How many problems does the 1997 FORD Mustang have?

The 1997 FORD Mustang currently has 242 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1997 FORD Mustang?

The most common problems reported for the 1997 FORD Mustang are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1997 FORD Mustang problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1997 FORD Mustang comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

1997 FORD Mustang Problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

54 complaints

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.

Sep 14, 2010

1997 FORD MUSTANG GT 4.6L 8CL OIL IN RADIATOR, BUT NO WATER IN ENGINE. CAR RUNS GREAT BUT WILL RUN HOT AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF REPLACING THE RADIATOR. COMPRESSION TEST DID NOT SHOW LOSS OF COMPRESSION. MECHANICS ARE BAFFLED BECAUSE THE CAR RUNS SO WELL WITHOUT MISSING OR POWER LOSS. FURTHER TEST CAN NOT PROVE BLOWN HEAD GASKET. CAR DOESN'T EVEN SMOKE. IM CONFUSED, NEED HELP AND HOPING THERE IS A RECALL. *TR

Aug 26, 2010

ENGINE WAS USING COOLANT/TOOK TO FORD DEALER & THEY ADVISED IT'S COMING FROM CRACK IN TOP OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THESE DUE TO CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, BUT TIME TO FILE ENDED 4 MOS. AGO & WE'D HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. *TR

Jul 09, 2008

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

Oct 29, 2007

MY INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS CRACKED. *TR

Aug 07, 2007

+ 49 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

24 complaints

MANUAL TRANSMISSION LOCKS IN REVERSE GEAR. *LA

Oct 14, 2003

MANUAL TANSMISSION. NO 5TH OR REVERSE. CLUTCH/TRANMISSION MESSED UP WHILE ON INTERSTATE.

Sep 25, 2003

CLUTCH PEDAL WILL RATTLE AT SPECIFIC LOW SPEEDS. *AK

Dec 22, 2001

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS AT TIMES UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK INTO A DRIVE GEAR, THIS RENDERS VEHICLE USELESS UNTIL THE GEAR SHIFT IS MOVEABLE. YES THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.*AK

Sep 01, 2001

A VIBRATION OCCURS WHEN UPSHIFTING. AT FIRST IT OCCURRED ONLY AT 43 MPH; HOWEVER, IT NOW OCCURS AROUND 30 MPH AS WELL AND HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUCED PARTICULARLY AT THE 43 MPH SHIFT POINT. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID IS AT NORMAL FULL LEVEL AND APPEARS TO BE OF NORMAL COLOR. WE HAVE ALSO CHECKED THE UNIVERSAL JOINT BEARINGS WHICH ARE TIGHT.*AK

Aug 20, 2001

+ 19 more complaints for this component

SEAT BELTS

20 complaints

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

Sep 12, 2006

Crash: 1

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

Mar 20, 2005

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO FUNCTION, WILL NOT CATCH/STOP FORWARD MOTION WHEN JERKED/PULL ON. I ASK MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT WHEN IT STOPPED RETRACTING. CAR WAS IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. HE ADVISED ME THAT THE SEAT BELF WILL NOT FUNCTION IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT, OFFERING NO DRIVER RESTRAINT. BASICLY THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.*AK

Mar 08, 2005

THE FRONT SEAT BELTS IN THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT LOCK DURING AND EMERGENCY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

May 27, 2004

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

Mar 27, 2003

Injuries: 2

+ 15 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

18 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD MUSTANG, COBRA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY HE APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO COAST DOWN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED NHTSA RECALL #00V349000 PARKING BRAKE: CONVENTIONAL DID NOT APPLY TO HIS VEHICLES VIN NUMBER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 93000.

Mar 12, 2010

WAS INFORMED BY THE GARAGE I TOOK MY CAR TO THAT MY MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER AND HYDROBOOST WERE LEAKING. I WAS TALKING THIS OVER WITH A LAWYER FRIEND OF MINE AND SHE INFORMED ME OF A RECALL ON FEDERAL VEHICLES, POLICE, ETC. BUT THIS WAS NOT A GENERAL RECALL. BUT IF YOU HAD UNDER 100,000 MILES ON YOUR VEHICLE IT WOULD BE FIXED THROUGH FORD. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO SUCH RECALL EVEN AFTER I TOLD THEM I COULD FURNISH THEM WITH CASE LAW NUMBERS IN FLORIDA. I AM NOT SURE WHAT I SHOULD DO AND HOPE YOU CAN HELP. *JB

Feb 04, 2005

PROBLEMS WITH RUBBER HOSE, RUST AND CORROSION TO THE METALLIC BRAKE LINES.*MR *CB

Jul 28, 2003

CAR WILL PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE UNDER LIGHT BRAKING IF THE ROAD IS ROUGH. MUST FIGHT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT UNDER BRAKING. ALSO, THE CAR WILL ALSO WANDER THE ROAD IF IT IS UNEVEN OR ROUGH. AGAIN THE DRIVER MUST FIGHT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO REGAIN CONTROL. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE PROBLEM.*AK

Dec 22, 2001

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ABS WILL TAKE LONGER TO ACTIVATE, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC, AND THERE IS NO FIX. *AK

May 30, 2001

+ 13 more complaints for this component

PARKING BRAKE

14 complaints

CONSUMER RECEIVED 00V34900, REGARDING THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS AND DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN CORRECTED. WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY, WHICH HAS A SLIGHT INCLINE, WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND IN THE PROPER GEAR, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO THE HOUSE CAUSING SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE DEALER SAID, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILURE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ACTUAL FAULTY EMERGENCY BRAKE. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. *YD

Jun 27, 2002

VEHICLE ROLLED BACK WHILE PARKED, EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED. PARK BRAKE RECALL 00V349000 REPAIRS WERE DONE IN DECEMBER OF 2000. *AK

May 14, 2002

WITH PARKING BRAKE IN 1ST AND EMERGENCY BRAKE UP, CAR ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR. I HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED BEFORE AT A FORD SERVICE DEALERSHIP CENTER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE.

Sep 06, 2001

Crash: 1

PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE- MANUAL CARS WERE RECALLED BUT NOT AUTOMATICS. *AK

Sep 01, 2001

PAINT PEELS OFF DOWN TO BARE METAL AND WILL RUST IF NOT REPLACED. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED.

Mar 07, 2001

Crash: 1

+ 9 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

13 complaints

MY 1997 MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE GT, VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OF ABOUT 60-65 MPH. THOUGH THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR SOME TIME, AFTER PLACING NEW TIRES ON THE VEHICLE (LAST WEEK) I DECIDED TO DO MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS CONSISTENT WITH MY VEHICLE'S PROBLEM. *JB

Feb 11, 2005

REAR RIGHT SWAY BAR BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK THE CONSUMER FEELS THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

Jul 16, 2001

THE VEHICLE WANDERS WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THERE IS A SQUEAKY NOISE ON LEFT SIDE, COULD POSSIBLY BE SUSPENSION RELATED. NLM

May 21, 2001

REAR SWAY BAR SNAPPED AT 32000 MILES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Apr 06, 2001

THE SWAY BAR BROKE DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDS, WHICH COULD CAUSE VEHICLE TO DROP AND MAY RESULTIN A VEHICLE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

May 11, 1999

+ 8 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

11 complaints

THE ELECTRICAL POWER WIRES ON THE OEM-INSTALLED FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK, WERE INSTALLED SO THAT THEY CROSSED OVER EACH OTHER ON THEIR WAY FROM THE CONNECTOR OUTSIDE THE TANK TO THE FUEL PUMP INSIDE. ON THREE SIMILAR VEHICLES THAT WE OWN THESE CROSSING SOLID CORE FUEL PUMP WIRES CAME CLOSE ENOUGH TO EACH OTHER SO AS TO TOUCH. ON THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THE WIRES NOT ONLY CROSSED BUT THEY TOUCHED AND THE WIRES WERE RIGID ENOUGH THAT OVER THE YEARS THEY RUBBED AND WORE AWAY THE INSULATION ON BOTH THE RED AND THE BLACK ELECTRICAL WIRES. THIS APPARENTLY ALLOWED THE 12 VOLTS DC POWER TO CROSS FROM ONE WIRE TO THE OTHER, RANDOMLY BYPASSING THE FUEL PUMP AND SERIOUSLY AFFECTING HOW THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD RUN. WHILE THE OPERATIONAL IMPACT OF THIS PROBLEM WAS A NUISANCE, MORE DISTURBING IS THE POTENTIAL THIS INSTALLATION TECHNIQUE HAS FOR BECOMING A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION SINCE A SPARK IS THUS POSSIBLE AND SINCE THE WIRES ARE INSIDE A FUEL-VAPOR AREA, INSTEAD OF A LIQUID-FILLED AREA, ANYTIME THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN ABOUT HALF A TANK OF GASOLINE. *TR

Aug 25, 2014

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

Mar 22, 2004

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

Sep 17, 2002

CONSUMER NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM VEHICLE. DEALER STATED PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Jul 19, 2002

INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND IS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE . CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE MAY CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Jan 04, 2002

+ 6 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

8 complaints

THE PAINT ON TOP AND ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE PASSENGER'S STARTED TO PEEL OFF LIKE AO MONTHS AGO. *AK

Aug 16, 2004

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

Mar 20, 2004

MY 1997 MUSTANG HAS RUSTED THROUGH THE TRUNK FLOOR. THE FRAME BELOW IS ALSO RUSTING. THE FRAME SUPPORTS THE REAR BUMPER,WHICH PROTECTS THE GAS TANK.*AK

Aug 18, 2003

I FIXED THIS ONCE WITH GLUE AND REPLACED. THE ACTUATOR BROKE THE DOOR AGAIN. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM CONSIDERING IF WILL MAKE WINDOW DEFROSTER NON FUNCTIONAL. *AK

Dec 10, 2001

THE CONVERTABLE TOP DOOR WINDOWS ARE MISALIGNED CAUSING AIR LEAKS AND WATER LEAKS. NLM

May 21, 2001

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ERUPTED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS USED EARLIER IN THE DAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO THE SCENE AND DETERMINED THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD IN THE AREA OF SOME ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ALSO RESPONDED AND TOOK A REPORT. THE INSURANCE AGENCY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS.

May 08, 2006

Fire: 1

1997 EXPEDITION SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY 45 MINUTES AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE CAME AND PUT OUT WHAT WAS ALMOST A CATASTROPHIC HOUSE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TO REPLACE IT WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE WE BOUGHT A 99 EXPEDITION. WE WERE OUT $8000 IN THE TRADE. THE OLDER EXPEDITION HAD ONE CAR PAYMENT LEFT ON IT BEFORE THE FIRE. NOW I AM HORRIFIED THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER ON IN THE DRIVEWAY.*AK

Jan 28, 2005

Fire: 1

USED WRONG KEY IN IGNITION AND IT BLEW UP THE IGNITION SYSTEM. HAD KEY MADE AT A LOCAL HARDWARE STORE. AFTER 4 WEEKS OF FORD PROMISING ASSISTANCE-THEY DENIED IT. TRYING A WRONG KEY SHOULD NOT CAUSE THE MODULE AND TRANSCEIVER TO GO BAD. FOLLOWED RECOVERY PROCEDURE IN OWNERS MANUAL BUT CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FORD SHOULD RECALL OR AT VERY LEAST PUT WARNING ON IGNITION.

Sep 14, 2000

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND A FIRE STARTED BY A DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT WIRE WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Jun 14, 1999

Fire: 1

DOOR FOR A/C ADAPTERS BROKEN. YH

Feb 01, 1999

+ 2 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaints

WHILE DRIVING IN A 55 MPH ZONE, I ATTEMPTED TO SET MY CRUISE CONTROL. I DID THIS SUCCESSFULLY. HOWEVER, ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AS IF THE CONTROL WAS DISENGAGED. AFTER I REALIZED THIS, I PUMPED THE BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE C/C. IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF PUMPING THE BRAKES TO RELEASE CONTROL. ONCE DONE, I WAS TOO PARANOID TO TRY USING THE C/C UNTIL RECENTLY. I DECIDED TO TRY IT WITH NO TRAFFIC AROUND IN A 35 MPH ZONE ON A STRAIGHT AWAY. THE CRUISE CONTROL SIMPLY WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I TOOK IT TO AN ASE CERTIFIED SHOP IN ELLSWORTH, MAINE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. THE SHOP SAID IT WAS A RELAY THAT WAS BURNED OUT. THE RELAY WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF 48 DOLLARS FOR PARTS AND LABOR. AFTER REPLACING THE RELAY, THE C/C STILL DOES NOT WORK. I AM MORE CONCERNED WITH THE SUDDEN SLOW DOWN AND NON-RELEASE OF SPEED CONTROL TO THE DRIVER THAN WITH GETTING MY C/C TO WORK AGAIN, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. ESPECIALLY SINCE IT HAPPENED ON A MAINE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THANK YOU.*AK

Nov 08, 2004

VEHICLE'S ENGINE STARTED RACING AND BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND TO STOP VEHICLE.*MR THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN OUTSIDE MECHANIC WHO DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CONSUMER HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANYMORE PROBLEMS. *JB

Jul 14, 2004

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

Feb 11, 2004

Crash: 1

THERE IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, JUST A 2+ SECOND DELAY IN THE ACCELERATION WHEN PUNCHED.

Dec 09, 1998

WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL THERE IS A CLICKING AND SQUEALING NOISE IN THE FRONT/RIGHT/ENGINE, THE NOISE IS SOUNDED FROM START UP TO 55 MPH. THE DEALER HAS WORKED ON THE VEHICLE SIX TIMES, AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE WARRANTY IS STILL BEING HONORED BECAUSE THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE REMEDIED. *AK

Apr 29, 1998

+ 1 more complaint for this component

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

MUSTANGS DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING HEAD ON CRASH. *TR

Feb 20, 2015

Crash: 1

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTIONED WITHIN SYSTEM , CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Oct 31, 2001

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Jun 13, 2001

AIR BAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF ANDBEPS FOR NO REASON I KNOW OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Mar 08, 2001

CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING AND WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, DRIVER WAS KILLED IN ACCIDENT ALONG WITH 1 OTHER INJURY, FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT EXPERIENCE DEPLOYMENT, CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY AN ATTORNEY THAT IF AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, THE DRIVER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN KILLED. *SLC

Dec 13, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STEERING

5 complaints

AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 15MPH, I HEARD A LOUD POP/CRACK COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AT THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT OFF TO THE RIGHT AND ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CHANGE AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO TURN IN A 360 DEGREE ROTATION WITH NO CONTROL OF THE TIRES. AT THIS TIME I FELT SOMETHING HIT MY SHOE FROM ABOVE THE GAS PEDAL AND I REALIZED THAT SOMETHING HAD BROKE CAUSING ME TO HAVE ABSOLUTE NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE STEERING COLUMN, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE SHAFT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE COLUMN THAT GOES INTO THE FLOOR BOARD AND INTO THE FIREWALL TO THE ENGINE. NO BROKEN/SHARD PARTS OF METAL NOR ANY BROKEN PIECES THAT COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF WERE LAYING UNDERNEATH. IT WAS AS IF THE SHAFT WAS "PULLED" OUT OF THE COLUMN HOLE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION AT A BODY SHOP, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN INTO AN ACCIDENT (JUST LIKE THE CARFAX REPORT HAD INDICATED) BECAUSE THERE ARE NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGES. THE TECHNICIANS HAD NEVER SEEN AN ISSUE SUCH AS THIS AND HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO HOW/WHY THE SHAFT WOULD JUST SEPARATE WITH SUCH EASE. I'VE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND DEALERSHIPS AND THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN/HEARD OF AN ISSUE SUCH AS THIS. I BOUGHT THE MUSTANG FROM A LOCAL USED CAR DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT DISCLOSED ANY INFORMATION REGARDING STEERING ISSUES/IF THERE IS ANY TO DISCLOSE. I AM HAVING THE BODY SHOP COMPLETELY REPLACE THE SHAFT BECAUSE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, IF THIS ISSUE IS TO HAPPEN AGAIN WITH SUCH EASE AND I LOOSE TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING CAPABILITIES, WHO IS TO SAY IT WON'T HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR? *TR

Nov 01, 2011

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)

Jan 19, 2006

DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.

Jul 27, 2005

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

VEHICLE WANDERS WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN ROADWAY.

Apr 07, 1998

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

4 complaints

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

Apr 29, 2004

ON 2/3/04 I FILLED UP THE GAS TANK ON MY 1997 FORD MUSTANG GT. I THEN DROVE 2-3 MILES TO WORK. ON THE WAY TO WORK I SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR. WHEN I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT OF MY OFFICE THE SMELL WAS VERY STRONG. UPON EXITING MY CAR I SAW GASOLINE STREAMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO GWINNETT PLACE FORD. THEY CALLED BACK AND TOLD ME THAT THE GROMMET WHERE THE FILLER NECK ENTERS THE GAS TANK HAD DRY ROTTED AND FAILED. THIS REPAIR COST OVER $300 EXCLUDING TOWING. HAD SOMEONE BEHIND MY CAR TOSSED OUT A CIGARETTE OR A SPARK OCCURRED, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A LARGE FIRE ENDANGERING BOTH MYSELF AND OTHER MOTORISTS. I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS INCIDENT AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES WERE VERY ABRUPT AND RUDE ABOUT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

Mar 12, 2004

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.

Nov 12, 2002

CONNECTING PART TO GAS TANK CAME LOOSE RESULTING IN LEAKING GAS.

Jul 24, 1998

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

HEATER CORE IS LEAKING FLUID CAUSING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD FOUR HEATER CORE FAILURES IN TWO YEAR. *YH

May 07, 2002

WIPERS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. *ET

Feb 07, 2000

INTERMITTENTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT WORK. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Aug 25, 1998

REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED. MJS

Oct 22, 1997

TIRES

4 complaints

THIS IS THE SECOND FIRESTONE TIRE IN A WEEK THAT HAS HAD THE TREAD COME OFF. WE HAVE OVER ONE HUNDRED OF THESE TIRES ON OUR FLEET AND NEED TO DECIDE IF WE SHOULD REMOVE THEM.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT225/75R1 )

Sep 19, 2000

THIS WAS RENTAL CAR FROM HERTZ, THAT HAD ONLY 2000 MILES AT TIME OF RENTAL, ON FEB 2, 1997. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TIRES TO HERTZ THE FIRST DAY OF RENTAL BECAUSE THE TIRES COULD BARELY DRIVE WHEN THE GROUND WAS WET. I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON MARCH 9, 1997 AND THE POLICE REPORT REFLECTS THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO DAMAGED TIRES WHICH WERE FIRESTONES. I WROTE FORD TO REPORT THE TIRES IN 1997 AND 1998 TO EVERY BOARD DIRECTOR WITH A RESPONSE OF TO NOT WRITE THEM AGAIN, STILL HAVE COPIES. I WROTE THE VP OF HERTZ AND WAS TOLD THAT I CHANGE THE TIRES AND ACCUSE ME OF LYING AND IGNORING THE POLICE REPORT. I STILL HAVE OVER $60,000 IN MEDICAL BILLS AND OVER $200, 000 IN LOSS WAGES. MY TWO DAUGHTERS STILL SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN AND ANOTHER WITH HER TONGUE THAT NEEDED 8 STITICHES AND STILL HAS A HOLE IN THE TONGUE. I SUFFER WITH BACK PAIN. NY NO-FAULT ONLY PAID $37,000 TOWARD MEDICINE, DOCTOR BILLS AND LOSS WAGES. I LOSS EVERYTHING AND STILL SUFFERING. FORD TOOK A REPORT AND AFTER GIVING THEM THE VEHICLE ID THEY CONFIRM THAT THE TIRES WERE FIRESTONE, I DID THIS ON 8/23/00. THE POLICE OFFICER TOLD ME AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT THAT IF MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF HAD NOT BEEN WEARING SEAT BELTS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT IT WOULD HAD BEEN FATAL. WE HIT A TREE THAT TOTALED THE CAR. I HAVE COLOR PICTURES OF THE TIRES AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION. FORD TOLD ME TO CONTACT FIRESTONE BUT THE PERSON I TALKED TO THERE WAS NOT VERY COOPERATIVE, HIS NAME IS TOM SALOR AT 1.800.465.1904 WHO WAS RUDE AND GAVE ME NO HELP TOLD ME THAT I WOULD NOT BE HELPED BY FIRESTONE. I HAVE ALSO SENT A LETTER TO CONG. BILLY TAUZIN ABOUT THIS AND I AM ASKING YOU TO HELP PUT ME TOUCH WITH THE PERSON WHO CAN HANDLE THIS COMPLAINT AT FIRESTONE OR FORD OR BOTH BECAUSE THEY WERE BOTH NEGLIENT WHEN I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM IN 1997 AND 1998. YOURS TRULY, CHARLENE MARSH( DOT NUMBER: )

Aug 24, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACE AT 13,000 MILES.

Jul 09, 1998

BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE WORE DOWN TO THE CORDS ON INSIDE OF TREAD AT SECOND SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE.

Jan 08, 1998

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

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

Jun 19, 2003

PAINT CRACKING AND DELAMINATION ON HORIZONTAL SURFACES, MOSTLY HOOD. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY.*AK

May 07, 2000

NO SUMMARY

Apr 15, 1999

PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

VEHICLE ROLLED AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHILE PARKED IN FIRST GEAR WITH PARKING BRAKE UP AS PER OWNERS MANUAL, POSSIBLY PARKING BRAKE FAILURE OR TRANSMISSION FAILURE.*JB

Sep 06, 2001

VEHICLE ROLLED AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHILE PARKED IN FIRST GEAR WITH PARKING BRAKE UP AS PER OWNERS MANUAL, POSSIBLY PARKING BRAKE FAILURE OR TRANSMISSION FAILURE.*JB

Sep 06, 2001

VEHICLE ROLLED AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHILE PARKED IN FIRST GEAR WITH PARKING BRAKE UP AS PER OWNERS MANUAL, POSSIBLY PARKING BRAKE FAILURE OR TRANSMISSION FAILURE.*JB

Sep 06, 2001

EQUIPMENT

3 complaints

A/C FAILS DURING 100 DEGREE WEATHER.*ET

Feb 07, 2000

AIR COMPRESSOR FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

CROSS BARS ON LUGGAGED RACK CAME LOOSE AND THE FRONT FASTENERS FELL OUT, CAUSING OBJECTS TO FALL ONTO ROADWAY.

Aug 25, 1998

PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

MY EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILS WHEN ENGANGED AND THE BRAKES ARE PROPERLY ADJUSTED.THE E-BRAKE POPS LOOSE CAUSING THE CAR TO ROLL EVEN IN 1ST GEAR.I HAVE BEEN RAN OVER BY THE FAILURE AND THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME BY DUVAL FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULDN'T FIX BEACAUSE OF THE 131,000 MILES BUT THEY CERTIFIED THE CAR AS PERFECT FOR SALE.NOT TO INCLUDE THE REAR END NEEDED REBUILT THE INTAKE WAS CRACKED AND LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE ROD TO SPIN A BEARING.

Jun 29, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

CAR WAS PARKED IN FIRST GEAR WITH PARKING BREAK UP. CAR WAS HIT WITH HARDLY ANY FORCE AND ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE... DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS UNTIL TODAY MARCH 8, 2003. ALSO NUMEROUS TIMES CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT...NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CAUSES IT COME ON.. SPENT $2000 SO FAR. *NLM

Mar 08, 2003

Crash: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. PEOPLE WITH 97 MUSTANGS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH THERE HEAD GASKETS CRACKING AND ENGINE LIGHTS COMING ON DUE TO ENGINE PROBLEMS. MINE ONLY HAS 44,900 MILES! DO SOMETHING. *AK

May 30, 2001

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS SOME KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE AND VEHICLE IS STALLING. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. CONSUMER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Apr 30, 1999

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

THE RIGHT FOG LAMP STOPPED WORKING. NLM

May 21, 2001

A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1987-1993 MUSTANG GT'S, WHEN DRIVING WITH THE FOG LIGHTS ON, THE WIRING AT THE HEADLAMP SWITCH CAN NOT HANDLE THE POWER, AND WILL MELT DOWN CAUSING A POTENTIAL RISK OF FIRE. THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT AFTERMARKET SUPPLIERS CARRY A PLUG AND PIGTAIL FOR THESE VEHICLES. HERE WE HAVE A 1997 MUSTANG GT, WHILE DRIVING WITH THE FOG LIGHTS ON THE WIRING AT THE HEADLAMP SWITCH OVERHEATED , MELTING THE PLUG TO THE HEADLAMP SWITCH. ALSO I NOTICED BURN RESIDUE ON THE SWITCH ITSELF. BEING AWARE OF THE PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE OLDER CARS I KNEW TO SUT THE FOG LIGHTS OFF. THIS IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE GAUGE CLUSTER LIGHTS BACK ON. I TURNED THE HEADLAMP SWITCH OFF AND THE SMOKE BEGAN TO CLEAR. THIS IS A VERY POPULAR CAR WITH A PROBLEM THAT I AM FINDING IS FAR MORE COMMON ON THE SN95 MODEL MUSTANG THAN THOUGHT. I WAS SUPRISED THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER NHTSA COMPLAINT REGARDING THE VEH. I CALLED AND CHECKED. MY FRIENDS 1995 DID THE SAME THING WITH LESS THAN 36 THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND FORD REPAIRED IT AT NO COST. I HAVE EMAILED WEB SITES ASKING ANY OTHER OWNERS TO FILE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH NHTSA AND FORD SO THAT CONSUMERS CAN BE NOTIFIED. IF NOT FOR ANY OTHER REASON THAN AT LEAST TO HAVE PEOPLE NOTIFIED NOT TO USE THE FOG LIGHTS UNTIL THIER CAR CAN BE INSPECTED. IT IS A COUPLE OF SCREWS AND THE REMOVAL OF THE HEADLAMP KNOB TO INSPECT THE SWITCH AND THE WIRING. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL MY FRIEND BOBBY SILVA AT 480-961-7433. HE IS ALSO AN OWNER AND WORKS FOR AN INSURANCE COMPANY. HE WAS THE ONE WHO TOLD ME WHAT TO DO WHEN MY CAR STARTED SMOKING AND HE KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM. HE IS HELPING ME WITH THE DEALER EAHRNHARDT FORD 480-893-0000 IN CHANDLER ARIZONA. I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND THIS HAPPENED IN AZ. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Dec 19, 2000

Fire: 1

SEATS

2 complaints

DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE AS RESULT OF REAR END COLLISON. *AK

May 08, 2001

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET WAS BROKE WHEN I SAT DOWN. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR NO BREAKING. IT BROKE WITH NO PRESSURE ON IT.

Dec 03, 1999

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

SUSPENSION PULLS TO THE LEFT. TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR GRINDS. ENGINE LOSES POWER WITH ENGINE LIGHT ON. BRAKES PADS ON LEFT SIDE METAL TO METAL. SECOND BRAKE JOB. ALL PROBLEMS STILL EXISTAS.

May 09, 1999

@ 7000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY WENT OUT & HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT 14000 MILES FRONT END MISALIGNED, NEEDED 2 NEW FRONT TIRES & ALIGNMENT, @ 21000 MILES DRIVERS WINDOW QUIT, @ 21797 BRAKES BEGAN GRINDING NEEDED REPLACEMENT PADS,@ 21000 MILES ENGINE STARTED SPARK KNOCKING & CONTINUES TO DATE. 5 ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT NOT CORRECTED.@27,462 MILES DEALER DECARBONED ENGINE & AGAIN 300 MILES LATER. STILL SPARK KNOCKING. BEGINING LEMON LAW PROCESSES 3/28/99. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

Mar 27, 1999

SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

Unknown I lost control of my steering and almost wrecked

Jun 25, 2023

STEERING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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.

Oct 01, 2019

ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Oct 04, 2012

STEERING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 complaint

I AM GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AFTER MARKET STEERING EXTENSION DEVICE PUT ON ALOT OF HANDICAPPED VEHICLES, THIS PART IS PUT ON THESE CARS AND TRUCKS TO HELP ASSIST THE DRIVER IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL . THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PART IS THAT IS NOT SAFE . WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF OF THE SPLINED SHAFT THE NEW PIECE IS PUT ON AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SPLINED CENTER TO FIT TIGHT ON THE SHAFT AND THE ONLY OTHER THING TO HOLD IT TIGHT IS 2 SET SCREWS. IF ONE OF THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOSE OR IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE TURNED TO HARD THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT THE WHEELS WOULDN'T , OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND . I HAVE TALKED TO A AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST ALONG WITH THE HEAD MECHANIC SUPERVISOR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH MEN SAID THAT THIS PART IS NOT VERY SAFE AND THEY WOULD NT WANT IT ON THEIR CAR OR TRUCK , I ALSO TALKED TO THE PERSON WHO INSTALLED THIS PART HE NO LONGER USES THIS ALUMINUM PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF STRESS THAT A STEERING WHEEL GOES THROUGH . I HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THESE PARTS REPLACED BY THE COMPANIES SO THAT NO ONE WITH A MODIFIED HANDICAPPED STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION DOES NOT GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE , I WAS LUCKY TO FIND IT EARLY BUT MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE WON'T BE. THANK YOU SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Feb 15, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH NEVER HONORED BY THE DEALER. FORD REPLACED (FIRED) THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THIS DEALERSHIP FOR DISHONEST PRACTICES. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED 5/97 WITH 13001 MILES ON IT WE PICKED UP THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT TIME OF PURCHASE AS PER STATEMENT OF GENERAL MANAGER AT THE TIME. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Jul 26, 2001

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WITH 60,000 MILES ON VEHICLE HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT CONSUMERS EXPENSE BY DEALERSHIP. THEN 4,000 MILES LATER, TIMING GASKET BLEWOUT WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER SERVICE PROGRAM. THEN, WITH 68,000 MILES ON VEHICLE, IT STARTED VIBRATING WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, AND REVVED TO OVER 6000 RPM. CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD WHERE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING. 3.8 LITER V6 ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF COMPLETE FAILURE. *AK AIR CONDITIONER WOULD LOSE POWER AFTER 45 MINUTES OF OPERATION, DEALER STATED AN ACCUMULATER AND ORIFICE TUBE WAS NEEDED. THE CONNECTOR TO THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WAS CRACKED ALMOST IN HALF CAUSING THE CABLE TO DISENGAGE FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. *SLC

Jun 13, 2001

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE TRANSMISSION DEVELOPED A LEAK WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE DAY. I ESTIMATE 1 QUART OF FLUID WAS LOST. I FILLED IT UP BUT MAJOR GEAR WEAR HAD ALREADY HAPPENED (COULD HEAR WHINE FROM THEN ON). THE LEAK COULD NOT BE FOUND AND SEALED ITSELF. MONTHS LATER THE MAIN INPUT SHAFT EXPLODED WHILE CRUISING AT 40 MPH RENDERING THE TRANSMISSION UNDRIVABLE. THE REAR SWAY BAR SNAPPED ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHILE ENTERING MY DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BOTH OF THESE ARE COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR BUT THE CLOSE PROXIMITY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED DISTURBS ME.*AK

May 16, 2001

PARKING BRAKE,TIRES

1 complaint

PARKING BRAKE FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LEFT REAR PANEL, SPOILER, AND BUMPER, CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE OF RECALL 00V349, AND PAID FOR THE REPAIRS HIMSELF, CAUSING THE TRADE IN VALUE OF THE VEHICLE TO GO DOWN. *SLC THE VEHICLES TIRE TREAD APPEARED TO BE SEPARATING. NLM

Jan 19, 2001

WHEELS

1 complaint

WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION WHEEL BECAME UNDONE, ROLLED OFF VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Oct 30, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

1. SPARK PLUG WIRE CLAMPS NOT STAYING CONNECTED TO SPARK PLUGS CAUSING ARCING AND DAMAGE TO 5 SPARK PLUG WIRES. 2. RUPTURE OF COOLANT CROSSOVER TUBE ON FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD RESULTED IN ALMOST TOTAL LOSS OF COOLANT ON ABOUT A ONE BLOCK LENGTH OF ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. RECALL 97M91 HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY INVESTIGATED (FEB. 1999) WITH NO DAMAGE FOUND. FAILURE OCCURRED IN DEC. 1999.

Aug 17, 2000

SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

SUSPENSION-SWAY BAR - THE BOLT FOR THE SWAY BAR HAS SHEARED OFF. I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS OCCURRED EXCEPT THAT I WAS STOPPED, TURNED TO MAKE A U-TURN AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. AFTER THAT I BEGAN TO HEAR THIS NOISE HITTING MY CAR I THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE OR JACK IN THE TRUNK. I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE THE SWAY BAR. GAS LEAKING - WHEN MY CAR IS IDELING I START TO GET GAS FUMES FILLING MY CAR, ESPECIALLY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON. I TOOK IT TO FORD LAST SUMMER, THEY CHARGED ME $300 TO FIX BUT THAT HAS NOT WORKED. MY CAR FILLS UP WITH GAS FUMES AND NOW THAT I AM USING THE AIR CONDITIONER AGAIN, ITS BACK AT MY ATTENTION BECAUSE THE FUMES ARE VERY STRONG AND I GET SICK, HEADACHES, DIZZY AND LIGHTHEADED. *AK

May 10, 2000

EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

PAINT IS PEELING OFF, DOWN TO THE SHEET METAL & RADIO MAKES HIGH PITCHED WHINE & STATIC.

Mar 22, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY.

Oct 03, 1999

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

CAR PURCHASED 9/97 FACTORY DELIVERY BRAKE PROBLEMS CONSTANTLY SQUEEKING METAL CLINGING, BOOT COVER NEVER LOCKS, TRANSMISSON FAILURE TWICE, LEAKS AROUND WINDOW SEALS

Oct 01, 1999

Crash: 1

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE APPROX. 45MPH HOOD SUDDENLY POPPED OPEN. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S VIEW TO BE OBSCURED & COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT. *AK

Aug 18, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND CONSUMER HAD TO ADD COOLANT INTO VEHICLE DUE TO A LEAK WITHIN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *AK

Aug 05, 1999

POWER TRAIN,SEATS

1 complaint

DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK LEVELED OUT AND CAUSED DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE FRONTWARD UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. DLR REPLACED SEAT TRACK. PROBLEM REOCCURRED. ALSO TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Jul 07, 1999

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

FIRST THE CAR HAD TO BE REPAINTED. THEN THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. NEXT THE WHOLE REAREND HAD TO BE REBUILT BECAUSE THE PINION AND PINION BEARING WENT BAD. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY WHEN YOU'RE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. IT IS HARD TO GET INTO 5TH GEAR. IT HAS POPPED OUT OF GEAR ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. THE SPARK PLUG WIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. CURRENTLY THE CAR KEEPS STALLING WHEN PULLING OUT OR ACCELERATING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES SO FAR FOR THIS LATEST PROBLEM. IT IS STILL NOT FIXED, AND I DON'T THINK THEY KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT.

Jun 01, 1999

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

POWER STEERING/BRAKE BOOSTER HOSE REPLACED, NOW STRONG VIBRATION IN BRAKE PEDAL AND AT BRAKE BOOSTER, AND LOUD AUDIBLE HUM, NO NOISE/VIBRATION PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT, DEALER SAYS NEW LINE DIFFERENT THAN ORIGINAL BUT IS ONLY REPLACMENT AND CAN DO NOTHING FURTHER - I'M CONCERNED THAT VIBRATION MAY CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE SINCE POWER STEERING SHARES PUMP WITH BRAKE BOOSTER. *AK

May 25, 1999

STEERING,TIRES

1 complaint

ALL 4 TIRES "DRY ROTTED" OR CRACKED WHERE SIDEWALL MEETS TREAD, BFG REP SAYS NOT A PROBLEM UNTIL BELT IS SHOWING THROUGH SIDEWALL, OFFERED "GOOD WILL" 25% OF COST TO REPLACE - I'M CONCERNED THAT TIRE FAILURE MAY OCCUR( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 245/45 17 )

May 25, 1999

TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THIS CAR HAS HAD 10 DEFECTS WITHIN THE PAST YEARS. NO SAFETY DEFECTS MENTION WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

Mar 30, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Mar 27, 1999

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE.

Feb 22, 1999

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

May 26, 1998

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

THE ENGINE ELECTRONICS WENT OUT; AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED, AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW QUITE WORKING. *AK

Jul 10, 1997

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30MPH AND CAMING TO A STOP, ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, STARTED TO ACCELERATE ,VEHICLE STARTED TO SLIDE,TRIED TO TURN BACK AND VEHICLE STARTED TO GO TOWARDS THE CURB. HIT THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND RAN INTO CURB.SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD IN PLACE, DAUGHTER WENT FORWARD AND HIT HEAD ON DASH ,THEN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN A DELAYED REACTION. SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHY THEY DID NOT HOLD SECURE. *AK

Jun 30, 1997

Crash: 1

1997 FORD Mustang Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

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