1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
2 recalls, 228 complaints - 108 TSBs
09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
06E065000 Jul 17, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIAT... Read more
Consequence
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Complaint Statistics
228 total complaints
16 crashes 3 fires 8 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 18 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 11 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 11 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 10 |
| TIRES | 10 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 10 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 8 |
| SUSPENSION | 7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 7 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Sep 6, 2016
Incident date: Sep 1, 2016
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE VIN# NOT LISTED ON DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS/ROTORS RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 30, 2013
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
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 ... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Oct 30, 2013
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
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 ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 30, 2013
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
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 ... Read more
STRUCTURE
Oct 30, 2013
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
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 ... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 10, 2011
Incident date: Aug 10, 2011
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... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Jul 18, 2011
Incident date: Jul 15, 2011
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 APPROXIM... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 3, 2011
Incident date: Jul 3, 2011
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... Read more
STRUCTURE
Jul 3, 2011
Incident date: Jul 3, 2011
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... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 12, 2009
Incident date: Oct 5, 2008
I WAS CURIOUS ABOUT HOW TO GET THE THUNDERBIRD (1994-1997) TRANSMISSION RECALLED? PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ONLY AFFECTS THE 4.6 V8 THUNDERBIRDS AND NOT THE V6. THIS CAN RESULT OF CONTROL LOSS OF THE AUTOMOBILE AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH. FOR WHATEVER THE REASON MAY BE, MY 97 THUNDERBIRD TRANSMISSION IS ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 19, 2009
Incident date: May 1, 2009
I HAVE A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD THAT HAS A MANIFOLD PROBLEM. I AM BEING TOLD BY FORD THAT IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL FROM 2005 BECAUSE IT WASN'T BUILT IN THE RIGHT PLANT. I HAVE READ A LOT OF INFORMATION THAT ALL OF THE 1997 T-BIRD HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND NEED TO BE FIXED. NOT ONLY IS DOES M... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 2, 2009
Incident date: Feb 27, 2009
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, A YEAR AGO, IT RAN GREAT. ONE DAY AS I AS COMING UP A HILL, MY CAR STARTED SHAKING. IT WAS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD, THAT OF WHICH FORD WAS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2005. WHICH COVERED A "SELECT FEW" OF THUNDERBIRDS. HOWEVER NOW THAT MY MANIFOLD CRACKED, THERE "NOT AT FAU... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 23, 2008
Incident date: Jun 12, 2008
ENGINE IDLE RACING. CAN'T STOP UNLESS PLACED IN NEUTRAL, WHERE CAR WOULD RUN OVER 2000 RPM. DEALER REPLACED IDLE AIR CONTROL AND POWER CONTROL MODULE. DEALER STATED THAT IDLE AIR CONTROL BURNS OUT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULES ON MANY V-6 FORD ENGINES. CAR HAD ONLY 34,518 MILES CHECKED OTHER SURG... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Apr 10, 2008
Incident date: Jan 1, 1901
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Oct 15, 2007
Incident date: Sep 13, 2007
PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. *JB
STEERING:COLUMN
Sep 12, 2007
Incident date: Sep 12, 2007
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 ... Read more
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Sep 7, 2007
Incident date: Sep 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDLE SHIFTED TO THE HOT INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING COOLANT... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Aug 31, 2007
Incident date: Jun 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING. HER DAUGHTER NOTICED A CRACK ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH SHE BELIEVED MAY BE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AS OF AUGUST 31, 2007, THE DEALER HAS NOT ... Read more
SUSPENSION
Nov 2, 2006
Incident date: Nov 2, 2006
MY MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH MY AUTOMOBILE THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. ALL THE BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY. HE SAYS THE EXCESSIVE WEAR IS A RESULT OF THE DUST SEALS DISINTEGRATING ALLOWING DIRT AND WATER TO ENTER THE BALL JOINTS. HE INDICATED ... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
Oct 13, 2006
Incident date: Oct 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC SEALS ON ALL FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS THE SEALS ON THE STABILIZER BAR WERE FRACTURED AND DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
Oct 13, 2006
Incident date: Oct 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC SEALS ON ALL FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS THE SEALS ON THE STABILIZER BAR WERE FRACTURED AND DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Oct 13, 2006
Incident date: Oct 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC SEALS ON ALL FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS THE SEALS ON THE STABILIZER BAR WERE FRACTURED AND DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Apr 9, 2006
Incident date: Apr 6, 2006
INTAKE MANIFOLD SPLIT CAUSING COOLANT LEAKAGE. *NM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Dec 23, 2005
Incident date: Nov 15, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FLOOR SHIFTER WAS STICKING IN PARK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. IT TOOK FIVE TO TEN MINUTES TO MOVE THE SHIFTER INTO OTHER GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER SAID THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A JUNK YARD TO LO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 8, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 1901
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD MOTOR DIED WHILE DRIVING.*MR ***NOT IN REPOSITORY. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 27, 2005
Incident date: Oct 25, 2002
I PURCHASED THIS 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD LX SPORT AS A USED VEHICLE IN OCT. 2002. I NOTICED THAT DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LEAK A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF COOLANT ONTO MY DRIVEWAY BUT I COULD NEVER SEE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. SOMETIMES IT WOULD GO FOR DAY... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 13, 2005
Incident date: Oct 13, 2005
INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK OUT. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT PENDING. FORD AGREED TO REPLACE ON VEHICLES 7 YEARS OLD OR LESS. MY VEH IS 8 YEARS OLD WITH 26000 MILES. BAD DESIGN FOR INTAKE. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Oct 11, 2005
Incident date: Feb 1, 2005
DT: 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD LX V8 4.6 LITERS. 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD LX HAD A COOLANT LEAK. THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD OVERHEATED. COULD SMELL ANTIFREEZE WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE. THE ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING IN THREE PLACES. VEHICLE HAD THE ORIGINAL PARTS. THE CONSUMER WAS THE SECOND O... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 7, 2005
Incident date: May 1, 2005
UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 4.6 L THUNDERBIRD CRACKED AND BLEW ALL THE COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAD TO PAY FORD TO REPLACE THE UPPER INTAKE AND THE PLUGS THAT WERE FOULED OUT. THEY REFUSED ANY RESPONSIBILITY EVEN WITH A FORMAL WRITTEN COMPLAINT TO THEIR HOME OFFICE. IT IS MY UN... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Sep 2, 2005
Incident date: Aug 30, 2005
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 S... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Aug 2, 2005
Incident date: Oct 31, 1997
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... Read more
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 2, 2005
Incident date: Oct 31, 1997
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... Read more
Crash
SUSPENSION
Jul 30, 2005
Incident date: Jul 22, 2005
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN! MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD IS NOT LISTED WHY? I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE SMOG STUFF EVERY YEAR I PAY A LOT OF MONEY. WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE HOT OUTSIDE OVER 90 THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND SAYS SERVICE ENGINE, OR WHEN I GO UP A LONG HILL AND MY CAR OVERHEATS THE ENG... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jul 30, 2005
Incident date: Jul 22, 2005
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN! MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD IS NOT LISTED WHY? I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE SMOG STUFF EVERY YEAR I PAY A LOT OF MONEY. WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE HOT OUTSIDE OVER 90 THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND SAYS SERVICE ENGINE, OR WHEN I GO UP A LONG HILL AND MY CAR OVERHEATS THE ENG... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Mar 17, 2005
Incident date: Mar 3, 2005
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, THEN WATER SPILLED FROM THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. *AK
AIR BAGS
Mar 11, 2005
Incident date: Feb 11, 2005
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR WHILE DRIVING, AND THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER. VEHICLE FLIPPED INTO A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A HOS... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Feb 7, 2005
Incident date: May 26, 2004
VEHICLE WOULD NOT HOLD ANY RADIATOR FLUID,CAUSING THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO RISE. TRIED TO REFILL THE RADIATOR FLUID, BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT RAN OUT. COULD NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC,WHO TOLD ME THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE REPLACED THE IN... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2005
Incident date: Dec 12, 2004
ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY CAR BUILT 04/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Sep 22, 2004
Incident date: Sep 19, 2004
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, LOSS OF ALL ANTIFREEZE AND VEHICLE BEING TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON. THE LETTER FROM FORD TO REPLACE THIS EXPIRED IN MAY 2004! I HAD COMPLAINED TO MY DEALERSHIP ABOUT LOSS OF ANTIFREEZE, GAS, THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS. OF COURSE, NOW I HAVE TO PAY... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 22, 2004
Incident date: Aug 19, 2004
CRACKED INTAKE ON MY 97 T BIRD. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 16, 2004
Incident date: Jul 31, 2001
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
SEATS
Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: May 20, 2004
INQUIRY REGARDING LATCH LOCKING IN THE DRIVER AND BACK SEAT OF 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD.*MR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT LATCH WILL NOT REMAIN LOCKED WHEN THE SEAT WAS IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTING WRONG WITH SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jul 12, 2004
Incident date: Apr 22, 2004
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 FINALL... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jul 12, 2004
Incident date: Apr 22, 2004
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 FINALL... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jul 8, 2004
Incident date: Jul 1, 2004
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1997 FORD THUNDER BIRD WITH THE 4.6 ENGINE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS CRACKED . I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THIS IS A RECALLED PART ON SOME CARS BUT IT SEEMS MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE ORIGINAL REPAIR PART IS NOT AVAILABLE ANY LONG DO TO THE FLAW. SINCE THIS IS THE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jul 7, 2004
Incident date: Jul 6, 2004
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO PAY THE POWER BILL. I HAD MADE A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN TURNED LEFT UP THE ROAD ABOUT 4/10'S OF A MILE WHEN I PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPACE I NOTICED WHITE STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I OPENED THE HOOD A THE ENGINE WAS COVERED IN ANTIFREEZE. I CALLED FOR A TOW... Read more
Crash
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 9, 2004
Incident date: Jun 9, 2004
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 HA... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Apr 29, 2004
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS. CONSUMER HAS TO PUT COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE EVERY 2 TO 3 DAYS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Mar 12, 2004
Incident date: Mar 10, 2004
INTAKE MONIFOLD FAILED TO CONTAIN 220 DEGREE F ENGINE COOLANT. *AK
Showing 50 of 228 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 24.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,250 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 23.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,400 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
108 manufacturer communications from 106 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 10 |
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 8 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6 |
| 061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 6 |
| 063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 5 |
| 162000 STRUCTURE:BODY | 4 |
| 034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 4 |
07212
Oct 1, 2007
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE
05N04
Dec 14, 2005
063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ALL-COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIF
042107
Dec 13, 2004
103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
03181
Sep 15, 2003
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
03261
Jan 5, 2003
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
02221
Nov 11, 2002
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ
870197
Oct 22, 2002
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT
02208
Oct 14, 2002
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
02176
Sep 2, 2002
125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
0222
Feb 4, 2002
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTAKE MANIFOLD CROSSOVER (FIRST RUNNER) COOLANT SEEPAGE CONDITION. *TT
0214
Jan 21, 2002
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
01246
Dec 10, 2001
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
01181
Sep 17, 2001
103800 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
01156
Aug 6, 2001
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
0147
Mar 5, 2001
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT
002310
Nov 13, 2000
103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
99B29#1
Apr 1, 2000
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INFORMATION REGARDING REPLACMENT OF ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET. **MR
0015
Jan 10, 2000
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99B29
Dec 1, 1999
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS AT THE ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM PROVIDING REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET. *TT
99242
Nov 15, 1999
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
INFORMATION ON REPLACING AND / OR REPAIRING MALFUNCTIONING (DOOR, IGNITION AND DECKLID) LOCKS. *TT
99222
Oct 18, 1999
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
99207
Oct 4, 1999
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUBJECT ON ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE OIL ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT
99194
Sep 20, 1999
034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT
99196
Sep 20, 1999
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
6996
Sep 1, 1999
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INFORMATION REGARDING A CHANGE IN THE TORQUE VALUES OF THE ENGINE FRONT COVER WATER PUMP BOLTS. *TT
6997
Sep 1, 1999
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT
13180
Sep 1, 1999
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS
13186
Sep 1, 1999
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT COVER & WATER PUMP BOLTS-TORQUE VALVE REVISION/3.8-4.2L. *MJS
99152
Jul 26, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
99131
Jun 28, 1999
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE OIL ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT
99139
Jun 28, 1999
125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT
99111
Jun 14, 1999
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT
99129
Jun 14, 1999
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
INFORMATION ON "WHINING" / "BUZZING" NOISE COMING THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT OR TWO-WAY RADIO SPEAKER CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP. *TT
99129
Jun 14, 1999
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT
991210
Jun 14, 1999
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A PRIVATE LABELED MATERIAL TO BE USED FOR IRON PARTICLE / ACID RAIN SERVICE REPAIRS. *TT
9996
May 17, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
EXPERIENCING A DELAYED OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, PRIMARILY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD ON VEHICLES WITH FORD QALITY REMANUFACTURED (FQR) 4R70W TRANSMISSION EXCHANGE UNITS WITH JULIAN BUILD BETWEEN 062-97 AND 040-99. *TT
99-8-15
May 3, 1999
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
99816
May 3, 1999
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT
9943
Mar 8, 1999
100000 POWER TRAIN
INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT
9943
Mar 8, 1999
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT
98259
Dec 21, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOME VINYL COVERED ITEMS SUCH AS DASH PANELS, DOOR TRIM PANELS, CONSOLES, ETC., MAY EXHIBIT A SMALL DENT, SCUFF, ABRASION AND/ OR DISCOLORATION RESULTING FROM ASSEMBLY, TRANSIT, DEALER PREP AND/OR CUSTOMER USAGE. *YC
98246
Dec 7, 1998
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
982310
Nov 23, 1998
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK
982312
Nov 23, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ISSUES REGAREDING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES ( DTCS ) P0705, P0708, P1704, AND / OR P1705 MAY BE STORED IN MEMORY. *YC
982323
Nov 23, 1998
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
INFORMATION REGARDING REPLACEMENT AND / OR REPAIRS ON ANY LOCK COMPONENT. *YC
98216
Nov 1, 1998
010000 STEERING
A STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT FELT WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH SURFACES.
12098
Nov 1, 1998
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
SOME VEHICLES WITH NON-FUNCTIONAL WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY REQUIRE WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT. *MJS
985111
Nov 1, 1998
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
SOME VEHICLES WITH NON-FUNCTIONAL WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY REQUIRE WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT. *TT
982010
Oct 12, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC
98163
Aug 17, 1998
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
LOCKS FAILED. YD
9887
Apr 27, 1998
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
EXPERIENCING A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *YC
9888
Apr 27, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9852
Apr 13, 1998
190000 TIRES
INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
9873
Apr 13, 1998
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT
9874
Apr 13, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
9864
Mar 30, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
985A5
Mar 18, 1998
034530 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC
985A11
Mar 18, 1998
034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
SERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS. *YC
985A18
Mar 18, 1998
034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE ROUGHNESS (BRAKE PEDAL PULSATION, STEERING WHEEL SHAKE AND / OR NIBBLE) UNDER LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATIONS FROM 105 TO 0 KM/H (65 TO 0 MPH). *YC
9845
Mar 2, 1998
045300 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC
983107
Feb 25, 1998
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINES BEING ADDED TO THE FQR (FORD QUALITY RENEWAL) ASSEMBLY PROGRAM. *TT
9831
Feb 16, 1998
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
REPAIRS TO VINYL COVERED SURFACES. *YC
9833
Feb 16, 1998
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
SERVICE TIPS FOR SURFACE DEFECT REMOVAL WITHOUT REPAINTING. *YC
9834
Feb 16, 1998
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
AIR INLET-WATER IN AIR INLET ELBOW-MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATES DUE TO WATER CONTAMINATION OF AIR FILTER AND/OR MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR (MAF)- VEHICLE SWITH 4.6L ENGINE. *AK
983224
Feb 12, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE AIR FILTER AND / OR THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. *TT
983108
Feb 1, 1998
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
EFFECTIVE MARCH 2, 1998M3.8L ENGINE ASSEMBLY IS ADDED TO FQR(FORD QUALITY RENEWAL) ASSEMBLY PROGRAM. *AK
9814
Jan 19, 1998
034530 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
SUBJECT REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *TT
97M91
Jan 19, 1998
075000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
INFORMATION REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD MALFUNCTIONS. *TT
97111097234
Nov 10, 1997
113000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC
97090297184
Sep 2, 1997
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE STATIC IN THE AM BAND OF THE RADIO WHILE DRIVING. *YC
BC2291970501
May 1, 1997
114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
COMPLAINTS OF FLASHING LOW COOLANT AND LOW WASHER FLUID WARNING LAMPS. *TW
BC2364970501
May 1, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING AND REINSTALLING A LOOSE FENDER CLADDING. *TW
BC105709705
May 1, 1997
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RE-INSTALLING LOOSE FENDER CLADDING. *TW
BC105869705
May 1, 1997
114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
OCCASIONAL FLASHING OF THE LOW COOLANT AND LOW WASHER FLUID WARNING LAMPS SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING LOW TEMPERATURES. *TW
97050110617
May 1, 1997
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENGINE COOLING INDICATOR LIGHT. *TW
9773
Mar 31, 1997
103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
VIBRATION- SHUDDER OR VIBRATION UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION ABOVE 56 KM/H (35 MPH) WHILE IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR- VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AODE OR 4R70W TRANSMISSION. *JD
9768
Mar 17, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD
97610
Mar 17, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD
9751
Mar 3, 1997
220000 SEATS
INTERIOR- LEATHER SEAT CLEANING PROCEDURE- SERVICE TIP. *JD
9753
Mar 3, 1997
190000 TIRES
VIBRATION- TIRES- VIBRATION FELT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS- VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 12/20/96 EQUIPPED WITH 16 INCH GOODYEAR TIRES. *JD
97511
Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
BC3243970210
Feb 10, 1997
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
ENGINE COOLING LIGHT ON - POSSIBLE OIL LEAK AT UPPER JAM NUT ON THE UPPER TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE. *TW
BC3274970207
Feb 7, 1997
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
REPLACEMENT HEADLAMP BULBS - SEVERAL AFTERMARKET COMPANIES ARE OFFERING REPLACEMENT BULBS WITH A HIGHER WATTAGE THAT ARE NOT DOT APPROVED - SOLD WITH DISCLAIMER OF "FOR OFF-ROAD USE ONLY" - THE BULBS DRAW MORE CURRENT THAN THE OEM BULBS A
BC3281970206
Feb 6, 1997
020000 SUSPENSION
VEHICLES EXHIBIT A PULL WHILE BRAKING - CHECK FOR KINKED BRAKE LINES , REPLACE IF NECESSARY - REPLACE LOWER ARM AND STRUT BUSHINGS ON THE SIDE THE VEHICLE PULL TO. *TW
BC3285970206
Feb 6, 1997
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FLASHINIG COOLANT AND LOW WASHER FLUID LAMPS AFTER ENGINE START AND DURING EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURES. *TW
BC3288970206
Feb 6, 1997
061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A COLD START ENGINE FEAD BELT CHIRP NOISE. *TW
9735
Feb 3, 1997
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONING- R-134A TRACER DYE INSTALLED IN A/C SYSTEM AND THREE O-RING SPRING LOCK COUPLERS- SERVICE TIP. *JD
BC1023897230
Jan 23, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE EXHIBITS A PULL WHILE BRAKING, FOLLOW PROCEDURES OUTLINED IN 06-00-4 & PINPOINT TEST "A" ON 06-00-5 OF THE 1997 SERVICE MANUAL. *JD
BC1024397230
Jan 23, 1997
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN AUGUST 1996 AND JANUARY 1997 MAY EXHIBIT FLASHING LOW COOLANT AND LOW WASHER FLUID LAMPS AFTER ENGINE START.JD
BC0192970201
Jan 2, 1997
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
LOW COOLANT LIGHT STAYS ON. THE LOW FLUIDS MODULE IN THE CLUSTER NOT MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT WTH THE FLEX CURCUIT IN THE CLUSTER. *JD
BC0226970201
Jan 2, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ERRATIC SHIFTHING OF THE TRANSMISSION. *JD
962612
Dec 16, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96252
Dec 2, 1996
171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
LOCKS - REPLACE AND/OR REPAIR ANY LOCK COMPONENT - SERVICE TIP. *TW
962511
Dec 2, 1996
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) - SERVICE PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96246
Nov 18, 1996
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
96249
Nov 18, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
BC0407961115
Nov 15, 1996
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPLACING DIAGNOSED FAILED PARTS. *TW
BC0490961112
Nov 12, 1996
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPLACING DIAGNOSED FAILED COMPONENT. *TW
BC9714961101
Nov 1, 1996
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICING EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PURGE FLOW SYSTEM. *TW
Showing 100 of 108 bulletins.
NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD THUNDERBIRD
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA99005
Opened: Jan 20, 1999 , Closed: Dec 14, 1999
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH AN INTERNAL, BIMETAL CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT CAN OPEN DUE TO OVERHEATING DURING HEADLING OPERATION.
RQ98015
Opened: Sep 29, 1998 , Closed: Jan 22, 1999
HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKER
HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH AN ITERNAL, BIMETAL CIRCUIT BREALER THAT MAY OPEN DUE TO OVERHEATING DURING HEADLIGHT OPERATION
RQ97011
Opened: Sep 25, 1997 , Closed: Nov 16, 1998
FUEL LINE JUMPER
TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE ALLEGED FUEL LINE FAILURES OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL GEOGRAPHIC REGION AND IF THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED NATIONALLY
EA95030
Opened: Oct 31, 1995 , Closed: Sep 30, 1997
REAR FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
THE REAR FUEL TUBE BUNDLE MAY ABRADE AND FAIL IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL TANK.
EA95021
Opened: Jul 31, 1995 , Closed: Sep 30, 1997
FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES
There is no summary currently available
PE95019
Opened: Mar 27, 1995 , Closed: Jul 31, 1995
FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES
There is no summary currently available
EA93033
Opened: Dec 30, 1993 , Closed: Dec 30, 1994
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
There is no summary currently available
PE93075
Opened: Aug 30, 1993 , Closed: Dec 30, 1993
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
There is no summary currently available
EA90034
Opened: Jun 26, 1990 , Closed: Feb 25, 1992
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
There is no summary currently available
EA90009
Opened: Feb 8, 1990 , Closed: Feb 28, 1991
THROTTLE STICKING
There is no summary currently available
PE90001
Opened: Oct 4, 1989 , Closed: Feb 2, 1990
THROTTLE STICKING
===
PE88097
Opened: Aug 31, 1988 , Closed: Dec 2, 1988
FLOORMAT/ACCEL PEDAL INTRF
===
EA86005
Opened: Nov 25, 1985 , Closed: Jul 23, 1987
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD INITIATED SERVICE ACTIONSTO CHECK FOR ENGINE IDLE SPEED, TO DECREASE BOOSTER RUNOUT, AND TO FURTHERREDUCE THE INITIAL BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL.ANALYSIS:THE MAJORITY OF THE REPORTS ARE DATED IN THE 1979-1981 ERA.MOST ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF... Read more
FORD THUNDERBIRD - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the FORD THUNDERBIRD across all model years (1967, 2005).
82
Total Recalls
3,088
Total Complaints
13
Investigations
175
Reported Crashes
173
Reported Fires
14
Reported Deaths
FORD THUNDERBIRD - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 35 | View |
| 2004 | 1 | 40 | View |
| 2003 | 0 | 50 | View |
| 2002 | 2 | 116 | View |
| 1999 | 0 | 2 | View |
| 1998 | 0 | 4 | View |
| 1997 (current) | 2 | 228 | |
| 1996 | 4 | 295 | View |
| 1995 | 1 | 353 | View |
| 1994 | 1 | 426 | View |
| 1993 | 4 | 559 | View |
| 1992 | 4 | 234 | View |
| 1991 | 4 | 130 | View |
| 1990 | 4 | 179 | View |
| 1989 | 5 | 147 | View |
| 1988 | 2 | 116 | View |
| 1987 | 1 | 73 | View |
| 1986 | 1 | 32 | View |
| 1985 | 1 | 16 | View |
| 1984 | 1 | 33 | View |
| 1983 | 4 | 4 | View |
| 1982 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1981 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1980 | 3 | 3 | View |
| 1979 | 4 | 1 | View |
| 1978 | 4 | 1 | View |
| 1977 | 5 | 1 | View |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1975 | 5 | 0 | View |
| 1974 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1973 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 1972 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 1971 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1970 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 1967 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 1965 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 1960 | 0 | 1 | View |