1997 Ford Mustang Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 11%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Ford Mustang, 11% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 3 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.
“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, filed 2003-03, 48,000 miles“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, filed 2006-09, 102,220 miles“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, filed 2005-03, 98,000 miles“In 1999 at 37,000 miles the driver's side seat belt retractor failed. Recently at just under 50,000 miles the passenger seat belt retractor failed. The car was brought to the dealer, capitol Ford at 50,471 miles. The dealer stated that because the mileage exceeded 50,000 it would not be repaired under warranty. The fact that we have an extended service plan warranty did not change Ford's response. I am contacting you now because I feel that Ford motor company is being unreasonable regarding the warranty repair of this important safety feature. …”
NHTSA complaint #749197, filed 2001-07“Seat belt has always had a problem with retracting. It has now been pulled out all the way and will not go back in. It cannot be used in this condition as it poses a safety problem. Dealer has said a new seat belt retracting unit is required and it is $90 plus $127.50 to install.”
NHTSA complaint #738359, filed 2000-12Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 3% |
| 2015 | 10 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 16 | 11% |
| 2002 | 13 | 11% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 36 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 9% |
| 1998 | 18 | 8% |
| 1997 | 19 | 11% |
| 1996 | 12 | 5% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 13 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 20 | 18% |
| 1988 | 10 | 9% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
| 1986 | 6 | 20% |
| 1985 | 4 | 25% |
| 1984 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Mustang
38 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Mustang
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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