1997 Ford Mustang Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 8%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 14 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Ford Mustang, 8% of the 176 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Suspension-sway bar - the bolt for the sway bar has sheared off. I have no idea when this occurred except that I was stopped, turned to make a u-turn and heard a loud bang. After that I began to hear this noise hitting my car I thought it was a tire or jack in the trunk. I have found it to be the sway bar. Gas leaking - when my car is ideling I start to get gas fumes filling my car, especially with the air conditioner on. I took it to Ford last summer, they charged me $300 to fix but that has not worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #722495, filed 2000-05“The transmission developed a leak while driving home one day. I estimate 1 quart of fluid was lost. I filled it up but major gear wear had already happened (could hear whine from then on). The leak could not be found and sealed itself. Months later the main input shaft exploded while cruising at 40 MPH rendering the transmission undrivable. The rear sway bar snapped on the right side while entering my driveway at low speed. I have been told both of these are common problems with this car but the close proximity after the warranty expired disturbs me.”
NHTSA complaint #745426, filed 2001-05“Suspension pulls to the left. Transmission would not go into reverse or grinds. Engine loses power with engine light on. Brakes pads on left side metal to metal. Second brake job. All problems still existas.”
NHTSA complaint #706347, filed 1999-05“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 2001-05“Suspension lower control arm: driving approximately 10-12mph when the lower control arm and ball joint became loose, causing the left front wheel to fall off, and the vehicle dropping to the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #813230, filed 1997-06Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2021 | 3 | 5% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2015 | 9 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 16 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 25 | 4% |
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2005 | 20 | 3% |
| 2004 | 7 | 6% |
| 2003 | 9 | 6% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 3% |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 7% |
| 1997 | 14 | 8% |
| 1996 | 22 | 9% |
| 1995 | 34 | 6% |
| 1994 | 17 | 5% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1985 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Mustang
38 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsFuel system
15 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 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