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4.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,120 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.

2003 Ford Thunderbird engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Ford Thunderbird Owner Comments

problem #2

Oct 112011

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • 54,240 miles

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

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. I researched the problem. The ignition coils and throttle body are indicated. I have had both ignition coils replaced.18,000 miles ago. Replacement for both was not free. This condition is absolutely dangerous and has no lead up symptoms to warn you. I have barely avoided being rear-ended several times as I tried to make it off the expressway. Local Ford dealer is trying to avoid scheduling my Thunderbird for repairs. A recall of the defective components is necessary. A check of the internet web sites indicate this is predominant with all Thunderbirds of this vintage.

- Roswell, NM, USA

problem #1

Jul 032006

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • miles
2003 Ford Thunderbird had spark plugs replaced four times. Vehicle slowed down to 5 mph without warning and would not pick up speed, and numerous engine problems. Water leaked inside the vehicle, the dealer found cracks and a tear around the weather strip and seal. The A/C control head assembly was replaced. The radio had to be sent out for repairs. The alarm would sound on its own. The light located on the rear view mirror would not go out. The ignition coils were replaced.

- West Sacramento, CA, USA

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