1997 Ford Mustang
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Mustang › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Mustang. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1997 Ford Mustang. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Certain poli-auto combination headlamp assemblies, p/nos. 11-728, 11-728d, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708p, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (p&c), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, and 11-732, sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Poli-auto will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps at its original purchase price. the recall IS expected to begin during april 2006. owners may contact poli-auto at 305-477-1356.
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. the recall began may 9, 2006. owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
Equipment description: passenger vehicles that have had the driver's air bag module replaced after april 5, 2000. the replacement driver's air bag module inflator may have insufficient welds that could prevent proper inflation of the air bag.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the driver's air bag may not properly deploy which could potentially result in less than the intended level of occupant protection.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver's air bag module. owner notification began october 5, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. if a vehicle IS parked with the parking brake not fully applied and not in first gear, as directed in the owner guide, and the self adjustment pawl subsequently skips one or two teeth, the vehicle could move on some grades.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in unintended vehicle movement and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the parking brake control and install a plate or over-bracket to the control to lock the self adjust mechanism in position following adjustment.
Owner complaints
176 complaints17 involved a crash3 involved a fire13 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Seats · Unknown or other
Unknown I lost control of my steering and almost wrecked
- Air bags · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford mustang. The contact stated that the steering wheel was cracked in the location of the horn. The failure caused the air bag to become exposed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the air bag would not deploy. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford mustang. The contact stated that the steering wheel was cracked in the location of the horn. The failure caused the air bag to become exposed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the air bag would not deploy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
Mustangs driver side air bag did not deploy during head on crash. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford mustang. The contact stated that while traveling 35 mph, a foul odor started to emit into the cabin. The contact then merged to the side of the road because he became distraught. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford mustang. The contact stated that while traveling 35 mph, a foul odor started to emit into the cabin. The contact then merged to the side of the road because he became distraught. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 128,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford mustang. The contact stated that the plastic intake manifold was cracked and causing coolant to leak. The contact believed that the failure was contributed to a design flaw. The dealer was contacted and they advised the contact that they would not service any…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford mustang. The contact stated that the plastic intake manifold was cracked and causing coolant to leak. The contact believed that the failure was contributed to a design flaw. The dealer was contacted and they advised the contact that they would not service any vehicles over ten years of age. The contact stated that the intake manifold failed twice since owning the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
I have been having a problem with my 1997 ford mustang. this IS a problem that has gotten progressively worse over the past few years. at first, when starting my car, the engine would turn over yet the car would immediately die. after a couple of attempts, the car would eventually start and stay…
I have been having a problem with my 1997 ford mustang. this IS a problem that has gotten progressively worse over the past few years. at first, when starting my car, the engine would turn over yet the car would immediately die. after a couple of attempts, the car would eventually start and stay started. now, when attempting to start my car, the engine turns over yet the car dies immediately. in most cases, the car does not start until it has been serviced. it has been taken to 3 service providers (including ford), who have been unable to duplicate and/or fix the problem. recently, ford replaced my air flow valve and sensor and just after picking the car up and driving it for about 30 minutes, I went into a store just to come out and find that my car won't start. once started the car always continues to run with no problem. please please help! *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
1997 ford mustang passenger side seat belt will not retract, drivers side retracts about 98% of the time, 2% of the time, its rendered useless like the passenger side. Ford notified, was told it was "owner error". I don't think so. *jb
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Tie rod failing 1997 ford mustang, vin #[xxx], mileage to date 70,000. *jb updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Seat belts on driver's side failed about 2 years ago and were replace dwith one from junk yard. Now the one on the passenger side IS locked up (belt won't extend). this IS on a 1997 ford mustang V-6. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Excessive rattling..rough idle..while engine IS running..a slight "humming" can be heard over the dual exhaust..nothing major has happened as of yet.*ak
- Structure › Body
The paint on top and on the driver's side and the passenger's started to peel off like ao months ago. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
While driving 40 mph consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. consumer was able to maintain control of vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that intake manifold needed to be replaced due to a blowout. *Ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Filling/charging
1. Gas leaked badly from the top of gas tank when the tank IS full at the gas station. . Tank can explode if there IS any spark and subsequently the whole car. very dangerous suitation for the driver and any passenger in the car. may cause fire and major catastroph for all the surroundings.…
1. Gas leaked badly from the top of gas tank when the tank IS full at the gas station. . Tank can explode if there IS any spark and subsequently the whole car. very dangerous suitation for the driver and any passenger in the car. may cause fire and major catastroph for all the surroundings. 3. The jount between the fill line and the gas tank was leaking due to manufacturing defects. the jount was re-welded at the dealer shop and the leak stopped.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The rubber seal between the fuel filler pipe and the fuel tank split causing fuel to leak out onto the ground. this could cause a fire or an environmental spill.*ak
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
The paint on the rear trunk hatch IS falling off. And in some other areas. It's not because of any accident or wear an tear. It all seems to be cause of either cheap paint or after the car was painted it was baked to long or dried in the sun too long or how ever you dry them. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
The cruise control self activated which caused the vehicle to speed up and as a result the driver lost control of the vehicle. *ph during this incident the brakes did not work. the driver was not injured. the vehicle was totaled. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The consumer took vehicle into be inspected, and mechanic noticed that the plastic intake manifold cracked, causing fluid to leak onto the engine. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Consumer was having a problem with intake manifold that was made of plastic. he had to have it replaced with the retro fit manifold which was aluminum and plastic. consumer found a recall on the internet dealing with intake manifold, and took the vehicle to a dealer to have it repaired, but…
Consumer was having a problem with intake manifold that was made of plastic. he had to have it replaced with the retro fit manifold which was aluminum and plastic. consumer found a recall on the internet dealing with intake manifold, and took the vehicle to a dealer to have it repaired, but ford would not repair it. consumer spent over $600.00 for repairs. did not think this was fair since ford knew the problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Head gaskets blown causing the upper radiator hose to swell and rub the air conditioning compressor clutch. the hole in the hose caused all the coolant to leak out and causing a misfire in the engine. the head gaskets were blown on three of the six cylinders. the engine IS a 3.8L V6 in a 1997 mustang.*ak
- Unknown or other
The color of this mustang IS white. around may or june 2000, the paint began to peel off the roof of the car. almost immediately, the exposed metal began to rust. I consulted the dealer about it, but they wanted to charge me to paint the car, since the warranty was expired. prior to this, I had…
The color of this mustang IS white. around may or june 2000, the paint began to peel off the roof of the car. almost immediately, the exposed metal began to rust. I consulted the dealer about it, but they wanted to charge me to paint the car, since the warranty was expired. prior to this, I had it looked at by another party who said that ford should paint it at no charge to me because the paint and primer were both defective, thus causing the paint to come off. I called ford motor company, but they wouldn't help. the owner's manual says the metal has to be "perforated" before ford would cover the paint. I feel that they should have painted the vehicle when the problem was first reported. even if they just painted the roof and not the whole vehicle, I would have been satisfied with that. (LT). *nlm
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Both front seat belts are jammed and will not retract. I have always had this problem with both belts, but have always managed to have them retract back. Now both belts are sitting in the front seats as both belts are too short to fasten when driving. This IS a huge problem and IS dangerous to both front seat passengers. nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at 65 mph the vehicle started over heating. Consumer had vehicle serviced by a mechaninc who informed him that the the head gasket had blown and leaked water into the engine. the mechanic also indicated that this IS a very common problem. Ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
There IS a strong fuel smell in the cab of vehicle states' consumer. catalytic converter has been changed twice. problem with smell still exist. please describe further. Ts
- Fuel system, other › Storage
This car has a salvage title, which I later found was due to a trunk fire. I bought the car and later followed up on research about salvage titles finding out that the gas tank IS in a bad location and that mustang's when hit on impact have a tendency to leak gasoline causing fires. I also have…
This car has a salvage title, which I later found was due to a trunk fire. I bought the car and later followed up on research about salvage titles finding out that the gas tank IS in a bad location and that mustang's when hit on impact have a tendency to leak gasoline causing fires. I also have problems with my locks. Power lock don't work, and when I open the driver side door, I must keep the key in the the turned unlock position while pulling the handle up in orer to open the door. I have also had problems with the car in the rain. Going at very low speeds, most the time, from a complete stop, I have hydroplaned and have done a 360. The car IS very scary to drive in the rain. the ride IS bumpy making all my cd's scratch. The car also lets off gas when the ac IS on, causing me to become sleepy. All in all I find mustangs to be very unsafe vehicles and would never buy another.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
Ford experimented with a composite intake manifold. the intake manifold cracked and catastrophically failed due to this new material. ford knows about this problem and has a secret recall on it: 01m02. other drivers have had accidents following this failure because the smoke gets so thick that…
Ford experimented with a composite intake manifold. the intake manifold cracked and catastrophically failed due to this new material. ford knows about this problem and has a secret recall on it: 01m02. other drivers have had accidents following this failure because the smoke gets so thick that it IS impossible to see. there was so much smoke that I thought my car was on fire. this problem needs to be recalled by ford, and ford should pay the towing bills of those of us who have needlessly suffered this failure.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Front brake hose
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10018959Extended coverage program 05n04 - extended coverage for composite intake manifold. This program IS being provided as a settlement to a class action lawsuit. The terms of the settlement extend the coverage of the all-composite intake manifold to 7 years from the original warranty start date of the vehicle, with no limit on the number of miles that the vehicle has been driven.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10008262Intermittent loss of power or crank no start - possible pats lamp flashing and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) u1147 and/or u1262.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092663Some vehicles with a manual transmission may exhibit a fead belt concern (front end accessory drive).
- 6091860Some vehicles may exhibit a front end accessory drive (fead) belt toss.
- 6091770Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light illuminated accompanied with obd-ii code p0340 set in the pcm memory.
- 6091712Some vehicles with manual transmission equipped convertibles may exhibit a body vibration / shake.
- 6091700Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage from sustained high speed operation.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090634Information regarding vibration/extension housing bushing. *Mjs
- 6090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090055Vehicles built between 3/15/1997 and 12/31/1998 and with 4r70w transmissions may experience delayed or no 2-3 upshift, transmission control indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0782 stored in memory.
- 6089686Concerns with the convertible top boot may fit improperly or be difficult to install on some vehicles due to the top not folding down all the way into the well.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 6089651Subject on engine coolant leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles.
- 636339Subject regarding speed control lamp.
- 630628Some vehicles may exhibit an intake manifold crossover (first runner) coolant seepage condition.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630341Some vehicles equipped with the T45 manual transmission may exhibit a condition of being stuck in reverse, difficult to shift into reverse or may pop out of reverse.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 625732Some vehicles may exhibit the door glass coming off of the window track.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 624711Some vehicles exhibit the door glass popping off track.
- 624571Some vehicles may exhibit a fead belt jump-off toss.
Every Ford Mustang model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.