Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Ford THUNDERBIRD: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

169 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

71,084 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 48 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe is the most frequently named component, appearing in 18 of 169 complaints (10.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior2716.0%
Steering behavior127.1%
Transmission and shifting95.3%
Fuel system concerns53.0%
Electrical and battery issues31.8%
Engine operation21.2%

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:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
18
Engine And Engine Cooling
11
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
10
Vehicle Speed Control
10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc
8
Tires
8
Tires:Tread/Belt
8
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe18
Engine And Engine Cooling11
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission10
Vehicle Speed Control10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc8
Tires8
Tires:Tread/Belt8

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe: 18; Engine And Engine Cooling: 11; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 10; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 10; Vehicle Speed Control: 10; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc: 8; Tires: 8; Tires:Tread/Belt: 8

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
5
50,000 to 74,999
22
75,000 to 99,999
12
100,000 to 149,999
6
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9995
50,000 to 74,99922
75,000 to 99,99912
100,000 to 149,9996
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 22; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 3

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (22). 121 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.

1997
6
1998
10
1999
36
2000
23
2001
16
2002
17
2003
18
2004
13
2005
13
2006
3
2007
4
2008
2
2009
3
2011
3
2013
1
2016
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19976
199810
199936
200023
200116
200217
200318
200413
200513
20063
20074
20082
20093
20113
20131
20161

1997: 6; 1998: 10; 1999: 36; 2000: 23; 2001: 16; 2002: 17; 2003: 18; 2004: 13; 2005: 13; 2006: 3; 2007: 4; 2008: 2; 2009: 3; 2011: 3; 2013: 1; 2016: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 27 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 9 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 10015785 · 2003-04-14 (April 14, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10015785 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10017292 · 2003-04-21 (April 21, 2003)

THE CONSUMER COULD SMELL ANTI-FREEZE IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED IN TWO SPOTS. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 51,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10017292 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020553 · 2003-05-27 (May 27, 2003)

FUEL FILTER LEAKS GAS DUE TO CORROSION FROM ROAD SALTS. FILTER LASTS ONLY 1-2 YEARS. *TT

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10020553 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020735 · 2003-05-30 (May 30, 2003)

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]

Owner-reported narrative. 71,568 miles reported. Look up ODI 10020735 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022442 · 2003-06-05 (June 5, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022442 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022595 · 2003-06-06 (June 6, 2003)

INTAKE MANIFOLD IS LEAKING COOLANT ONTO THE ENGINE. THID COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 57,265 miles reported. Look up ODI 10022595 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10026496 · 2003-07-02 (July 2, 2003)

THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT HAVE THE ALR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT FEATURE IS OPTIONAL FOR THAT YEAR. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THE VEHICLE MUST HAVE ALR TO PROPERLY SECURE A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10026496 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10029810 · 2003-08-29 (August 29, 2003)

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE STREET IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT OF A FOOD STORE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO FIRE. *SCC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10029810 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

28.4%Usable mileage48 / 169 records
81.1%Valid incident date137 / 169 records
100.0%Valid filing date169 / 169 records
80.5%Ordered incident and filing dates136 / 169 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
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe58,633–80,000 mi70,600 mi11
ODI 10017292 · 51,200 mi

THE CONSUMER COULD SMELL ANTI-FREEZE IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED IN TWO SPOTS. *NLM

Look up ODI 10017292 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10022595 · 57,265 mi

INTAKE MANIFOLD IS LEAKING COOLANT ONTO THE ENGINE. THID COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.*AK

Look up ODI 10022595 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10032004 · 60,000 mi

PER CONSUMER VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD COOLANT LEAK # .97M91, BUT VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE.*AK

Look up ODI 10032004 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling48,000–101,000 mi65,490 mi9
ODI 10039165 · 48,000 mi

ENGINE DEVELOPED A COOLANT LEAK DUE TO A SPLIT IN THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. RECALL 97M91 WHICH IS ONLY GOOD FOR 7 YEARS FROM THE START OF THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY WAS UP 2 DAYS PRIOR TO INCIDENT. FOMOCO AND DEALER WOULDN'T COVER, TO BAD FOR ME. RECALL DOESN'T COVER REPLACEMENT UNLESS IT IS LEAKING WITHIN THAT 7 YEARS. DESIGN HAS BEEN CHANGED TO AN ALUMINUM CROSSOVER THAT HOPEFULLY WONT SPLIT AND COSTS APPROX $800 TO FIX. *JB

Look up ODI 10039165 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10086956 · 62,365 mi

ENGINE MANIFOLD CRACKED ALLOWING ANTIFREEZE TO ESCAPE. TOOK CAR FOR REPAIR. LEARNED LATER THAT REPAIR WAS A RECALL. ASKED FORD FOR REIMBURSEMENT. REIMBURSMENT DENIED.*AK

Look up ODI 10086956 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091450 · 65,490 mi

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE. ALL OF THE COOLANT LEAKED AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER STATED THE DEFECT WAS OUTSIDE OF THE SEVEN YEARS OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. *JB

Look up ODI 10091450 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range61,611 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10088358 · 67,452 mi

CRACKED INTAKE ON MY 97 T BIRD. *JB

Look up ODI 10088358 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10410350 · 55,770 mi

THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD CRACKED SPILLING OUT ALL MY COOLANT AND CAUSING MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT SHOULD BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THIS HAPPEND WHILE DRIVING DOWN GRATIOT AVE. IN ROSEVILLE MI AT 40 MILES PER HOUR WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING, THIS FAILURE HAPPEND 7/3/2011 SATURDAY OVER THE FORTH OF JULY WEEKEND, WHERE I COULDN'T GET IT TO A OPEN FORD DEALERSHIP, NOW I CONNOT USE MY VEHICAL FOR WORK MONDAY 7/4/2011. WILL THIS REPAIR BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY? *TR

Look up ODI 10410350 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range71,568 mi3 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10042447 · 27,296 mi

PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER. *PH THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION SHUDDER OR A PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *NLM

Look up ODI 10042447 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10287146 · 162,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10287146 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range65,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10015785 · 50,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10015785 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10075958 · 81,000 mi

WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE GARAGE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO THE MAXIMUM SPEED. CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. VEHICLE STOPPED AND ROLLED INTO THE GATE. THE GARAGE HAD A 33 FEET LONG SKID MARK ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *LA

Look up ODI 10075958 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:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail PipeEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:EnginePower Train:Automatic TransmissionVehicle Speed ControlService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:DiscTiresTires:Tread/Belt
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe—0000
1
ODI 757325

THEY REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND THEN THE RADIATOR MALFUNCTIONED, 18.000 MILES LATER THE HEATER CORE FAILED, WAS REPLACED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS SINCE AUG 4 TIMES. FORD DOES NOT HAVE A CLUE AND THE DEALER IS TRYING TO FIX IT EACH TIME AT LEAKS.THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN A CRONIC PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THE CALIPERS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED 3 TIMES AND FINALLY REPLACED.*AK

Look up ODI 757325 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine And Engine Cooling0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine00—00000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission000—0000
Vehicle Speed Control0000—
1
ODI 754545

1. PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE - COVERED BY GENERAL RECALL 97M91, ALTHOUGH SIMILAR PLASTIC ENGINEERING IS APPLIED TO BOTH VALVE COVERS BUT IS NOT IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. THE FORD SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT THE HEATER CORE WILL BLOW SOON TOO. 2. THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN A CHRONIC PROBLEM - THIS IS MY 2ND THUNDERBIRD - BOTH CARS HAD THE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS. I HAVE REPLACED ROTORS, BRAKE PADS REPEATEDLY WITHOUT SOLVING THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS SEVERE FRONT END VIBRATION WHICH IS MAKES THE CAR UNENJOYABLE AND DANGEROUS. I HAVE CHANGED TIR…

Look up ODI 754545 at NHTSA ↗

00
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc
1
ODI 757325

THEY REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND THEN THE RADIATOR MALFUNCTIONED, 18.000 MILES LATER THE HEATER CORE FAILED, WAS REPLACED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS SINCE AUG 4 TIMES. FORD DOES NOT HAVE A CLUE AND THE DEALER IS TRYING TO FIX IT EACH TIME AT LEAKS.THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN A CRONIC PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THE CALIPERS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED 3 TIMES AND FINALLY REPLACED.*AK

Look up ODI 757325 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 754545

1. PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE - COVERED BY GENERAL RECALL 97M91, ALTHOUGH SIMILAR PLASTIC ENGINEERING IS APPLIED TO BOTH VALVE COVERS BUT IS NOT IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. THE FORD SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT THE HEATER CORE WILL BLOW SOON TOO. 2. THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN A CHRONIC PROBLEM - THIS IS MY 2ND THUNDERBIRD - BOTH CARS HAD THE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS. I HAVE REPLACED ROTORS, BRAKE PADS REPEATEDLY WITHOUT SOLVING THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS SEVERE FRONT END VIBRATION WHICH IS MAKES THE CAR UNENJOYABLE AND DANGEROUS. I HAVE CHANGED TIR…

Look up ODI 754545 at NHTSA ↗

—00
Tires000000—0
Tires:Tread/Belt0000000—

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.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 101,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10048871 · 113,000 mi

A LEAKING FUEL LINE ON MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD, (V6 ENGINE), WITH 113000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER WHO SUGGESTED REPLACING COMPLETELY BOTH FUEL LINES, BECAUSE THERE SEEMED TO BE CORROSION, SO THAT WAS DONE AT A COST TO ME OF $548. AS FAR AS I KNOW THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, ALTHOUGH I BOUGHT THE CAR USED A FEW YEARS AGO. LUCKILY I NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE, AND THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED BY AAA TO THE FORD DEALER. SO NO FIRE OCCURRED. THE CAR BEING JUST 6 YEARS OLD, I AM SURPRISED THAT…

Look up ODI 10048871 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10429371 · 69,400 mi

IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST I SMELT GAS WHEN I DROVE. AND THE SMELL HAS BECOME STRONGER AND STRONGER. TODAY (10/10/2011) I WENT TO A VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE LEAKING IS ON THE TOP OF FUEL TANK AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED IN THE SHOP. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS VERY DANGEROUS LEAK. PLEASE CLICK THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T872_DS478881. THIS CAR MUST BE RECALLED FOR FUEL LEAKING. *KB

Look up ODI 10429371 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10550111 · 101,000 mi

I SMELL GAS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 60 AND ABOVE ON FREEWAY MOSTLY. ONCE IN A WHILE I CAN SMELL IT WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS OF 25 -30MPH. I USED TO THINK THAT I HAD SPILLED GAS ON THE OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW A YEAR LATER, I STILL SMELL GAS AND I DO SMOKE IN MY CAR, BUT WHEN I SMELL THE GAS, I WILL PUT THE CIGARETTE OUT. IS THERE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT CAN REPAIR IT. I HAVE PUT $4000.00 INTO RESTORING THE CAR AND I AND PUTTING ANOTHER $800.00 INTO IT NEXT WEEK, NOVEMBER 2013, TO REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10550111 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

4 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10040259 · 80,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO MISFIRE AND STALL. INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LEAKED ANTI FREEZE WHICH CAUSED THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAD AN OWNER NOTIFICATION ON THIS ISSUE TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD, BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT COVERED FOR TWO MONTHS DUE TO VIN. *AK

Look up ODI 10040259 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 757421

HEAD GASKET BLEW. ENGINE RUINED. VEHICLE LOST POWER. SMOKE POURED FROM ENGINE. THERE WAS NO FIRE. I SAW NO INDICATION OF PROBLRM ON PANEL. NOTIFICATIO ON PANEL LIT UP AS VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO SERVICE ENGINE. *AK

Look up ODI 757421 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8003107

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 TO 70 MPH, ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY LOST POWER AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. INDEPENDENT GARAGE EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED, AND WAS REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER STATES BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER FAILURES THE ENGINE WAS RUINED AND ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 8003107 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 81,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10075958 · 81,000 mi

WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE GARAGE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO THE MAXIMUM SPEED. CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. VEHICLE STOPPED AND ROLLED INTO THE GATE. THE GARAGE HAD A 33 FEET LONG SKID MARK ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *LA

Look up ODI 10075958 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10225048

1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH SHIFTING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SHIFTER LEVER AFTER PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RELEASE SHIFTER HANDLE. HE HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT/RELEASE SWITCH REPLACED AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *KB THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE SHIFTER OUT OF PARK.

Look up ODI 10225048 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 754973

ABS BRAKE LIGHT GO ON AND OFF WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING A FLASHING OF THE LIGHTS. *AK

Look up ODI 754973 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10202844

MY WIFE DROVE HER 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO WORK TODAY. SHE PARKED HER CAR IN THE COMPANY GARAGE AND WALKED INTO WORK. THE CAR THEN BEGAN TO BURN AND TOTALED THE CAR. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE, BASED UPON THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MECHANIC, TO WHOM, I HAVE USED TO SERVICE MY VEHICLES FOR OVER 10 YEARS, TOLD ME THAT THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE WAS NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN, AND AND POWER STEERING SWITCHES. UPON RESEARCHING THE ABOVE FACTS, FOUND THE RECALL ABOUT THE VARIOUS FORD TRUCKS AND THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. WE HAVE LIABILITY INSURA…

Look up ODI 10202844 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8018005

CONSUMER STATES HIS POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED WHILE HE WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. HE HAD HIS AUTO TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP.*JB

Look up ODI 8018005 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 · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 86,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10413447 · 86,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Look up ODI 10413447 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 834028

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE VIBRATES. ALSO, UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES AND COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES REAL BADLY AND JERKS/LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK

Look up ODI 834028 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10079862

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE MANIFOLD WOULD ONLY BE REPLACED UPON FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN LOSING ANTIFREEZE. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, HE WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE MANIFOLD FINALLY FAILED AND WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE OPEN RECALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT DUE TO A BAD SENSOR. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10079862 at NHTSA ↗

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