Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1992 Ford THUNDERBIRD: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

184 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

113,150 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1992 model year. Data updated: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 22 of 184 complaints (12.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior2714.7%
Electrical and battery issues126.5%
Fuel system concerns84.3%
Steering behavior73.8%
Transmission and shifting52.7%
Engine operation52.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
22
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
21
Seat Belts
12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
11
Electrical System:Ignition
9
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch
9
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
9
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
6
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine22
Exterior Lighting:Headlights21
Seat Belts12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip11
Electrical System:Ignition9
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch9
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings9
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch6

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 22; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 21; Seat Belts: 12; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 11; Electrical System:Ignition: 9; Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch: 9; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 9; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 6

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 178 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
21
1996
24
1997
21
1998
15
1999
16
2000
35
2001
16
2002
18
2003
7
2004
5
2005
2
2007
1
2008
1
2010
1
2012
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199521
199624
199721
199815
199916
200035
200116
200218
20037
20045
20052
20071
20081
20101
20121

1995: 21; 1996: 24; 1997: 21; 1998: 15; 1999: 16; 2000: 35; 2001: 16; 2002: 18; 2003: 7; 2004: 5; 2005: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2010: 1; 2012: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 27 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 12 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 8 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10003283 · 2003-01-23 (January 23, 2003)

MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON. THEY DO THIS ALL THE TIME.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003283 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005644 · 2003-02-10 (February 10, 2003)

REAR UPPER BRAKE LIGHT: IT CONTIANS TWO BULBS ONE OF THEM WAS BROKEN AND THE HOLDER WAS MELTED AND BURNT. DIDN'T CAUSE ANY DAMAGE EXCEPT FOR THE CONNECTOR. NOT SURE ON DATE JUST NOTICED WHEN I NOTICED THE LIGHT WASN'T WORKING.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10005644 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10015869 · 2003-04-15 (April 15, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING THE EEC FUSE BLEW OUT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10015869 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016762 · 2003-04-30 (April 30, 2003)

COMPONANT: UPPER MOUNTED TAILLIGHT REPEATED STOP AND GO TRAFFIC CREATED EXCESSVIE HEAT IN THE UNVENTED PLASTIC MOUNTING. PLASTIC MELTED AND DRIPED ONTO BULBS CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10016762 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020531 · 2003-05-26 (May 26, 2003)

FORD SPRINGS I OWNED AN ESCORT AND AM ON THE SECOND SET OF SPRINGS AND JUST BOUGHT A 92 THUNDERBIRD AND BOTH FRONT SPRINGS ARE BAD THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A TOPAZ I HAD TO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH FORD AND THERE SPRINGS LATELY I'VE BEEN HEARING A LOT ON THIS SEEMS LIKE WHEN THE CARS GET UP TO 75000 MILES. EVER HEARD OF FLATS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM PLEASE LOOK INTO IT THANK YOU. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 126,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10020531 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10026671 · 2003-07-07 (July 7, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES THAT DRIVER'S SEAT BELTS IS INOPERABLE, MOTOR WENT OUT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10026671 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10047754 · 2003-11-12 (November 12, 2003)

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *PH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10047754 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10073541 · 2004-05-12 (May 12, 2004)

WHILE PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE FAILED TO START. CONSUMER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND THEN RESTARTED IT. DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED SOLENOID SWITCH INSIDE THE IGNITION DUE TO A BURNT OUT WIRE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10073541 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

96V071000 · Electrical System:Ignition

Reported: 1996-04-25 (April 25, 1996)

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
97V159000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1997-09-22 (September 22, 1997)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WEST VIRGINIA. MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINES CAUSES THE NYLON FUEL LINE JUMPER TO CHAFE AGAINST THE FLOOR PAN. THIS WEAR CAN CAUSE A PIN HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence: THIS FUEL LEAKAGE RESULTS IN DAMPNESS AND FUEL ODOR, AND IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC CONVOLUTE COVERING AROUND THE FUEL LINES. IF THE LINES SHOW A LEAK, THE LINES WILL BE REPLACED FIRST.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
99V275000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch

Reported: 1999-10-12 (October 12, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOG LIGHTS, IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS MAY GO OUT FOR VARIOUS INTERVALS AND WHICH MAY BE PRECEDED BY FLICKERING OR BLINKING AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING.

Consequence: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH INCORPORATES A CIRCUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN, AND INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, IF NEEDED.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

184 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

3.3%Usable mileage6 / 184 records
77.7%Valid incident date143 / 184 records
100.0%Valid filing date184 / 184 records
77.7%Ordered incident and filing dates143 / 184 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1991199219931994199519961997199819992002200320042005
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
119.8%
ODI 10013562 · 73,000 mi

HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 73,000 ON MY 1991 TBIRD WITH THE 3.8 V6. LOOKS LIKE FORD IS TRYING TO COVER THIS UP! *NLM

Look up ODI 10013562 at NHTSA ↗

2212.0%
ODI 531298

HEAD GASKET FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL IN TRAFFIC.

Look up ODI 531298 at NHTSA ↗

12329.1%
ODI 10006154 · 67,000 mi

ENGINE HEAD GASKETBLEWOUT, CAUSING AND ENGINE TO LEAK. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. PH. *AK

Look up ODI 10006154 at NHTSA ↗

4013.3%
ODI 10008313 · 63,237 mi

ENGINE FAILURE AT 63000 MILES. FRONT SEAL FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT INTO ENGINE. CAR WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR, AND DRIVEN CAREFULLY. *JB

Look up ODI 10008313 at NHTSA ↗

2810.7%
ODI 10014211 · 74,000 mi

BY NOW IT IS QUITE APPARENT OF THE NOTORIOUS FORD 3.8L HEAD GASKET FAILURE ISSUE. WELL, JUST TO KEEP PEOPLE UP TO DATE ON FORD'S BUSINESS PRACTICES. MY WIFE BOUGHT A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD IN NOV 1995. (I MUST FIRST START OFF BY SAYING THAT I AM THE COMPUTER LITERATE ONE, THAT IS WHY I AM COMPLAINING, AND I AM THE ONE WHO WILL BE FORCED TO FIX/PAY FOR THE HEAD GASKETS IN HER THUNDERBIRD). TODAY IS APRIL 9TH 2003, I AM BEGINNING TO NOTICE SYMPTOMS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR (LOSING COOLANT, ERRATIC TEMPERATURE CHANGES) WHICH WOULD INDICATE A B…

Look up ODI 10014211 at NHTSA ↗

208.6%
ODI 10021760 · 86,000 mi

VEHICLE STALLED AND MADE A WEIRD NOISE. DUE TO OIL PUMP BEING DEFECTED. NOW THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TT

Look up ODI 10021760 at NHTSA ↗

105.9%
ODI 10022442

THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. *JB

Look up ODI 10022442 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1010.8%
ODI 10014291 · 10 mi

TWICE MY 2002 THUNDERBIRD'S ENGINE HAS STOPPED WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. BOTH TIMES, IT OCCURRED AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC IN A 55 MPH ZONE. WHEN IT QUIT, I WAS UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE IN ANY WAY. I HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTART IT BEFORE I COULD LEAVE THE ONCOMING LANE. FORD HAS AN UNPUBLISHED OASIS SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE 16581 WHICH STATES: "2000-2002 LINCOLN LS & 2002 THUNDERBIRD - INTERMITTENT ENGINE QUIT ON DECEL/STOPS/TURNS. SOME 2000-2002 LINCOLN LS & 2002 THUNDERBIRD VEHICLES MAY EXH…

Look up ODI 10014291 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 10130105 · 6,000 mi

DT: WHILE DRIVING AT 55-60 MPH THE ENGINE STARTED TO BOG DOWN AND SLOWLY DIED. HAD BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM AND A TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE HAD BEEN CHECKED DIAGNOSTICIANS, AND WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. DEALER HAD NEVER INDICATED WHAT WAS WRONG. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE OTHER THAN A REBUILD OF THE TRANSMISSION WHEN FIRST PURCHASED. PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE DYING WAS INTERMITTENT. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10130105 at NHTSA ↗

25.9%
ODI 10095550 · 4,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING A WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN GEAR. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN RESTART THE ENGINE. AFTER DOING THIS THE CAR RAN OK FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS TIME WHEN RESTARTED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. THE DEALER RESET THE COMPUTER. ON 10-09-04 THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE DEALER NOW HAS THE CAR TRYING TO FIND THE TROUBLE. EACH FAILURE CAME WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR A REAR-END COLLISION, BECAUSE THE C…

Look up ODI 10095550 at NHTSA ↗

13.7%
ODI 10314167 · 35,471 mi

ON NOV 24,2009, THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR FAILED AND CAUSED MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO METRO FORD FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE PART WOULD TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS. METRO SAID I COULD DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL THEY REPAIR MY CAR BECAUSE FORD COULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE JULY 2009. AFTER SEVERAL PROMISES TO NO AVAIL, I DECIDED TO WRITE SEVERAL EXECUTIVES. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE YET. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE CAR OFF IN TRAFFI…

Look up ODI 10314167 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
21.8%
ODI 484694

TRANSMISSION FAILED, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AK

Look up ODI 484694 at NHTSA ↗

52.7%
ODI 563622

VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK KNOCKING CONSUMER OVER AND RUNNING OVER HER ANKLE/LEG.

Look up ODI 563622 at NHTSA ↗

61.4%
ODI 480530

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *AK

Look up ODI 480530 at NHTSA ↗

6622.0%
ODI 10048796 · 45,000 mi

I NOTICED IMMEDIATLY AFTER BUYING THIS CAR THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED THAT WAS 11/98 IT TOOK SEVERAL CALLS TO THE DEALER AND A COARSE OF A YEAR FOR THEM TO FINALLY FIX IT. SECOND TIME I BROUGHT IN TO SHOP REPLACED WHOLE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS 12/99. NOW IN 6/03 THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SLIP AGAIN. ALSO HAD RECALL LETTER ABOUT HEAD GASKETS, FORD REFUSED TO WORK WITH ME ON REPLACEMENTS, HAD TO BE REPLACED OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. PRIVATE DEALER LIED ABOUT CONDITION OF VEHICLE, IT HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. FORD MADE NO ATT…

Look up ODI 10048796 at NHTSA ↗

2710.3%
ODI 10039096 · 75,000 mi

I HAVE A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH A V8 ENGINE AND AUTO TRANS. IT DOWN SHIFTS RANDOMLY WITH THE OVERDRIVE ON OR OFF. *JB

Look up ODI 10039096 at NHTSA ↗

114.7%
ODI 10041483 · 150,000 mi

THE 1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD'S HEAD GASKET BLEW AND TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. IT HAS BEEN USING WATER SINCE WE BOUGHT IT FROM THE DEALER. *LA

Look up ODI 10041483 at NHTSA ↗

105.9%
ODI 10020735 · 71,568 mi

I BOUGHT MY 1997 THUNDERBIRD 4-15-2003 W/70000 MILES, AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS PAGE I CAN ONLY RELATE TO 2 OF THEM, THE VIBERATION IN THE TRANSMISSION ON UPSHIFT,AND THE FRONT END SHAKING ABOVE 50 MPH.BUT I'M SO GLAD. *AK I BOUGHT A 2 YR.EXTENTED WARRENTY,BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE I'M IN FOR SOME PROBLENS. I CAN BE CONTACTED AT [email removed]

Look up ODI 10020735 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

39.1%
ODI 10038992

MY TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH SHIFTING. LIGHTS FLASHED ON DASHBOARD. *JB

Look up ODI 10038992 at NHTSA ↗

25.9%
ODI 10119325

CONCERNS REGARDING 2004 THUNDERBIRD AND THE CHANCE OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILING AFTER THE WARRANTY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID FORMULATION THAT, OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE DELAYED/HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM BY INITIATING A RECALL TO ADD AN ADDITIVE TO THE FLUID. THE CONSUMER FELLS THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SHOULD BE TOTALLY DRAINED AND REPLACED WITH THE PROPER FLUID. *BF *NM

Look up ODI 10119325 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
65.4%
ODI 485151

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD

Look up ODI 485151 at NHTSA ↗

42.2%
ODI 526808

GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR DUE TO THROTTLE CABLE FAILURE.

Look up ODI 526808 at NHTSA ↗

81.9%
ODI 536923

RUNAWAY ENGINE/SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

Look up ODI 536923 at NHTSA ↗

217.0%
ODI 10132882

DT: THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED THERE WAS ODOMETER FRAUD. WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT SHOWED 91,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HE GOT A CARFAX REPORT WHICH SHOWED THAT IN 9-20-99 IT SHOWED 118,090 WHEN TAKEN TO THE TN DMV. ALSO, THE REPORT SHOWED ON 4-20-00 THAT THERE WAS 125,035 MILES ON A SERVICE RECORD. ANOTHER RECORD INDICATED THAT IT HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE TN DMV BUT THE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE HIGH MILEAGE . THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN INDEPENDEN…

Look up ODI 10132882 at NHTSA ↗

103.8%
ODI 10513854 · 65,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CRASHED AGAINST A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A FRACTURED COLLARBONE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE HEART CAGE, A KIDNEY AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS LATER INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAUSE…

Look up ODI 10513854 at NHTSA ↗

31.3%
ODI 10004156

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE COLLIDES WITH GARAGE DOOR. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Look up ODI 10004156 at NHTSA ↗

105.9%
ODI 10015785 · 50,000 mi

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. *JB *TS

Look up ODI 10015785 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 872560

WHEN DECLINING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED IT CAUSED VEHICLE TO INCREASE ITS SPEED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS NORMAL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 872560 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10065521

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE DUPLICATE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Look up ODI 10065521 at NHTSA ↗

88.6%
ODI 10108837 · 25,500 mi

WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD ABOUT TWO CAR LENGTHS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK TIRES SPIN AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF RUBBER. *JB THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *NM

Look up ODI 10108837 at NHTSA ↗

39.1%
ODI 10059567 · 11,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED. *AK

Look up ODI 10059567 at NHTSA ↗

926.5%
ODI 10140599 · 16,028 mi

ON AUGUST 19, 2004 I WAS PARKING MY 2004 T-BIRD IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. AS I EASED IN, I REALIZED I WANTED TO EDGE FORWARD AN INCH OR TWO SO I SLOWLY BEGAN TO RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD HITTING THE CURB AND FLEW FORWARD 4-5 FEET WHILE I WAS PUTTING EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT FINALLY STOPPED AS THE CAR ACTUALLY HIT THE COMPANY SIGNAGE. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED TO THE TUNE OF ------. NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW IT HAPPENED, I CHALKED IT UP TO HUMAN ERROR, ALTHOU…

Look up ODI 10140599 at NHTSA ↗

414.8%
ODI 10314167 · 35,471 mi

ON NOV 24,2009, THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR FAILED AND CAUSED MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO METRO FORD FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE PART WOULD TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS. METRO SAID I COULD DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL THEY REPAIR MY CAR BECAUSE FORD COULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE JULY 2009. AFTER SEVERAL PROMISES TO NO AVAIL, I DECIDED TO WRITE SEVERAL EXECUTIVES. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE YET. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE CAR OFF IN TRAFFI…

Look up ODI 10314167 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
65.4%
ODI 804423

DRIVER EXPERIENCES A TOTAL LOSS OF ABS BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 804423 at NHTSA ↗

116.0%
ODI 522284

BRAKE WARNING LAMP CAME ON AND DRIVER EXPERIENCED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER.

Look up ODI 522284 at NHTSA ↗

61.4%
ODI 10076092

WHILE DRIVING20 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. A LOUD STREAKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. *AK

Look up ODI 10076092 at NHTSA ↗

165.3%
ODI 708839

WE PURCHASED A USED 1994 FORD THUNDERBIRD, FROM A DEALER, WITH 49,000 MILES ON IT AND WE ARE WONDERING IF THERE WERE EVER ANY RECALL OR REPAIR CAMPAIGNS ON THAT YEAR AND MODEL? PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY AND WHAT THEY ENTAIL. WE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF. SEVERAL THINGS WILL HAPPEN. 1. ONE SITUATION IS AT ENGINE START-UP THE ANTI-LOCK LIGHT DOES NOT GO OUT, AS IT SHOULD. 2. ANOTHER SITUATION IS THAT THE LIGHT GOES OUT THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO, THEN WHILE DRIVING …

Look up ODI 708839 at NHTSA ↗

166.1%
ODI 10046346

CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS CHECKING THE BRAKES, HE TOLD HER THAT TRANSMISSION WAS MALFUNCTIONING. CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE HESITATED AND SHOOK. THEN, MADE A FUNNY NOISE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN DOING THIS FOR A LONG TIME. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON TRANSMISSION. *AK

Look up ODI 10046346 at NHTSA ↗

83.4%
ODI 519450

ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING VIBRATION.

Look up ODI 519450 at NHTSA ↗

74.1%
ODI 10131043

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED A YEAR AGO WA SINVOLVED IN 2 REAR END COLLISIONS WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IT WAS NOT LOOKED AT, THEY INSTEAD TRIED TO SELL CONSUMER ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT CONSUMER'S OWN EXPENSE AT ANOTHER MECHANIC. DEALERSHIP STATED THEY KNEW THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED. . THE MANUFACTURER TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE VEHIC…

Look up ODI 10131043 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

26.1%
ODI 10014673 · 27,000 mi

THE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP WHEN A TURN WAS MADE, ALSO THE ABS DID NOT WORK. *JB

Look up ODI 10014673 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
43.6%
ODI 515421

DISC BRAKE ROTORS WARPED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHAKE UPON BRAKING. *AK

Look up ODI 515421 at NHTSA ↗

42.2%
ODI 480612

REPLACED RIGHT/LEFT SPINDLE.

Look up ODI 480612 at NHTSA ↗

133.1%
ODI 480530

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *AK

Look up ODI 480530 at NHTSA ↗

175.7%
ODI 484526

INTERMITTENT SURGING WHILE IN DRIVE/COMING TO A STOP.

Look up ODI 484526 at NHTSA ↗

3914.9%
ODI 505782

FAN MOTOR REPLACED 3 TIMES. *AK

Look up ODI 505782 at NHTSA ↗

198.2%
ODI 10048182

PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE ROTORS ON VEHICLE ARE WARPED. *MR THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED, LEFT AND RIGHT (2 TIMES) AND WERE WARPED AGAIN. *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10048182 at NHTSA ↗

21.2%
ODI 564201

NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, CONSUMER BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BRAKING EFFECTS CAUSED BY WARPED ROTORS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM AT NO COST, HOWEVER 12 MONTHS LATER ROTORS WERE WARPED AGAIN, CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING WARPED ROTOR PROBLEMS. *JG

Look up ODI 564201 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.0%
ODI 10173327 · 14,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A NOISE AS THOUGH THE WHEEL WAS GOING TO COME OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CALIPER, BRAKE SHOE AND ROTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/2006 - *NM

Look up ODI 10173327 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting:Headlights
76.3%
ODI 10000441 · 165,000 mi

HEADLIGHT FAILURE INTERMITTENT OPERATION. TS

Look up ODI 10000441 at NHTSA ↗

2111.4%
ODI 10003283

MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON. THEY DO THIS ALL THE TIME.

Look up ODI 10003283 at NHTSA ↗

4410.4%
ODI 10027212

CONSUMER STATES THAT HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10027212 at NHTSA ↗

10.3%
ODI 10020013

THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED THEN WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020013 at NHTSA ↗

62.3%
ODI 715023

THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC LENS AND HALOGNE LIGHT BULBS, THE PLASTIC LENS CRACKS DEVELOPING A SPIDER WEB EFFECT AND ALLOWS CONDENSATION TO ENTER DRAMATICALLY REDUCING VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. NLM *SLC *JB

Look up ODI 715023 at NHTSA ↗

73.0%
ODI 10102226

THERE IS A WHITRE CLOUDY FILM ON THE HEADLIGHTS CREATING POOR VISABILITY AT NIGHT.*AK

Look up ODI 10102226 at NHTSA ↗

10.6%
ODI 10135141 · 52,244 mi

HEADLIGHT LENSES ON 1997 THUNDERBIRD CLOUD OVER DUE TO WEATHERING AND LIMIT AMOUNT OF LIGHT EMITTED. NIGHT VISION AND OBJECT ILLUMINATION IS SERIOUSLY COMPROMISED. VIGOROUS POLISHING TEMPORARILY REMOVES HAZE, BUT IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT THE CONDITION RETURNS MORE QUICKLY. I RECENTLY HAD TO SWERVE INTO A LARGE POT HOLE TO AVOID A CITY RECYCLE CAN THAT HAD OVERTURNED AND, BEING DARK GREEN, IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. I DAMAGED MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL. *AK

Look up ODI 10135141 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

22.2%
ODI 10145968 · 34,000 mi

THE HEADLIGHT BRACKETS ON THE 2002 THUNDERBIRD CRACK AT THE REAR, WHERE THE HEADLIGHT ATTACHES TO THE FRAME WITH A BOLT. ALSO CRACKS IN THE ENTIRE REAR BODY OF THE HEADLIGHT... DESIGN WAS CHANGED IN 2003, FORD WILL ONLY REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, AFTER WARRANTY FORD WILL NOT REPLACE OR ADMIT THIS IS A PROBLEM... THERE ARE OVER 280 MESSAGES AT WWW.THUNDERBIRDNEST.COM RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10145968 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
10.9%
ODI 718286

$2250.00 REPAIR BILL ON KNOWN PRODUCT PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Look up ODI 718286 at NHTSA ↗

42.2%
ODI 515147

ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.

Look up ODI 515147 at NHTSA ↗

368.5%
ODI 10039391 · 58,075 mi

HEAD GASKET FAILED IN A CAR WITH 58,000 MILES. FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN THE 3.8 LITER V6 AND THE INTERNET IS FULL OF SITES DOCUMENTING HORROR STORIES ABOUT THESE ENGINES.

Look up ODI 10039391 at NHTSA ↗

93.0%
ODI 10044226 · 115,000 mi

CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE JERKING FORWARD WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY THREE CERTIFIED MECHANICS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HEAD GASKETS WORE OUT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *AK THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH IT'S POWER WINDOW'S, AIR CONDITIONER AND TRANSMISSION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10044226 at NHTSA ↗

51.9%
ODI 502737

DASHBOARD RATTLE. *SD

Look up ODI 502737 at NHTSA ↗

62.6%
ODI 507489

PCM CHIP PROBLEM CAUSED ENGINE TO CUT OUT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON.

Look up ODI 507489 at NHTSA ↗

53.0%
ODI 605913

GOODYEAR TIRES NOISY AND DO NOT PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE RIDE. NLM

Look up ODI 605913 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.1%
ODI 10215711 · 64,000 mi

THIS IS A DESIGN/ENGINEERING FLAW ADDRESSED ON 2003 MODEL, BUT LEFT OUT 2002. THE PROBLEM STATED BY--VEHICLE NOT STARTING AT THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND GOT WORSE ON 1/11/2008. THE ENGINE VALVE COVERS WARPS ALLOWING OIL TO SEEP INTO COIL/SPARK PLUG CAVITIES SHORTING-OUT THE COILS, FOULING SPARK PLUGS. RIGHT NOW I HAVE A $2000.00 REPAIR BILL AND FORD FAILED TO RECOGNIZED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN AVOIDED BY INSPECTING THE COIL/SPARK PLUG CAVITIES FOR EVIDENCE OF OIL. IF OIL PRESENT, TO RESEAL/REPLACE VALVE C…

Look up ODI 10215711 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.9%
ODI 10193156 · 55,000 mi

WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP.

Look up ODI 10193156 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
43.6%
ODI 504097

IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED TWICE, FIRST TIME CAUSING FIRE. *DSH

Look up ODI 504097 at NHTSA ↗

63.3%
ODI 10073541

WHILE PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE FAILED TO START. CONSUMER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND THEN RESTARTED IT. DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED SOLENOID SWITCH INSIDE THE IGNITION DUE TO A BURNT OUT WIRE. *AK

Look up ODI 10073541 at NHTSA ↗

102.4%
ODI 505177

VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK

Look up ODI 505177 at NHTSA ↗

10.3%
ODI 563174

FIRE DEVELOPED FROM THE THUNDERBIRD WHICH WAS SITTING IN THE CARPORT ATTACHED TO THE HOUSE, THE FIRE ADVANCED FROM THE CAR TO THE HOUSE AND KILLED BOTH THE CONSUMERS WIFE AND HER FATHER, CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT FIRE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH.*YD

Look up ODI 563174 at NHTSA ↗

20.8%
ODI 756337

AFTER STARTING MY CAR AT 5:30 AM TO PROCEED TO WORK THE KEY FELT A BIT STRANGE AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. UPON DRIVING THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY I DREW MY ATTENTION BACK TO THE KEY AND FELT THAT IT WAS SPINNING FREELY, AND COULD BE REMOVED, AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, ( THE START POSITION APPEARED TO WORK OK). I HAD NO WAY I COULD TURN THE CAR OFF. A TECHNITIAN ON THE 800 PHONE LINE TO FORD SUGGESTED I HIT THE FUEL SHUT OFF IN THE TRUNK ONCE I REACHED MY LOCATION. THIS WOULD SIMULATE A CRASH AND SHUT OFF THE FUEL. I ELECTED TO PULL A LARG…

Look up ODI 756337 at NHTSA ↗

10.4%
ODI 895018

WHEN DRIVING AT 25 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE WILL SHUT COMPLETELY OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER. ALSO, AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, VEHICLE WILL RESTARTEASILY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Look up ODI 895018 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsToo few reports for a range78,400 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10092913 · 98,000 mi

CONSUMER' S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALLS 96V071000 AND 99V27500 CONCERNING IGNITION SYSTEM AND HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10092913 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10205039 · 58,800 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD. IN APRIL OF 2000, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED AT THAT TIME BECAUSE THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, THE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF AND TWO PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER TO CALL FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,800.

Look up ODI 10205039 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range177,749 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10246190 · 177,749 mi

I GOT INTO MY CAR THIS MORNING AND THE DRIVER POWER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT WORK. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO MY PASSENGER SIDE THE POWER SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ATTEMPTED TO WORK BUT DIDN'T WORK COMPLETELY. THERE WAS NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. THIS ISN'T SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. I HAVEN'T MADE AN ATTEMPT TO GET IT FIXED YET AS IT JUST HAPPENED ONLY A HALF HOUR AGO. *TR

Look up ODI 10246190 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:IgnitionToo few reports for a range98,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10092913 · 98,000 mi

CONSUMER' S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALLS 96V071000 AND 99V27500 CONCERNING IGNITION SYSTEM AND HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10092913 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting:Headlights:SwitchToo few reports for a range100,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10086283 · 100,000 mi

THE AUTO LAMP ON/OFF DELAY SYSTEM RANDOMLY TURNS OF MY HEADLIGHTS AT NIGHT EVEN WHEN THE DELAY SYSTEM IS TURNED OFF.*AK

Look up ODI 10086283 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsToo few reports for a range138,760 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10082845 · 138,760 mi

1)1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD VIN [XXX], FUEL LINE CHAFFED AGAINST FLOOR PAN CAUSING A PIN HOLE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE (EXACTLY AS IN NHSA ID: 97V159000 ISSUED 09/17/1997). 2) FUEL LINE LEAKED STRONG ODOR AND EXTEAM FIRE DANGER. 3)JOHN'S REPAIR 189 E. 2ND S. SODA SPRINGS, ID REPLACED FUEL LINE 10/20/03 $292.66. CONTACTED FORD AT [phone removed], 07/28/2004, THEY STATED THIS VIN HAD NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS, THEY COULDN'T CROSS CHECK NHTSA ID # TO FORD'S RECALL NUMBER AND FORD WOULDN'T REIMBURSE ME FOR REPAIR.*AK UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORM…

Look up ODI 10082845 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 28 reports

2004: 8 complaints · 2005: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004368
2005033
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20043202
20052700

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineExterior Lighting:HeadlightsSeat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipElectrical System:IgnitionExterior Lighting:Headlights:SwitchFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsElectrical System:Ignition:Switch
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine—00000
1
ODI 551564

FUEL LINE IS LEAKING PRIOR TO RECALL (97V-159). YH

Look up ODI 551564 at NHTSA ↗

0
Exterior Lighting:Headlights0—00
1
ODI 10092913 · 98,000 mi

CONSUMER' S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALLS 96V071000 AND 99V27500 CONCERNING IGNITION SYSTEM AND HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10092913 at NHTSA ↗

000
Seat Belts00—00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip000—0000
Electrical System:Ignition0
1
ODI 10092913 · 98,000 mi

CONSUMER' S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALLS 96V071000 AND 99V27500 CONCERNING IGNITION SYSTEM AND HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10092913 at NHTSA ↗

00—
1
ODI 550997

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (99V-275). *MJS

Look up ODI 550997 at NHTSA ↗

00
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch0000
1
ODI 550997

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (99V-275). *MJS

Look up ODI 550997 at NHTSA ↗

—00
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
ODI 551564

FUEL LINE IS LEAKING PRIOR TO RECALL (97V-159). YH

Look up ODI 551564 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

10 mentions · 5.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10473290

THE REAR BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION AND NO POWER BRAKES AT ALL REALLY HARD PEDAL HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET IT TO STOP THIS HAPPENED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO STOP I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE FORD.COM SAID NO RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND IT COST $1500 TO FIX . *TR

Look up ODI 10473290 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 480705

REAR BRAKES FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION WHEN USING A HUNTER B-400 BRAKE PLATE TESTER. *SKD

Look up ODI 480705 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 507856

BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS AT ALL, AND HAND BRAKE HAD NO EFFECT ON SLOWING VEHICLE DOWN, DUE TO FAILED BRAKE PUMP RELAY.

Look up ODI 507856 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

8 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 138,760 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10082845 · 138,760 mi

1)1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD VIN [XXX], FUEL LINE CHAFFED AGAINST FLOOR PAN CAUSING A PIN HOLE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE (EXACTLY AS IN NHSA ID: 97V159000 ISSUED 09/17/1997). 2) FUEL LINE LEAKED STRONG ODOR AND EXTEAM FIRE DANGER. 3)JOHN'S REPAIR 189 E. 2ND S. SODA SPRINGS, ID REPLACED FUEL LINE 10/20/03 $292.66. CONTACTED FORD AT [phone removed], 07/28/2004, THEY STATED THIS VIN HAD NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS, THEY COULDN'T CROSS CHECK NHTSA ID # TO FORD'S RECALL NUMBER AND FORD WOULDN'T REIMBURSE ME FOR REPAIR.*AK UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORM…

Look up ODI 10082845 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 716604

SEE CAMPAIGN ID 97V159000. CAMPAIGN DESCRIBES EXACT PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED, BUT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY SPECIFIC CAR. PROBLEM: NYLON FUEL LINE AT GAS TANK CHAFED TO CREATE FUEL LEAK. *AK

Look up ODI 716604 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 805526

FUEL LEAK, FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, THE PLASTIC LINE RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME, METAL DROPS , ALSO FUMES COME INSIDE OF VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 805526 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10015869

WHILE DRIVING THE EEC FUSE BLEW OUT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10015869 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 531298

HEAD GASKET FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL IN TRAFFIC.

Look up ODI 531298 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 764003

VEHICLE EXHIBITS SYMPTOMS SIMILAR TO EARLIER MODELS WITH TFI; SUDDEN STALL AT ANY SPEED OR CONFIGURATION. ALWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH AMBIENT/ENGINE TEMPERATURE. PROBLEM HAS OCCURED ON HIGHWAY, CREATING EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS SITUATION. DEALER TECHNICIAN DISMISSED POSSIBLE IGNITION FAILURE WHEN ASKED.

Look up ODI 764003 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 542066

POWER STEERING HOSE DISCONNECTED CAUSING FLUID LEAK ON EXHAUST (CATALYTIC CONVERTER) RESULTING IN FIRE.

Look up ODI 542066 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 817464

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH , THE POWER STEERING HOSE BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING . THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 817464 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 725101

THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT START AFTER IT HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. ONCE IT DID GET STARTED IT WAS BLOWING SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. . IT HAS NOT RAN SINCE THEN DUE TO THE INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER ON THE FAULTY HEAD GASKETS.

Look up ODI 725101 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 861864

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND ABS SENSOR LIGHT COMING ON SIMULTANEOUSLY AND INTERMITTENTLY, AND INDICATING COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK

Look up ODI 861864 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b