2026 Ford Mustang
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe Darkhorse, Ecoboost 2dr Convertible, Ecoboost 2dr Coupe, GT 2dr Convertible
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 189.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,587–3,990 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Ford Mustang is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,949 lb (2dr Coupe Darkhorse).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 33 highway), 8% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Mustang — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Mustang →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Flatrock, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2026 Mustang configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe Darkhorse | 189.4 in | 75.6 in | 55.1 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 63.8 in | 3,949 lb | 54/46 |
| Ecoboost 2dr Convertible | 189.4 in | 75.6 in | 55.1 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 64.6 in | 3,741 lb | 52/48 |
| Ecoboost 2dr Coupe | 189.4 in | 75.6 in | 55.1 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 64.6 in | 3,587 lb | 50/50 |
| GT 2dr Convertible | 189.4 in | 75.6 in | 55.1 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 64.6 in | 3,990 lb | 53/47 |
| GT 2dr Coupe | 189.4 in | 75.6 in | 55.1 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 64.6 in | 3,827 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +8% | $2,600 | 341 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -21% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Mustang | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -25% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Mustang Dark Horse | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -29% | $3,950 | 525 |
| Mustang Dark Horse | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -29% | $3,950 | 533 |
| Mustang GTD | 5.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 10 / 17 / 12 | -50% | $6,850 | 741 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Ford Mustang.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Mustang (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2026 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Electrical System › Wiring · Aug 25, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V547000 · 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Aug 25, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V548000 · 10,001 vehicles
- 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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Jun 30, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V418000 · 67,994 vehicles
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Mar 31, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V205000 · 278 vehicles
- 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.
Engine · Dec 1, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V828000 · 6 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2026 Ford Mustang is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Mustang years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 19 |
| 2024 Mustang | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 84 |
| 2023 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 15 |
| 2022 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 50 |
| 2021 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 55 |
| 2020 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 121 |
| 2019 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 151 |
| 2018 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 196 |
| 2017 Mustang | 24 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 268 |
| 2016 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 380 |
| 2015 Mustang | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 11 | 437 |
| 2014 Mustang | 23 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 335 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →