Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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
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 traffic. The consumer was told the throttle body and motor assembly needed to be replaced. Updated 04/16/10
Coming off I-5 freeway in west washintong state. Stopped for red light and then moved into left turn lane but car kept picking up speed, applied brakes (hard) slowing down but auto not wanting to stop. Applied emergency brake, car slowed down more, could hear engine racing and feel it still wanting to go. Slipped car into neutral on the auto transmision, now forward progress slowing down greatly but still hit rear of car in front of me. Ford in body repair shop so have not been able to take to Ford to exam for any defect(s). I only use my right foot to accelrate and brake so I know I was not stepping on gas pedal & other foot using brake at same time. Car had been on cruise control prior to accident set at 60 MPH for I-5 driving.
On three occasions auto accelerated on its own. Tried to break to no avail. Kept going faster. Shifted to neutral, engine kept racing. Was very difficult to stop vehicle. Went to dealer. They could not find the cause. .one event in a parking lot, one on the interstate and the other when approaching an intersection on a city street auto has only 10,000 miles on it. Incidents occurred 2005 20014 2016.
When braking the brake pedal goes down past the gas pedal, foot to hit them at the same time. It is a very unsafe condition because you are braking and accellerating at the same time. Also the brake pedal is too close to the gas pedal. I think the brake pedal should never depress below the gas pedal.my wife and I have the same problem. Dealer has said it is normal.
2003 Thunderbird goes into "limp mode" and the car suddenly will not go above 25mph.... I am told it is a safety feature... But this is not safe if you are driving on the interstate! I am told this time it is a throttle body... Which I have been waiting for over 30 days. Ford does not have parts for their cars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lunged forward and stopped accelerating. The vehicle independently began to operate normally afterwards; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle would not operate past approximately 35 MPH. After the failure recurred, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the coil on plug was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The technician diagnosed that all eight vehicle coil on plugs needed to be replaced eventually. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
I went to park the car and the car went racing into the spot and it was difficult to make it stop. I through the car into park and even then I was sure it was going to stop. If I didn't have an empty parking lot I don't think it would have been possible there would have been an accident. Then I had to drive the car home which I didn't want to do, because this was very frightening. Then driving home at the stop light I just put the car in park because it was still racing and I didn't think putting my foot on the brake would have kept it in a stopped position. Then when I tried to take off it acted like it wanted to stall. Not a cood feeling at all.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Thunderbird years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (11), 1997 (11), 2002 (11), 2004 (9) and 1996 (8) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Ford Thunderbird acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Ford Thunderbird model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Thunderbird acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 76% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (5 mentions), followed by the cruise control (3).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.