Ford Mustang S197
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
558 PS
5.4L Supercharged V8 Benzin
Shelby GT500 — Supercharged Monster
Legendary!Body Variants
The Ford Mustang S197 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Mustang S197 is available with 4 engine variants — from 309 to 558 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Ford 3.7L V6 (Benziner, 309 PS) has the Mustang-V6-S197 (3.7L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Ford Boss 302 (Benziner, 450 PS) has the Coyote-S197-Boss (5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Boss) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Ford GT (Benziner, 417–450 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Coyote-S197 (2010–2014, Be Careful) und Coyote-S197 (2012–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the GT!
The Ford GT500 (Benziner, 557 PS) has the Mustang-Shelby-GT500-S197 (5.4L Supercharged V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard brakes: undersized for the power output The S197's standard braking system is clearly undersized for spirited driving. Vehicles without the optional Brembo package show reduced deceleration (fade) after just a few hard stops. Symptoms: Extended stopping distance with warm brakes, brake pedal goes soft or spongy under repeated braking, squealing and heat build-up in spirited driving. from 40,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
BMW M6 F06
Sportwagen (2012–2018)
BMW M6 F12
Sportwagen (2012–2018)
BMW M6 F13
Sportwagen (2012–2018)
Toyota GT86 ZN6
Sportwagen (2012–2021)
Hyundai Veloster FS
Sportwagen (2011–2018)
Porsche 911 991
Sportwagen (2011–2019)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 41 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Mustang S197 (2005–2014) — 28 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Suspension, Body, Rust.
Mustang (Coyote-S197, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, Crankshaft Bearing Wear, Head Gasket Failed — Overheating Damage. Power: 417 PS.
Mustang (Mustang-Shelby-GT500-S197, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Clutch Wears Prematurely (15,000–30,000 km), Supercharger Bearings and Shaft Seal Wear, Intercooler Pump Fails. Power: 557 PS.
Mustang (Mustang-V6-S197, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Cam Phaser Issues, Chain-Driven Water Pump Fails, Spark Plug Thread Stripped. Power: 309 PS.
Mustang (Coyote-S197, 2012–2014) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, Crankshaft Bearing Wear, Head Gasket Failed — Overheating Damage. Power: 450 PS.
Mustang (Coyote-S197-Boss, 2012–2013) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption and Loss During Track Use, Cam Phasers Rattling, Head Gasket Under Extreme Use. Power: 450 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Mustang? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Mustang S197 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Mustang S197? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Ford Mustang S197 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Ford Mustang S197 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Mustang S197? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee