Owners have filed 228 complaints
about the 1997 Ford Thunderbird with NHTSA between 1997 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Ford Thunderbird. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 18
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Ford Thunderbird
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
712.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2746.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1220.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
915.5%
150,000+ miles
35.2%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1997 Ford Thunderbird 2-DR.
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—
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—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1997peak 10Sep 2016
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Omaha, NEFire
STEERING:COLUMN
MY WIFE DROVE HER 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO WORK TODAY. SHE PARKED HER CAR IN THE COMPANY GARAGE AND WALKED INTO WORK. THE CAR THEN BEGAN TO BURN AND TOTALED THE CAR. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE, BASED UPON THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MECHANIC, TO WHOM, I HAVE USED TO SERVICE MY VEHICLES FOR OVER 10 YEARS, TOLD ME THAT THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE WAS NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN, AND AND POWER STEERING SWITCHES. UPON RESEARCHING THE ABOVE FACTS, FOUND THE RECALL ABOUT THE VARIOUS FORD TRUCKS AND THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. WE HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THIS CAR, AND NOW WE HAVE LOST THE CAR TO NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. ARE THERE OTHER FORD CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10202844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: 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.
NHTSA complaint #10131043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT: 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.
NHTSA complaint #10131043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesNorth Highlands, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR WHILE DRIVING, AND THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER. VEHICLE FLIPPED INTO A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A HOSPITAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED ANDS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.*AK THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE FRONT WHILE PARKED OFF THE ROAD. UPDATED 02/28/06
NHTSA complaint #10115033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,600 milesPort Orchard, WACrashFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO PAY THE POWER BILL. I HAD MADE A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN TURNED LEFT UP THE ROAD ABOUT 4/10'S OF A MILE WHEN I PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPACE I NOTICED WHITE STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I OPENED THE HOOD A THE ENGINE WAS COVERED IN ANTIFREEZE. I CALLED FOR A TOW HOPING IT WAS A BLOWN HOSE OR AT WORST A HEAD GASKET. SO I DIDN'T DRIVE IT FURTHER TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKS AT IT AND SAYS IT IS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHICH LEADS TO A $1135 BILL FOR PARTS AND LABOR. SOME ONLINE RESEARCH BROUGHT A CONCERN...IS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLASTIC? IF SO, WHY!?
NHTSA complaint #10080486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesColton, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10075958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Poulsbo, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE VIN# NOT LISTED ON DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS/ROTORS RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10898835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesLong Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
I SMELL GAS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 60 AND ABOVE ON FREEWAY MOSTLY. ONCE IN A WHILE I CAN SMELL IT WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS OF 25 -30MPH. I USED TO THINK THAT I HAD SPILLED GAS ON THE OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW A YEAR LATER, I STILL SMELL GAS AND I DO SMOKE IN MY CAR, BUT WHEN I SMELL THE GAS, I WILL PUT THE CIGARETTE OUT. IS THERE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT CAN REPAIR IT. I HAVE PUT $4000.00 INTO RESTORING THE CAR AND I AND PUTTING ANOTHER $800.00 INTO IT NEXT WEEK, NOVEMBER 2013, TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BELTS AROUND THE ENGINE. I HAVE ALREADY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR $1800.00 AT AAMCO, AND PUT A $2200.00 PAINT JOB ON IT, BEFORE I KNEW OF THE GAS SMELL. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. AM I FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE WITH THIS CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10550111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesLong Beach, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I SMELL GAS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 60 AND ABOVE ON FREEWAY MOSTLY. ONCE IN A WHILE I CAN SMELL IT WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS OF 25 -30MPH. I USED TO THINK THAT I HAD SPILLED GAS ON THE OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW A YEAR LATER, I STILL SMELL GAS AND I DO SMOKE IN MY CAR, BUT WHEN I SMELL THE GAS, I WILL PUT THE CIGARETTE OUT. IS THERE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT CAN REPAIR IT. I HAVE PUT $4000.00 INTO RESTORING THE CAR AND I AND PUTTING ANOTHER $800.00 INTO IT NEXT WEEK, NOVEMBER 2013, TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BELTS AROUND THE ENGINE. I HAVE ALREADY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR $1800.00 AT AAMCO, AND PUT A $2200.00 PAINT JOB ON IT, BEFORE I KNEW OF THE GAS SMELL. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. AM I FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE WITH THIS CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10550111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesLong Beach, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I SMELL GAS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 60 AND ABOVE ON FREEWAY MOSTLY. ONCE IN A WHILE I CAN SMELL IT WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS OF 25 -30MPH. I USED TO THINK THAT I HAD SPILLED GAS ON THE OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW A YEAR LATER, I STILL SMELL GAS AND I DO SMOKE IN MY CAR, BUT WHEN I SMELL THE GAS, I WILL PUT THE CIGARETTE OUT. IS THERE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT CAN REPAIR IT. I HAVE PUT $4000.00 INTO RESTORING THE CAR AND I AND PUTTING ANOTHER $800.00 INTO IT NEXT WEEK, NOVEMBER 2013, TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BELTS AROUND THE ENGINE. I HAVE ALREADY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR $1800.00 AT AAMCO, AND PUT A $2200.00 PAINT JOB ON IT, BEFORE I KNEW OF THE GAS SMELL. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. AM I FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE WITH THIS CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10550111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesLong Beach, CA
STRUCTURE
I SMELL GAS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 60 AND ABOVE ON FREEWAY MOSTLY. ONCE IN A WHILE I CAN SMELL IT WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS OF 25 -30MPH. I USED TO THINK THAT I HAD SPILLED GAS ON THE OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW A YEAR LATER, I STILL SMELL GAS AND I DO SMOKE IN MY CAR, BUT WHEN I SMELL THE GAS, I WILL PUT THE CIGARETTE OUT. IS THERE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT CAN REPAIR IT. I HAVE PUT $4000.00 INTO RESTORING THE CAR AND I AND PUTTING ANOTHER $800.00 INTO IT NEXT WEEK, NOVEMBER 2013, TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BELTS AROUND THE ENGINE. I HAVE ALREADY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR $1800.00 AT AAMCO, AND PUT A $2200.00 PAINT JOB ON IT, BEFORE I KNEW OF THE GAS SMELL. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. AM I FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE WITH THIS CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10550111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,400 milesSaginaw, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST I SMELT GAS WHEN I DROVE. AND THE SMELL HAS BECOME STRONGER AND STRONGER. TODAY (10/10/2011) I WENT TO A VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE LEAKING IS ON THE TOP OF FUEL TANK AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED IN THE SHOP. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS VERY DANGEROUS LEAK. PLEASE CLICK THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T872_DS478881. THIS CAR MUST BE RECALLED FOR FUEL LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10429371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesLawai, HI
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10413447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,770 milesRoseville, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD CRACKED SPILLING OUT ALL MY COOLANT AND CAUSING MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT SHOULD BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THIS HAPPEND WHILE DRIVING DOWN GRATIOT AVE. IN ROSEVILLE MI AT 40 MILES PER HOUR WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING, THIS FAILURE HAPPEND 7/3/2011 SATURDAY OVER THE FORTH OF JULY WEEKEND, WHERE I COULDN'T GET IT TO A OPEN FORD DEALERSHIP, NOW I CONNOT USE MY VEHICAL FOR WORK MONDAY 7/4/2011. WILL THIS REPAIR BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY?
NHTSA complaint #10410350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,770 milesRoseville, MI
STRUCTURE
THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD CRACKED SPILLING OUT ALL MY COOLANT AND CAUSING MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT SHOULD BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THIS HAPPEND WHILE DRIVING DOWN GRATIOT AVE. IN ROSEVILLE MI AT 40 MILES PER HOUR WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING, THIS FAILURE HAPPEND 7/3/2011 SATURDAY OVER THE FORTH OF JULY WEEKEND, WHERE I COULDN'T GET IT TO A OPEN FORD DEALERSHIP, NOW I CONNOT USE MY VEHICAL FOR WORK MONDAY 7/4/2011. WILL THIS REPAIR BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY?
NHTSA complaint #10410350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesFairmount, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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
NHTSA complaint #10287146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD THAT HAS A MANIFOLD PROBLEM. I AM BEING TOLD BY FORD THAT IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL FROM 2005 BECAUSE IT WASN'T BUILT IN THE RIGHT PLANT. I HAVE READ A LOT OF INFORMATION THAT ALL OF THE 1997 T-BIRD HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND NEED TO BE FIXED. NOT ONLY IS DOES MY CAR NOT RUN RIGHT, BUT I ALSO AM NOT FACING REPLACING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AS WELL DUE TO THE LEAKAGE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT $1700 IN REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10274375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesFairmount, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, A YEAR AGO, IT RAN GREAT. ONE DAY AS I AS COMING UP A HILL, MY CAR STARTED SHAKING. IT WAS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD, THAT OF WHICH FORD WAS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2005. WHICH COVERED A "SELECT FEW" OF THUNDERBIRDS. HOWEVER NOW THAT MY MANIFOLD CRACKED, THERE "NOT AT FAULT." WE HAD THE CAR FIXED, ONLY TO LEARN AFTERWARDS THAT FORD HAD SEVERAL ISSUES ABOUT THE FAULTY INTAKE.
NHTSA complaint #10260469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,518 milesPort Orange, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE IDLE RACING. CAN'T STOP UNLESS PLACED IN NEUTRAL, WHERE CAR WOULD RUN OVER 2000 RPM. DEALER REPLACED IDLE AIR CONTROL AND POWER CONTROL MODULE. DEALER STATED THAT IDLE AIR CONTROL BURNS OUT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULES ON MANY V-6 FORD ENGINES. CAR HAD ONLY 34,518 MILES CHECKED OTHER SURGES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE OF RACING ENGINES IN ACCIDENTS OF V-6 MOTORS AND FORD REFUSING ANY RECALLS FOR POSSIBLE FIRE OF IDLE AIR CONTROL AND THE BURNING OUT OF POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #10232085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
POWER TRAIN
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH SHIFTING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SHIFTER LEVER AFTER PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RELEASE SHIFTER HANDLE. HE HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT/RELEASE SWITCH REPLACED AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *KB THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE SHIFTER OUT OF PARK.
NHTSA complaint #10225048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,500 milesNapa, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10205781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NEFire
STEERING:COLUMN
MY WIFE DROVE HER 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO WORK TODAY. SHE PARKED HER CAR IN THE COMPANY GARAGE AND WALKED INTO WORK. THE CAR THEN BEGAN TO BURN AND TOTALED THE CAR. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE, BASED UPON THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MECHANIC, TO WHOM, I HAVE USED TO SERVICE MY VEHICLES FOR OVER 10 YEARS, TOLD ME THAT THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE WAS NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN, AND AND POWER STEERING SWITCHES. UPON RESEARCHING THE ABOVE FACTS, FOUND THE RECALL ABOUT THE VARIOUS FORD TRUCKS AND THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. WE HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THIS CAR, AND NOW WE HAVE LOST THE CAR TO NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. ARE THERE OTHER FORD CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10202844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,500 milesMaperville, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDLE SHIFTED TO THE HOT INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,500. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07
NHTSA complaint #10202164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesPrinceton, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL*THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING. HER DAUGHTER NOTICED A CRACK ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH SHE BELIEVED MAY BE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AS OF AUGUST 31, 2007, THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10201345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesKountze, TX
SUSPENSION
MY MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH MY AUTOMOBILE THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. ALL THE BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY. HE SAYS THE EXCESSIVE WEAR IS A RESULT OF THE DUST SEALS DISINTEGRATING ALLOWING DIRT AND WATER TO ENTER THE BALL JOINTS. HE INDICATED THAT THIS IS PROBABLY A RESULT OF THE USE OF INAPPROPRIATE OR DEFECTIVE MATERIALS FOR THE SEALS. I AM GOING TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED. I WILL ASK THE MECHANIC TO KEEP THE OLD PARTS FOR ME.
NHTSA complaint #10172453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesKountze, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC SEALS ON ALL FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS THE SEALS ON THE STABILIZER BAR WERE FRACTURED AND DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10170731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesKountze, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC SEALS ON ALL FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS THE SEALS ON THE STABILIZER BAR WERE FRACTURED AND DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10170731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesKountze, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC SEALS ON ALL FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS THE SEALS ON THE STABILIZER BAR WERE FRACTURED AND DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10170731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,950 milesMount Holly, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
INTAKE MANIFOLD SPLIT CAUSING COOLANT LEAKAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10154892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesST Louis, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FLOOR SHIFTER WAS STICKING IN PARK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. IT TOOK FIVE TO TEN MINUTES TO MOVE THE SHIFTER INTO OTHER GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER SAID THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A JUNK YARD TO LOCATE ANOTHER SHIFTER. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10145991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bandon, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD MOTOR DIED WHILE DRIVING.*MR ***NOT IN REPOSITORY.
NHTSA complaint #10120421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
