RoadVitals

2005 Ford Thunderbird

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest Oct 17, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Mar 18, 2005
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and fuel system categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 15 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine720.0%
  • Driver assistance617.1%
  • Fuel system514.3%
  • Electrical514.3%
  • Airbags411.4%
  • Other / unspecified38.6%
  • Interior & seats25.7%
  • Powertrain (other)25.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
05V113000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Mar 18, 2005
56 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 052S29View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 27
Fuel system
Filed Oct 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,118.

NHTSA ID
11620384
Incident
Oct 17, 2024
Mileage
33,118 mi
Interior & seats
Filed May 26, 2022

Dash board cracked few places by Windshield. It's really Between WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD. ANY RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS? [XXX] THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11466232
Incident
May 26, 2022
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 23, 2021

Sudden unintended acceleration on two occasions. Car only has 11,000 miles

NHTSA ID
11422055
Incident
Jun 21, 2020
AirbagsInterior & seatsOther / unspecified
Filed May 6, 2021

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY LAST EVENING, THE LEFT SHOULDER AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I NOTED THAT THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE TIRE. UPON REMOVING THE WHEEL WE NOTED THAT THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL, BUT THE RIM WAS FRACTURED ON THE INTERNAL ASPECT. THE SEAT WAS DAMAGED FROM THE DEPLOYED AIRBAG. IT APPEARS THAT THE RIM IMPLOSION SET OFF THE LEFT SHOULDER AIRBAG. HAD IT BEEN THE CHEST AIRBAG, I WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS. I HAD 4 NEW TIRES PLACED ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO AT COSTCO IN ALBUQUERQUE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 16,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR THEEE YEARS. PRIOR OWNER AN ELDERLY MAN- DRIVE IT 10,000 MILES OVER 13 YEARS. I AM NOT AWARE OF EVER ANY DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL OR HITTING ANYTHING WITH IT. I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED.I HAVE INCLUDED A PICTURE OF THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE RIM.

NHTSA ID
11415483
Incident
May 6, 2021
Engine
Filed Sep 23, 2019

THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING INAPPROPRIATE VEHICLE DECELERATION WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND CAN CAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO REAR END YOU. I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED DUE TO THIS CONDITION IN 2013 AND MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE COMPUTER PROGRAM THAT CUTS THE ENGINE TO IDLE SPEED SHOULD BE DISABLED UNTIL A PERMANENT FIX TO THIS PROBLEM CAN BE CORRECTED. IN THE CURRENT MODE, THESE VEHICLES ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID
11257357
Incident
Sep 20, 2019
Mileage
120,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT HESITANTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE, AND TRANSFERRED THE CALL TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000. ..UPDATED 06/27/17 *BF *CN

NHTSA ID
10981724
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
49,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 29, 2016

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*LJ *TR

NHTSA ID
10910504
Incident
Dec 15, 2015
Mileage
44,168 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 20, 2016

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*LJ *CN

NHTSA ID
10886110
Incident
Jul 13, 2016
Mileage
19,787 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 46085

ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

TSB-12-8-1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ENGINE

FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: MAY HAVE SLUDGE BUILDUP IN THROTTLE BODY LEADING TO LESS AIRFLOW OR ENGINE IDLING RPM FLUCTUATION AND HARD STARTS OR BATTERY DISCONNECT OR DEAD BATTERY AFTER KEEP ALIVE MEMORY (KAM) CLEAR. MODELS 2003-05 THUNDERBIRD, 05-06 MUSTANG, 06-08 FUSION, 04-05 EXPLORER, 05-06 EXPEDITION, 05-07 F-150; 2003-06 LS, 06 ZEPHYR, 05-06 NAVIGATOR; 06-08 MILAN. *PE

CSP 07M07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 2003-2005 MODEL YEAR LINCOLN LS AND FORD THUNDERBIRD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.9L ENGINE WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE ON IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLIES AND ON 2003 MY VEHICLES ONLY , ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKETS. *PE

0708

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SOLENOID EMISSIONS WARRANTY EXTENSION. SAMPLE CONSUMER LETTER ATTACHED. *KB

0295

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CURRENT DRAW WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DISCHARGED BATTERY AND A NO CRANK CONDITION. *TT SERVICE TIPS. *TT

02162

STRUCTURE:BODY

WATER/MOISTURE IN COP WELLS - DTC P0301-P0308 - 3.9L ENGINE - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 5/1/2004. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Thunderbird by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005Viewing271030.8
2004341045.6
2003330038.0
2002932045.6
1999200—
1998300—
19971692048.2
19962334051.3
19952611046.8
19943001045.3
19934234357.2
19921844561.8
19911124262.3
19901404465.8
19891245672.3
1988922767.2
1987611564.6
1986231158.7
1985141163.1
1984261259.5
1983342—
1982011—
1981011—
1980332—
1979140—
1978140—
1977150—
1976020—
1975050—
1974010—
1973040—
1972030—
1971010—
1970110—
1967040—
1965100—
1960100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.