Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2005 Ford THUNDERBIRD: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

27 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

38,133 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 model year. Data updated: . 22 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 27 complaints (18.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns518.5%
Engine operation311.1%
Transmission and shifting27.4%
Braking behavior13.7%
Electrical and battery issues13.7%
Steering behavior13.7%

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.

Electrical System
5
Engine
4
Vehicle Speed Control
4
Air Bags
3
Fuel/Propulsion System
3
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
2
Fuel System, Gasoline
2
Power Train
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System5
Engine4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Air Bags3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Power Train2

Electrical System: 5; Engine: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Air Bags: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 2; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Power Train: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
11
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0005
25,000 to 49,99911
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 11; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (11). 5 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.

2006
3
2009
2
2010
4
2012
1
2013
1
2014
2
2015
1
2016
7
2017
1
2019
1
2021
2
2022
1
2024
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20063
20092
20104
20121
20131
20142
20151
20167
20171
20191
20212
20221
20241

2006: 3; 2009: 2; 2010: 4; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 7; 2017: 1; 2019: 1; 2021: 2; 2022: 1; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 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 10150681 · 2006-02-20 (February 20, 2006)

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK AT APPROX. 65 MPH, MY DRIVERS SIDE, SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THANKFULLY I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED MY VEHICLE. I CHECKED MY CAR, ALTHOUGH I KNEW I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING OR RUN OVER ANYTHING. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF IMPACT AND NOTHING IN THE ROAD BEHIND ME. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT. THEY SAID THEY'D NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THAT WAS 2/17/06. TODAY, ON 2/20/06 THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AS I HAVE 40,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND THAT THE DE…

Owner-reported narrative. 41,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10150681 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10158123 · 2006-05-23 (May 23, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUDIBLE WARNING THAT ALERTS THE OCCUPANTS THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT SECURED WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.

Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10158123 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10168862 · 2006-09-21 (September 21, 2006)

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 WHILE TRAVELING ON AN 8-LANE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG ON MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD DEPLOYED WITH A VERY LOUD NOISE AND CONSIDERABLE FORCE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR ACCIDENT INVOLVED WITH THIS INCIDENT. THE AIR BAG SIMPLY DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE CONTROLLED AND PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO DARLING FORD IN BANGOR MAINE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2005 WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND TO HAVE NO SIGNS OF ANY RECENT IMPACT …

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10168862 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10260010 · 2009-02-26 (February 26, 2009)

1. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION AND THE "WRENCH ICON" CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT ON :"LIMP MODE". 2. HAS OCCURRED TWICE, ONCE, A WEEK AFTER THEY INSTALLED A NEW ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. 3. I AM AFRAID THE THROTTLE COULD JAM ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAY THAT I TRAVEL EVERYDAY TO WORK. 4. I DID A SEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND SO FAR I HAVE COUNTED 20 COMPLAINTS AND I STOPPED SEARCHING. 5. THIS HAPPEN ON A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD THAT I JUST PURCHASED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 39,789 miles reported. Look up ODI 10260010 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10284904 · 2009-09-22 (September 22, 2009)

MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAS RISEN TO HOT THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. THE FIRST WAS 12/29/2008. THEY REPLACED THE MOTOR RADIATOR COOLING FAN. MY MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS 35673.THE 2ND TIME WAS 3/17/2009 AND THEY REPLACED THE TANK ASSY-RADIATOR, SEAL, CAP ASY RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT ASY - SPO. MY MILEAGE THIS TIME WAS 38000.THE 3RD TIME WAS 9/21/2009, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE ASSY. MY MILEAGE THIS TIME WAS 42921. EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED, IT WAS SHORTLY AFTER I HAD MY CAR IN FOR ITS USUAL MAINTENANCE. OF COURS…

Owner-reported narrative. 35,673 miles reported. Look up ODI 10284904 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10314167 · 2010-02-25 (February 25, 2010)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 35,471 miles reported. Look up ODI 10314167 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10349732 · 2010-08-16 (August 16, 2010)

MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD FOR NO APPARENT REASON JUST LOOSES POWER AND THE WRENCH ICON COME ON. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THIS HAPPENED AND I BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN 2007 AND I TOOK IT IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN AND I ALMOST GOT IN TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. I DID A SEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS HAS HAPPENED ENOUGH THAT FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE COIL ON PLUG. WHEN I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM T…

Owner-reported narrative. 39,896 miles reported. Look up ODI 10349732 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10355909 · 2010-09-16 (September 16, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FACTORY RIMS ON THE VEHICLE ARE BEGINNING TO CRACK ON THE INSIDE AND CAUSING THE BRAKE LINES AND CALIPERS ON THE VEHICLE TO LEAK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A SINGULAR ISSUE AND SINCE THE RIMS WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOT UNDER RECALL, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIMS AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE OR CURRENT MILEAGE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10355909 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

05V113000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Reported: 2005-03-18 (March 18, 2005)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.

Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.

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

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

81.5%Usable mileage22 / 27 records
100.0%Valid incident date27 / 27 records
100.0%Valid filing date27 / 27 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates27 / 27 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
Electrical System25,900–44,168 mi30,000 mi5
ODI 10158123 · 20,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUDIBLE WARNING THAT ALERTS THE OCCUPANTS THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT SECURED WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10158123 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459742 · 25,900 mi

WHEN I INSERTED THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE BATTERY (LOCATED IN THE TRUNK) EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT INSIDE THE CAR, THE BATTERY WAS BLOWN OPEN AT BOTH ENDS AND THE BATTERY FLUID WAS THROWN AROUND THE TRUNK CAVITY WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS ALSO HOUSED. A SERVICE TECH ADVISED ME THAT A SPARK WAS NECESSARY TO IGNITE THE SULFURIC GAS LEAKING FROM THE BATTERY. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE SPARK. *TR

Look up ODI 10459742 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10733648 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CPU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Look up ODI 10733648 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range44,168 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10886110 · 19,787 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND TWO COILS UNPLUGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,787. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10886110 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11257357 · 120,000 mi

THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING INAPPROPRIATE VEHICLE DECELERATION WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND CAN CAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO REAR END YOU. I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED DUE TO THIS CONDITION IN 2013 AND MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE COMPUTER PROGRAM THAT CUTS THE ENGINE TO IDLE SPEED SHOULD BE DISABLED UNTIL A PERMANENT FIX TO THIS PROBLEM CAN BE CORRECTED. IN THE CURRENT MODE, THESE VEHICLES ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Look up ODI 11257357 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range27,629 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10886110 · 19,787 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND TWO COILS UNPLUGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,787. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10886110 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range72,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10168862 · 16,000 mi

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 WHILE TRAVELING ON AN 8-LANE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG ON MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD DEPLOYED WITH A VERY LOUD NOISE AND CONSIDERABLE FORCE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR ACCIDENT INVOLVED WITH THIS INCIDENT. THE AIR BAG SIMPLY DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE CONTROLLED AND PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO DARLING FORD IN BANGOR MAINE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2005 WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND TO HAVE NO SIGNS OF ANY RECENT IMPACT …

Look up ODI 10168862 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10837507 · 129,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000.

Look up ODI 10837507 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range24,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10855559 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Look up ODI 10855559 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10860518 · 91,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED "RAW" FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKED ALL OVER THE GARAGE AT HOME AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING AROUND THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK COVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Look up ODI 10860518 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863376 · 11,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND A VAPOR FUEL LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 08/22/16*LJ UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10863376 at NHTSA ↗

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Too few reports for a range39,843 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10260010 · 39,789 mi

1. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION AND THE "WRENCH ICON" CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT ON :"LIMP MODE". 2. HAS OCCURRED TWICE, ONCE, A WEEK AFTER THEY INSTALLED A NEW ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. 3. I AM AFRAID THE THROTTLE COULD JAM ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAY THAT I TRAVEL EVERYDAY TO WORK. 4. I DID A SEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND SO FAR I HAVE COUNTED 20 COMPLAINTS AND I STOPPED SEARCHING. 5. THIS HAPPEN ON A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD THAT I JUST PURCHASED. *TR

Look up ODI 10260010 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10349732 · 39,896 mi

MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD FOR NO APPARENT REASON JUST LOOSES POWER AND THE WRENCH ICON COME ON. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THIS HAPPENED AND I BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN 2007 AND I TOOK IT IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN AND I ALMOST GOT IN TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. I DID A SEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS HAS HAPPENED ENOUGH THAT FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE COIL ON PLUG. WHEN I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM T…

Look up ODI 10349732 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range38,643 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11620384 · 33,118 mi

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warni…

Look up ODI 11620384 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range53,081 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10637483 · 57,162 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE TRANSMISSION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,162.

Look up ODI 10637483 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10981724 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT HESITANTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE, AND TRANSFERRED THE CALL TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000. ..UPDATED 06/27/17 *BF *CN

Look up ODI 10981724 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
2024-101None
ODI 11620384 · 33,118 mi

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warni…

Look up ODI 11620384 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentElectrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed ControlAir BagsFuel/Propulsion SystemElectronic Stability Control (Esc)Fuel System, GasolinePower Train
Electrical System—
1
ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

0000
1
ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine
1
ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

—
2
ODI 10549141

LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING AN ONGOING THROTTLE PROBLEM WITH HIS 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD; INFORMATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA THAT MAY BE THE BASES OF A RECALL OF THE THUNDERBIRD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN EARLY AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, A YELLOW MECHANIC WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AT THE TIME OF START UP. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER. AFTER A COMPLETE CHECK-UP, THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FAILED TO REVEAL ANYTHING WRONG. THE NEXT DA…

Look up ODI 10549141 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10886110 · 19,787 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND TWO COILS UNPLUGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,787. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10886110 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

0
Vehicle Speed Control0
2
ODI 10549141

LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING AN ONGOING THROTTLE PROBLEM WITH HIS 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD; INFORMATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA THAT MAY BE THE BASES OF A RECALL OF THE THUNDERBIRD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN EARLY AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, A YELLOW MECHANIC WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AT THE TIME OF START UP. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER. AFTER A COMPLETE CHECK-UP, THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FAILED TO REVEAL ANYTHING WRONG. THE NEXT DA…

Look up ODI 10549141 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10886110 · 19,787 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND TWO COILS UNPLUGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,787. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10886110 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Air Bags000—0000
Fuel/Propulsion System0000—000
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)00000—00
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Power Train0000000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 18.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 33,118 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10855559 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Look up ODI 10855559 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10860518 · 91,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED "RAW" FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKED ALL OVER THE GARAGE AT HOME AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING AROUND THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK COVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Look up ODI 10860518 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863376 · 11,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND A VAPOR FUEL LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 08/22/16*LJ UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10863376 at NHTSA ↗

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

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 14.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 29,509 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10459742 · 25,900 mi

WHEN I INSERTED THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE BATTERY (LOCATED IN THE TRUNK) EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT INSIDE THE CAR, THE BATTERY WAS BLOWN OPEN AT BOTH ENDS AND THE BATTERY FLUID WAS THROWN AROUND THE TRUNK CAVITY WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS ALSO HOUSED. A SERVICE TECH ADVISED ME THAT A SPARK WAS NECESSARY TO IGNITE THE SULFURIC GAS LEAKING FROM THE BATTERY. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE SPARK. *TR

Look up ODI 10459742 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10860518 · 91,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED "RAW" FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKED ALL OVER THE GARAGE AT HOME AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING AROUND THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK COVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Look up ODI 10860518 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863376 · 11,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND A VAPOR FUEL LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 08/22/16*LJ UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10863376 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 · 14.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 34,797 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10369511 · 36,476 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,476.

Look up ODI 10369511 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10733648 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CPU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Look up ODI 10733648 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10910504 · 44,168 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE…

Look up ODI 10910504 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

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

ODI 10852290 · 80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD WHINING NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Look up ODI 10852290 at NHTSA ↗

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