FORD MUSTANG (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 923 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2261cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 5 years old, 91% of FORD MUSTANGs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 923 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 15,949 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
15,949
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 FORD MUSTANG has 15,949 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2021 sits between the two at 91%.
FORD MUSTANG by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 96% | 54 | 13,235 mi | |
| 2021 | 91% | 923 | 15,949 mi | |
| 2020 | 92% | 2,330 | 18,792 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 3,200 | 23,848 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 5,727 | 30,511 mi | |
| 2017 | 90% | 5,161 | 33,418 mi | |
| 2016 | 88% | 6,644 | 36,878 mi | |
| 2015 | 88% | 797 | 42,568 mi | |
| 2014 | 90% | 193 | 54,631 mi | |
| 2013 | 90% | 223 | 53,084 mi | |
| 2012 | 88% | 250 | 63,500 mi | |
| 2011 | 82% | 199 | 70,044 mi | |
| 2010 | 86% | 242 | 71,217 mi | |
| 2009 | 88% | 260 | 65,602 mi | |
| 2008 | 88% | 463 | 57,208 mi | |
| 2007 | 87% | 628 | 66,137 mi | |
| 2006 | 86% | 651 | 73,935 mi | |
| 2005 | 88% | 677 | 72,553 mi | |
| 2004 | 82% | 147 | 59,270 mi | |
| 2003 | 85% | 95 | 81,097 mi | |
| 2002 | 92% | 75 | 77,428 mi | |
| 2001 | 85% | 88 | 67,827 mi | |
| 2000 | 76% | 128 | 75,538 mi | |
| 1999 | 88% | 101 | 85,621 mi | |
| 1998 | 90% | 70 | 115,083 mi | |
| 1997 | 84% | 125 | 77,032 mi | |
| 1996 | 84% | 170 | 96,301 mi | |
| 1995 | 84% | 137 | 92,168 mi | |
| 1994 | 84% | 124 | 84,772 mi | |
| 1991 | 98% | 48 | 73,234 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 FORD MUSTANG
The 2021 FORD MUSTANG is a large car with a 2261cc petrol engine. 923 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 15,949 miles at 5 years old, FORD MUSTANG owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2021 FORD MUSTANG Fuel Costs
The 2261cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 FORD MUSTANG?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
FORD MUSTANG Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MUSTANGs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 FORD MUSTANG
At 5 years old, the FORD MUSTANG offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 FORD MUSTANG's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Oil Consumption
Low riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 FORD MUSTANG stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD MUSTANG(2021) | 91% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £2042 |
| MERCEDES A(2021) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£270 |
| VOLVO XC40(2020) | 93% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£270 |
| FORD RANGER(2021) | 90% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 25-38 | £2037-£5 |
| JAGUAR F-PACE(2019) | 91% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£270 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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