Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Driving approximately 25-30mph and caming to a stop, attempted to make a right turn, started to accelerate ,vehicle started to slide,tried to turn back and vehicle started to go towards the curb. Hit the brakes and the vehicle did not stop and ran into curb.seat belts did not hold in place, daughter went forward and hit head on dash ,then air bags deployed in a delayed reaction. Seat belts were replaced, but they don't know why they did not hold secure.
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
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.
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. These seatbelts should never fail and the fact that both of them have failed seems to point to a defect that should trigger a recall. Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
I purchased the Ford Mustang cobra during July, 1997, and currently have 16,850 miles. The driver's side seat belt has worn at the poing where it retracts into the floor such that it May break at any time, especially in the event of an accident. Because of the wear location on this seatbelt, it would not normally be noticed by the driver. I was unaware of this unsafe belt until someone outside the car while the door was open, and while I had my seat belt fastened, pointed out this unsafe condition. I have notified Ford motor company customer assistance center by letter dated October 30, 2000, requesting guidance. Ford has not responded to my information and request for assistance.
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.
Seat belt jams in guide over drivers shoulder by folding over and becomming too wide for the guide slot. This renders the seatbelt useless in a crash. Ford motor co and dealer have ignored my requests to make the repair. It is very dangeroius.
The front seat belts in this vehicle does not lock during and emergency. Please provide any additional information.
Front seat belts failed to retract back to original position after useage. Took to dealer , and mechanic indicated nothing was wrong after putting belts back. Has since reappeared a week later.
Seat Belt complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1997 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Ford Mustang, 10% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is front › retractor (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Mustang seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts recall for the 1997 Ford Mustang, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Mustang seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to seat belts problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.