Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I pull into my garage to retreive something from on top of my washing machine. I put the car into park and began to exit the vehicle. The engine was still on at this time. I was about 3/4 out of the car standing with only my right foot still inside . When all of a sudden the car begin to back out by itself in reverse draging me with it about ten feet before I could free myself. I tried to get to the brake but the door of my car was to the wall of the garage and the door took me with it. Slamming me against my water softner garage springs and planter box outside of the garage. I was then able to free myself. The car continued down the driveway across the street into my neibhors yard before stopping. When I got to the car the gear was in reverse. I substained many cuts and bruises as a result of this incident. I contacted Ford about this matter 08-02-99 and they seem to not be intrested. …
After hearing a strange noise in the rear end of the vehicle while driving at speeds no more than 45 MPH, the vehicle was taken to the dearlership where it was purchased. I was given an original estimate of $250., and the next day was told all the bearings in the rear-end including the axels had to be replaced, due to possible factory defect. I phoned Ford motors the following day and was told I would hear something within a day or two. After picking up my vehicle, and paying the $1,474.82 for the repair, was told by Ford a week or so later that I never should have paid for the repair until I had recieved disposition from Ford motor company. However, the dealership would not release the vehicle until thte service was paid for, and I had a new job to report to on 9/23/98, in salem, nh. All the parts removed from the vehicle are located at my former residence in california. …
The transmission cannot be shifted into reverse in any reliable manner. Obvious problem since day one. Reported to Ford, they returned with no problem found. Cannot shift into reverse under any emergency condition if such a situation arises. For a period of 2 months, at 18000 miles, had intermittent grinding when upshifting from 1st to 2nd gear when cold. Not reported to Ford since not consistent enough and did not want to bother with no problem found response. Problem has since gone away (for now). Recent incident, had total failure of clutch cable assembly. Could not shift into gear after stopping at traffic light. I was stuck in the middle of the intersection and forced to abandon car in the middle of a very busy road. One individual swerved to miss my car and almost caused a multi car accident. Ford did replace under warranty. …
First the car had to be repainted. Then the alternator had to be replaced. Next the whole rearend had to be rebuilt because the pinion and pinion bearing went bad. This could have caused a major accident. The car vibrates excessively when you're on the expressway. It is hard to get into 5th gear. It has popped out of gear on several occassions while on the expressway at 70 miles per hour. The spark plug wires had to be replaced. Currently the car keeps stalling when pulling out or accelerating and the check engine light comes on. It has been in the shop 3 times so far for this latest problem. It is still not fixed, and I don't think they know what's wrong with it.
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.
@ 7000 miles the transmission assembly went out & had to be replaced. At 14000 miles front end misaligned, needed 2 new front tires & alignment, @ 21000 miles drivers window quit, @ 21797 brakes began grinding needed replacement pads,@ 21000 miles engine started spark knocking & continues to date. 5 attempts to correct not corrected.@27,462 miles dealer decarboned engine & again 300 miles later. Still spark knocking. Begining lemon law processes 3/28/99.( dot number: )
Severe clutch pedal vibration and chatter...the clutch, throw out bearing and pressure plate have been replaced 3 times and the flywheel once...they also have replaced the entire clutch pedal assembly and cable...tomorrow I will take it in again and have a new "redesigned" throw out bearing installed...this is either a design flaw or a problem that should have already been rectified.
A vibration occurs when upshifting. At first it occurred only at 43 MPH; however, it now occurs around 30 MPH as well and has become more pronouced particularly at the 43 MPH shift point. The automatic transmission fluid is at normal full level and appears to be of normal color. We have also checked the universal joint bearings which are tight.
When clutch is hot, veh is hard to shift into second and third gear, I found two TSB's, dealership says they cannot find problem and I asked them about the TSB's, they said they new of none and said the fully researched it, no action was performed by dealership, learning my lesson about buying a Ford,
Manual transmission difficult/impossible to get into reverse. Caused vehicle to obstruct traffic after executing a u-turn. Several repeat applications of transmission would not allow it into reverse. Driver claims that vehicle exhibited this condition since purchase.
Transmission complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Mustang, 14% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Mustang transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.