Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Driving on a highway at 50mph coming to a town and a red light I removed my foot from the gas pedal and applied the brakes the car did not slow I applied more pressure on the brakes the car slowed some but the engine kept reving the transmission was not down shifting the car was not stopping I grabbed the shift lever and switched gears but to late and we hit the car in front of us stopped at the light.
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.
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.
The vehicles rearend (differential) develops a howling noise, noticable at 40+ MPH. This same problem has occurred twice before. The dealership has replaced the rearend on two previous occassions. The noise is starting to occur again, if replaced this would be the fourth rearend.
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 my car, but when I smell the gas, I will put the cigarette out. Is there some kind of recall on this problem, that can repair it. I have put $4000.00 into restoring the car and I and putting another $800.00 into it next week, November 2013, to replace all of the belts around the engine. I have already rebuilt the transmission for $1800.00 at aamco, and put a $2200.00 paint job on it, before I knew of the gas smell. I have also replaced alternator and battery. Am I fighting a losing battle with this car?
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 "shuttering" as it shifts between 3rd and 4th gear and I have used the correct fluid and had it serviced. The mechanic said there was nothing wrong with it, however it continues to shutter. I have done some research and it seems that many of the 4.6 v8 are affected by this issue. What would you do to fix this potential safety issue? I have contacted Ford and they said that you and Ford work together.
Consumer was standing outside pumping gas with the engine running. After a few seconds vehicle began to roll backwards, consumer ran behind car jumped into driver's side and began trying to applying brakes, vehicle rolled into a light pole.
4/97 vehicle pulls to right. Dealer aligned front end. 1/98 vehicle pulls to right and vibrates at highway speed. Dealer says it is a tire problem, one tire replaced. 5/99 vehicle still pulls to right and vibrates at highway speed and while braking. Front rotors warped and pads worn. Rotors turned and pads replaced by Goodyear service center. 9/99 vehicle pulling to right and vibrating at speed and during braking. Front rotors warped and pads worn again. Dealer claims it is owners driving style. Rotors turned and pads replaced at owners expense. 10/00 vehicle pulls to right and vibrates. Rotors feel warped again. Appointment with dealer to repair. 10/16 transmission has a shudder in 3rd and 4th gear during light to moderate acceleration. Dealer says probably torque converter. Unknown at this time if this will be considered an warranty item or routine maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Thunderbird years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (41), 1996 (21), 1997 (17), 2004 (7) and 2003 (6) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Ford Thunderbird transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (54 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › torque converter (11).
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.