Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Complaint received via e-mail. Front right brake caliper came off and locked up wheel and slid my car sideways when brakes were applied. 2003, Ford, Thunderbird on the day of delivery with 300 miles on the car caliper bolt fell out, and when brakes applied the caliper turned up into the wheel, and jammed wheel. At 6:30 pm. Moved from left to right lane, and applied brakes to slow down approximately 25 MPH to turn into a parking lot. Original speed was between 35 and 40 MPH. Released brakes, and heard a clung under the car as if we ran over something. Immediately looked back, but saw nothing in the road. Continued to parking lot, applied brakes, and front right wheel locked up, car slid to an angled stop, released brakes ,and rolled forward with very strong clanking noise. We continued into the parking lot. …
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 -
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while waiting at a traffic light, there was a sudden increase in engine rpms as the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact mentioned that the brakes were engaged at the time of the failure but failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 32,533.
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 vehicle. When the vehicle was first purchased,it would drag between gears. In the last year, noticed surging. Had to put the vehicle in neutral to stop, and another timehad to put on the emergency brakeon. There were no police reports taken, there wasno damage or injuries.
Car was involved in collision and when brakes where applied all wheels locked up and was unable to steer doing about 40 MPH but car is equipped with ABS system - the brakes have been worked on twice in 2 years both by Ford dealers. Should this have happened with ABS. Also neither air bag deployed even though it was the front end that has suffered damage (don't know cost yet) front bumper, hood, head light, driver side front quarter panel and driver door are all damaged. Not only did the air bags not deploy, but after accident the air bag light on dash flashed on and off repeatedly, and along with this the shoulder harnesses on seats did tighten, but not enough to hold people back to where one passenger in the back hit their face on the back of the front seat. Luckily there were not injuries.
Dt*: the contact stated, while traveling at 30 MPH the brakes failed while pressure was applied to the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, where a leak was found on the driver's side front hydraulic brake line. The line was corroded two inches from either side of a clip holding the brake line. No other corrosion was found on the remaining brake lines.
While driving 30mph & applying the brakes to avoid hitting a vehicle that stopped. However, vehicle had no brake lights, and it rearended vehicle in front due to no brakes. Vehicle towed to dealership & mechanic indicated brakes were gone. Pin in the brakes had broken which caused the brakes to be inoperative.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Ford Thunderbird. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH when the brakes were depressed and his foot slipped from the pedal due to the brake cover fracturing.the contact crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The front end of both vehicles was damaged and a police report was filed. The contact stated that the brake cover was not secured properly and he believed the pedal should have had more rubber to prevent slippage. He no longer owned the vehicle and the VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 2,400. The current mileage was approximately 50,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Thunderbird years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (94), 1996 (46), 1997 (22) and 2003 (5) model years. Brake complaints make up 36% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Ford Thunderbird brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 77% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › rotor (62 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (33).
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.