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EnginePart report

1997 Ford Mustang Engine Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
1%of 176 total for the year
Median mileage
128,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Ford Mustang, 1% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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, filed 2012-10, 128,000 miles

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026338%
2025316%
20241012%
2023213%
2022510%
2021815%
20202521%
20195335%
20185930%
20172710%
20167620%
20155112%
2014185%
2013228%
2012306%
20114810%
201083%
200932%
200862%
2007152%
2006113%
2005193%
200433%
200364%
200243%
200121%
200031%
199910%
199810%
199721%
199621%
199510%
199421%
198911%
198613%

Other parts of the 1997 Ford Mustang

Engine cooling
38 complaints
Brakes
35 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
29 complaints
Seat belts
19 complaints
Fuel system
15 complaints
Suspension
14 complaints
Other or unknown
11 complaints
Electrical system
8 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Equipment
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Mustang

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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