Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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 replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,168. Updated 11/17/16
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
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact approached a stop sign and the vehicle stopped as needed; however, after the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle began to misfire and shuddered for several minutes. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the failure was related to TSB 05-16-2 (moisture build up on the plugs and on the cylinder) that caused the vehicle to misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,526.
Vehicle unexpectedly lost power upon mild acceleration on a city street and developed a rough, skipping and hesitant idle upon warm up. We immediately brought the car in for evaluation at the sarat Ford dealership in agawam, ma. They diagnosed the dreaded Thunderbird coil on plug failure in this vehicle at only 33,165 total miles. Being that this car is now over ten years old, I was told that the fomoco extended warranty (10 years and 100,000 miles) on this vehicle, for this very same problem, does not apply. What is extremely aggravating and really maddening with this is that they grossly over charged me for the parts. Much more than what Ford charges on their own parts website for both the 8 spark plugs and the 8 coil components. …
I've owned my 2003 Thunderbird since it was new. It now has 65000 miles and is driven only 2000 miles a year, over the last 5 years. During this period, I have had all 8 coils replaced, one at a time. The first time was within the first 1000 miles. Generally it occurs while driving in traffic, being on the freeway or on local streets. The engine starts to misfire and not function. After the 3rd or so incident, I was informed that Ford recognized the problem and would honor the repair. The only problem with this, knowing of the problem, they refused to replace all at the same time. In other words, they would only replace when the coil malfunctioned, this now has occurred 8 times. Now my motor has failed and needs to be replaced. My understanding is that when the coil malfunctions the corresponding cylinder also is not functioning properly. …
Driving on a 1,850 mile trip. Car engine repeatedly shut off on light acceleration from complete stop. Motor light and wrench light illuminated. Put can in neutral and re-started. Wrench light de-illuminated, motor light stayed on. Acceleration could barely be attained to keep engine running up to 45 MPH. After that speed, can ran somewhat normally,. Entering an expressway at very low speed with minimum acceleration became the only way to continue the trip. Very dangerous. Went to a Ford dealer on route. Because I was from out of state he agreed to work me in for service that day. However, after I described the problem, service writer refused my request to put car on their diagnostic machine. He agreed to change the fuel filter only. Dealer would do no other work. Told me I would have to leave it several days. I tried two tanks of fuel with a stoddard solvent injector cleaner. At home. …
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering suddenly failed and the steering wheel would not turn in either direction, before the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle began idling roughly. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store where the employee found that cylinders 3, 4, and 7 were misfiring, as well as a random misfire. The contact opened the spark plug well and opened the coil pack. The contact discovered that the spark plug and coil pack were covered in oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later spoke to a dealer who stated that they would come pick up the vehicle if the contact decided to have it serviced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Thunderbird years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (65), 1997 (54), 1995 (50), 2002 (36) and 2004 (12) model years. Engine complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Ford Thunderbird engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (72 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (34).
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.