1997 Ford Mustang Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Ford Mustang, 1% of the 176 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #737996, filed 2000-12“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”
NHTSA complaint #785011, filed 2001-05Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 25% |
| 2024 | 8 | 9% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 42 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 16 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 14 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 16 | 15% |
| 1987 | 5 | 13% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Mustang
38 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Mustang
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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