5.9

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,636 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Ford Thunderbird transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Ford Thunderbird:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1996 Ford Thunderbird Owner Comments

problem #11

Oct 092003

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 1996 Ford Thunderbird's head gasket blew and transmission is slipping. It has been using water since we bought it from the dealer.

- Baldwin, WI, USA

problem #10

Aug 012001

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission slips at takeoff, causing car to stop in lane of oncoming traffic.

- Galax, VA, USA

problem #9

Apr 021997

Thunderbird

  • miles
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.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #8

Aug 032000

(reported on)

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Problems with slipping transmission.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #7

Jul 011999

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission failed causing gear changing problems. Mjs

- San Franci, CA, USA

problem #6

Jul 211999

(reported on)

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission failed. Mjs

- Gwynn, VA, USA

problem #5

Sep 141998

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Tranmission failed to operate at 62000 miles of wear. Vehicle is unable to move. Dealer notified and refused to repair uless cost is to consumer.

- Port Sanit Lucie, FL, USA

problem #4

Apr 011996

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission failed four times.

- Encinitas, CA, USA

problem #3

Jun 191996

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
PCM chip problem caused engine to cut out and the check engine warning light to come on.

- Big Pine K, FL, USA

problem #2

Oct 281996

Thunderbird

  • miles
Transmission slipped, causing vehicle to accelerate.

- Johnstown, PA, USA

problem #1

Aug 201996

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission does not shift properly, also is noisy.

- Wheaton, IL, USA

Not what you are looking for?