4.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,715 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 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Ford Thunderbird Owner Comments

problem #11

Oct 052008

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • 162,000 miles

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

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.

- Fairmount, GA, USA

problem #10

Oct 012003

(reported on)

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,296 miles
Problem with the transmission or torque converter. The consumer was told that the vehicle was experiencing transmission shudder or a problem with the torque converter.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #9

May 102003

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,568 miles
I bought my 1997 Thunderbird 4-15-2003 w/70000 miles, after reading all the complaints on this page I can only relate to 2 of them, the viberation in the transmission on upshift, and the front end shaking above 50 mph.but I'm so glad. I bought a 2 yr.extented warrenty, because it looks like I'm in for some problens. I can be contacted at tbird97@intergate.com

- Maceo, KY, USA

problem #8

Nov 172000

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Major shudder in drive between 30-40mph before it shifts to overdrive at while increasing at a slow speed. Tsb#97106 explains. Dealership couldn't find problem in November. Drop off car again.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #7

Mar 101998

Thunderbird

  • miles
No summary

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #6

Mar 101998

Thunderbird

  • miles
No summary

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #5

Feb 022000

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Told by leith Ford's service manager that problem was internal to the transmission and not caused by misuse, neglect, etc.

- Franklinton, NC, USA

problem #4

Nov 171999

Thunderbird

  • miles
No summary

- Antelope, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 051998

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summer listed for this vehicle.

- Camarillo, CA, USA

problem #2

Apr 211998

(reported on)

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Each time car is put into park it drifts six to eight inches forward

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #1

Jun 101997

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission leak.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

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