Owners have filed 231 complaints
about the 1997 Ford Mustang with NHTSA between 1997 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 32 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Ford Mustang. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 78
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
216.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
216.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
216.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
541.7%
150,000+ miles
18.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1997 Ford Mustang Convertible
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1997 Ford Mustang 2-DR.
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1997peak 10Jun 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Ford Mustang
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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 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 A...
PE99002Opened 11 Jan 1999Closed 30 Jun 1999SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FRONT BRAKE HOSE
Recalls on the 1997 Ford Mustang
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E064000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200028218,700 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, if 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. This could result in unintended vehicle movement and a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lakeland, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
MUSTANGS DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING HEAD ON CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10689543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,220 milesCameron, NCCrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #10168103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CACrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #10057805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesMaitland, FL2 injured
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
NHTSA complaint #10013561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EXPLODED. CONSUMER PURCHASED A NEW COOLING FAN BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO OVERHEAT AND SMOKE. THE SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT THE BEARINGS HAD SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE. THERE IS A RECALL ON SAID PART BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #8004602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Studio City, CACrash
PARKING BRAKE
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.
NHTSA complaint #9004171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tulsa, OK
SEATS
Unknown I lost control of my steering and almost wrecked
NHTSA complaint #11528744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown I lost control of my steering and almost wrecked
NHTSA complaint #11528744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ENGINE
Unknown I lost control of my steering and almost wrecked
NHTSA complaint #11528744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Hill, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11265433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Hill, FL
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 VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11265433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
MUSTANGS DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING HEAD ON CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10689543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesOtisville, MI
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 AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10478613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPlano, TX
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10355543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,100 milesLargo, MD
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 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!
NHTSA complaint #10207339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,220 milesCameron, NCCrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #10168103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,999 milesSebastopol, CA
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)
NHTSA complaint #10148166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesLexington, KY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10114369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,600 milesCameron, NC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10100554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE PAINT ON TOP AND ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE PASSENGER'S STARTED TO PEEL OFF LIKE AO MONTHS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10086935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canada, 00
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.
NHTSA complaint #10080345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10068042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesRidgecrest, AR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10063641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wise, VA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10062697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CACrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #10057805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverview, FL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10053509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Turlock, CA
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 FORD WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. CONSUMER SPENT OVER $600.00 FOR REPAIRS. DID NOT THINK THIS WAS FAIR SINCE FORD KNEW THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10040558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,750 milesRidgecrest, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10037553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCollinston, LA
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 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
NHTSA complaint #10023391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesMaitland, FL2 injured
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
NHTSA complaint #10013561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chrisney, IN
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
NHTSA complaint #8023484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.