10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,100 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.

1997 Ford Thunderbird engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Ford Thunderbird Owner Comments

problem #10

Oct 311997

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #9

Jun 092004

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles
While reversing out of the garage vehicle suddenly accelerated to the maximum speed. Consumer's foot was depressed on the brake pedal when this occurred. Consumer immediately turned the ignition off, and removed the key from the ignition. Vehicle stopped and rolled into the gate. The garage had a 33 feet long skid mark on the ground. Dealership has been contacted.

- Colton, CA, USA

problem #8

Apr 102003

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
The vehicle experienced sudden acceleration, and crashed into a building.

- Marina, CA, USA

problem #7

Dec 102001

Thunderbird

  • miles

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

Driver was in the process of parking vehicle and had come to a stop in the parking spot when it suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb, and crashed into a metal bench.

- Wynnewood, PA, USA

problem #6

Feb 212000

Thunderbird

  • miles
1. plastic intake manifold failure - covered by general recall 97M91, although similar plastic engineering is applied to both valve covers but is not is not covered by recall. The Ford service rep informed me that the heater core will blow soon too. 2. the brakes/rotors have been a chronic problem - this is my 2nd Thunderbird - both cars had the same type problems. I have replaced rotors, brake pads repeatedly without solving the problem. The car has severe front end vibration which is makes the car unenjoyable and dangerous. I have changed tire sizes and brands 4 times. The consumer reports research that I have done on this car causes me to be afraid of it. 3. the cruise control defect was also dangerouts, but it was repaired satisfactory.

- Kenesaw, GA, USA

problem #5

Apr 012001

Thunderbird

  • miles
Cruise control took over vehicle, and vehicle accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly. Dealer will be notified.

- Chatt, TN, USA

problem #4

Oct 011999

Thunderbird

  • miles

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

Unsafe unintended acceleration on more than one occasion/steering shakes consistantly.

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #3

Sep 152000

Thunderbird

  • miles
Idle controller cause vehicle to accelerate to 20mph on its own without depressing accelerator, have to press brake hard to keep vehicle still, hazardous to operate vehicle

- Monterey Park, CA, USA

problem #2

Nov 071998

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While at a stop light the vehicle accelerated to full throttle. Driver was able to force vehicle in park and avoid a crash. Dealer unable to find a problem.

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

problem #1

Aug 251997

Thunderbird

  • miles
Rear tire loses contact with road surface when parking car in certain areas, also will accelerate uncontrollably if wheel is off road and makes contact w/curb.

- Metairie, LA, USA

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