb-ft19 in
Dark Horse PremiumGasRWD$69,075500 hp418 lb-ft19 in
Dark Horse SCGasRWD$106,090795 hp660 lb-ft20 in

MSRP excludes destination. Open a trim for the complete spec sheet and standard/optional equipment. Have the car in front of you? Decode its VIN to see which of these trims it is and what it was priced at.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
MustangGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo223326$2,600
MustangGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl162419$3,550
MustangGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl152318$3,700
Mustang Dark HorseGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl142217$3,950
Mustang Dark HorseGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl142217$3,950
Mustang GTDGasRWD5.2L 8-cyl101712$6,850

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 49794, 49792, 49793, 49795, 49796, 50279.

New-vehicle warranty

Source: manufacturer press kits, make-level
Basic 3 yr / 36,000 mi Powertrain 5 yr / 60,000 mi Roadside 5 yr

As stated in Ford's press kits for the 2025–2026 model years (8 kits); this model year's own kit states no warranty terms, so the make's are shown. Confirm the term for this car with the dealer.

Also on file Beside the 2026 Mustang
Head to head vs the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Ranking Safest coupes Report card The 2026 year, graded Other years The 2019 Mustang
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The cheapest ownership win

Insurers price the 2026 Mustang very differently, and the gap between the best and worst quote on the same car and driver is usually larger than any option you are weighing on this page.

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Recalls (5)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Electrical System

26C40
148,663 vehicles
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V547000 reported Aug 25, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

26S61
10,001 vehicles built Mar 31, 2026 – Apr 9, 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V548000 reported Aug 25, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Visibility

26C32
67,994 vehicles 7% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V418000 reported Jun 30, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

26S23
278 vehicles 77% reported repaired built Feb 20, 2026 – Feb 26, 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V205000 reported Mar 31, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine

25SD3
6 vehicles built Oct 23, 2025 – Oct 23, 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V828000 reported Dec 1, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific Mustang

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2026 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2026 Ford Mustang, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2026 Ford Mustang

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Mustang →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
8complaints filed

2 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 1 injuries · 0 deaths reported

3.1 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 25,416 Mustang built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2026: 8

Most-cited components

Engine 3
Service Brakes 2
Electrical System 2
Vehicle Speed Control 2
Visibility/Wiper 1
Unspecified 1

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

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.
Engine Sep 28, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11767355
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.
Electrical System Sep 23, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11766530
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
Vehicle Speed Control at 2,500 miles Sep 14, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11764133
On XXX I purchased a new 2026 Ford Mustang GT from the dealership at and in 40 Hrs. after the purchase I was traveling on Headed west at about 78 MPH the speed limit was 70 MPH., when my driver side rear tire let go, I mean totally blew out.
Wheels Jul 14, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11750303
9 days after I purchased this 2026 Mustang GT brand new. The first rain storm. After activating the wipers. Said wipers broke and went flying airborne over the vehicle into traffic. At which point I couldn’t see as it was raining heavy.
Visibility/Wiper Jun 14, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11743949
The 2026 Ford Mustang was off and rolled away out of the driveway colliding with tree, The incident was caught on my Ring Camera, the electrical system vehicle had acting strangely and kept giving warning the trunk was open and had to go open and close it multiple times.
Service Brakes May 9, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11736799

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★8%
2 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★8%
2 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★8%
C RWDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★★8%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 25
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-14
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 21 service bulletins, 3 over-the-air updates, 1 other

Most often about: Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Power Train, Structure, Fuel/Propulsion System.

  • TSB 26-2442 Service bulletin
    2026-10-14 · Unknown Or Other
  • This bulletin supersedes 26-2297. Reason for update: Add 2022-2025 Transit vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display screen after welcome animation. The rear-view camera will still function when shifting the vehicle to reverse under these conditions.
  • SSM 55237 Service bulletin
    2026-10-12 · Electrical System
  • Some 2025-2026 Mustang GTD vehicles built on or before 28-Sep-2026 may exhibit one or more of the following hydraulic system warning messages displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC): "Suspension Fault Speed Limited to 80 MPH", "Driver Selectable Suspension Fault", "Front Lift Not Available", "Drive Mode Not Available" and/or "Active Aero Fault". Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) U0037, U0759,
  • TCU-26.2.12.2.2 Mach E, F Over-the-air update
    2026-09-16 · Unknown Or Other
  • Quality improvements include: -Addresses a bug that may cause updates to fail
  • ECG-26.2.12.3 Bronco,Esca Over-the-air update
    2026-09-09 · Electrical System
  • Quality improvements include: -ePrivacy enhancements
  • SSM 55118 Service bulletin
    2026-08-25 · Electrical System
  • Some of the following vehicles: * 2023-2025 F-Super Duty built on or before 02-Feb-2025 * 2024-2026 Ranger/Bronco/Mustang * 2024-2025 F-150 built on or before 15-Jul-2025 * 2024-2025 Nautilus built on or before 16-Feb-2025 * 2025 Explorer/Aviator built on or before 01-Feb-2025 may exhibit all of the following symptoms: - "No Key Detected" message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
  • SSM 55072 Service bulletin
    2026-08-06 · Power Train
  • Some 2025-2026 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L or 2.3L engine and built on 15-Aug-2025 and through 01-Dec-2025 may exhibit various drivability symptoms and/or have diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) related to throttle/pedal position circuits. This may be caused by a spread terminal at the PCM connector. Inspect for loose fitting terminals at C1551B
  • SSM 55061 Service bulletin
    2026-08-04 · Structure — Body
  • Some 2024-2026 Mustang vehicles built on or before 23-Apr-2026 may exhibit a sagging headliner appearance at the door openings which show the raw headliner edge untucked from the door glass run. An updated door glass run has been released for service (Left Side:PR3Z-6321597-B, Right side:PR3Z-6321596-B). Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 501-05.
  • SSM 55031 Service bulletin
    2026-07-23 · Electrical System
  • Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operating properly with no charging related diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored. This may be due to someone using an aftermarket programmer to c

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
B118CManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →1 bulletin
B118DManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →1 bulletin
C0086Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →1 bulletin
C1041Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →1 bulletin
C1119Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →1 bulletin
C1A03Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →1 bulletin

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Compare the 2026 Mustang with

Any vehicle, your weights →
Head-to-headVerdict
2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class · Coupe · grade AE-Class +3.7
2026 Chevrolet Corvette · Coupe · grade BMustang +13.9
2026 BMW 2 Series · Coupe · grade BMustang +7.1
2026 Porsche 911 · Coupe · grade A911 +18.2
2026 Aston Martin DB12 S · Coupe · grade ADB12 S +18.5
2026 Aston Martin Valhalla · Coupe · grade AMustang +20.9

Mustang by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2026 this page C 5 8 26 mpg2025 D 6 19 26 mpg2024 F 12 84 Do not drive2023 F 6 15 25 mpg2022 F 9 50 25 mpg2021 C 6 55 25 mpg2020 D 8 120 25 mpg2019 C 6 151 25 mpg2018 C 3 196 25 mpg2017 D 6 268 24 mpg2016 C 5 380 25 mpg

Common questions about the 2026 Mustang

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

How much does the 2026 Ford Mustang cost?

Manufacturer pricing runs from $32,995 for the EcoBoost Fastback RWD to $106,090 for the Dark Horse SC RWD, across 10 trims. Those are MSRPs from the manufacturer's own press material; they exclude destination, options, taxes and whatever the dealer adds. Every trim and price is listed above.

Does the 2026 Ford Mustang have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 5 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Mustang. The most serious on file is 26V547000, covering Electrical System. 2 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: December 2026, March 2027. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2026 Ford Mustang?

NHTSA gave the 2026 Ford Mustang 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 5-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it C (71/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Ford Mustang?

Across the 6 EPA-rated configurations of the 2026 Ford Mustang, the best EPA combined figure is 26 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2026 Ford Mustang?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 Ford Mustang, most often about engine, service brakes, electrical system. Of those, 2 involved a crash, 1 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

Are there service bulletins for the 2026 Ford Mustang?

The manufacturer has filed 25 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2026 Ford Mustang, most often covering electrical system, unknown or other, power train. The most recent is dated 2026-10-14. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

Which 2026 Ford Mustang trim is the best value?

$73,095 separates the cheapest of the 10 trims from the most expensive, so the answer depends on which of the differences you would actually use. Every trim has its own page here with the manufacturer's full specification and equipment list, plus a short summary of exactly what it adds over the base trim — worth reading before a dealer frames the walk-up for you. The trim-by-trim ladder shows what every step up costs and what it makes standard.

Is the 2026 Ford Mustang better than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class edges it, 90.5 to 86.8, on safety. The Ford Mustang is ahead on performance and fuel & range. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.8 and it flips. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2026 Ford Mustang against the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations6 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificatesnoneEPA emission certificatesThe EPA published no certificate we could match to a configuration on this page.
Recalls5NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints8NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins25NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSAnoneNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWe had no VIN pattern to decode for this model year, or the manufacturer filed nothing usable.
Trims, pricing & equipment10 trimsManufacturer press kitTranscribed from the manufacturer's own press material, every value carrying the document it came from.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Head to head 2026 Ford Mustang vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Scored on price, fuel, safety, space, performance and warranty — the weights are yours.Ranking Safest 2026 coupes Every coupe of this model year by NHTSA recall record, best first.Report card Every 2026 vehicle graded C The 2026 model year graded A–F; this one sits in the C group.Recall Watch Watch this Mustang by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly. Trim-level specifications and pricing are transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit; every value carries its source in the data file.

JSON for this page · API