1997 Ford Mustang GT Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 70%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,101miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Ford Mustang GT, 70% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,101 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a 1997 Ford mustang. The 1st intake manifold was replaced on may 19, 2000 and handled under warranty. The 2nd intake manifold failed on september 30, 2005. Ford refused to handle this under warranty and I paid 1187.07. I believe this should be covered under warranty. Please help me. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10138473, filed 2005-10, 91,952 miles“I have a 1997 Ford mutang gt with 106,000 miles, and Ford made it clear about a recall on cracked plastic manifolds. My manifold is currently leaking around the plastic intake which was clearly addressed in the recall. I received no notification from Ford. I think Ford should replace this at no cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10056810, filed 2004-02, 106,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10127098, filed 2005-06, 110,000 miles“I was driving my 1997 Ford Mustang Gt and all of a sudden the coolant light turned on and the whole cockpit filled up with smoke. Upon not being able to see and the coolant light turning on I immediately had to pull over. After towing the car home I noticed that the intake manifold developed a crack and anti-freeze was sprayed everywhere. An intake manifold is a part that should last the life of a car with proper manufacturing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049375, filed 2003-12, 70,971 miles“Original owner of a 1997 Mustang Gt. Car had 124,289 miles on it at the time of this incident. I was at a stop light with one car in front of me. Light turned green and we preceded through the intersection. I was still in first gear, car let out a loud bang. It honestly sounded like a gun had fired. I was through the intersection so I turned off the engine and coasted to the shoulder. I had the car towed to Ford. They told me that the spark plug had exploded and cracked the head. Repairs by Ford totaled $2956.91 and it took them a week to fix the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10140908, filed 2005-10, 124,289 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 21% |
| 2003 | 11 | 22% |
| 2002 | 16 | 33% |
| 2001 | 13 | 22% |
| 2000 | 21 | 33% |
| 1999 | 21 | 58% |
| 1998 | 44 | 83% |
| 1997 | 16 | 70% |
| 1996 | 24 | 75% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Mustang GT
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Mustang GT
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology