1997 Ford Thunderbird
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Thunderbird › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Thunderbird. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Ford Thunderbird. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. the recall began on july 31, 2006. owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
Owner complaints
169 complaints11 involved a crash3 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic
1997 ford thunderbird. consumer writes in regards to vehicle vin# not listed on defective brake pads/rotors recall notice. *smd
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · 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…
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? *tr
- 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…
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. *kb
- 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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · 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…
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? *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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. *Tr
- 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…
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. *Tr
- 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. *Tr
- 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…
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. *tr
- 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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Plastic intake manifold failure. *jb
- 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…
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?
- 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…
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
- 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.
- 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…
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. *nm
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint · 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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Intake manifold split causing coolant leakage. *nm
- 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. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1997 ford thunderbird motor died while driving.*mr ***not in repository. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
I purchased this 1997 ford thunderbird LX sport as a used vehicle in oct. 2002. I noticed that during the first few weeks of owning this vehicle it would intermittently leak a substantial amount of coolant onto my driveway but I could never see where it was coming from. Sometimes it would go for…
I purchased this 1997 ford thunderbird LX sport as a used vehicle in oct. 2002. I noticed that during the first few weeks of owning this vehicle it would intermittently leak a substantial amount of coolant onto my driveway but I could never see where it was coming from. Sometimes it would go for days without leaking and then one day there would be over a quart of coolant on the driveway. I brought the car into a shop that put the car on a lift to look for the leak but they could not find one. I continued to drive the car and add coolant every time the "low coolant" light appeared on the dash panel. In may 2005 I was on the 91 freeway and suddenly without warning the "low coolant" light came on and the temp came up quickly so I tried to change lanes to the right to exit the freeway and the back of the car broke loose and I almost turned sideways. I found out later that the rear tires and wheel wells were soaked in coolant. This was the first time that I found out that my intermittent leak that no one could find was my intake manifold at the base of the thermostat housing. I went to rancho santa margarita ford and asked about recalls and they told me that the recall for the intake manifold had expired a couple of months ago and that there was nothing that they could do. I called ford motor co. Customer relations and was told the same thing. the car now sits parked unrepaired. I cannot afford to pay almost two thousand dollars to correct fords engineering blunder. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Intake manifold cracked causing coolant to leak out. Ford will not repair unless I pay for it. Class action law suit pending. Ford agreed to replace on vehicles 7 years old or less. my veh IS 8 years old with 26000 miles. bad design for intake. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Dt: 1997 ford thunderbird LX V8 4.6 liters. 1997 ford thunderbird LX had a coolant leak. the plastic intake manifold overheated. could smell antifreeze when getting out of vehicle. the antifreeze was leaking in three places. vehicle had the original parts. the consumer was the second…
Dt: 1997 ford thunderbird LX V8 4.6 liters. 1997 ford thunderbird LX had a coolant leak. the plastic intake manifold overheated. could smell antifreeze when getting out of vehicle. the antifreeze was leaking in three places. vehicle had the original parts. the consumer was the second owner of the vehicle. had not contacted the manufacturer. did have someone look at vehicle , who confirmed that the intake manifold was plastic and vehicle was leaking antifreeze, and that the o rings needed to be replaced. manufacturer was aware of this problem. the consumer found on the internet that a technical service bulletins was sent out on february 2, 2002 discussing this problem. However, the consumer was unaware of the technical service bulletin. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Upper intake manifold on my 1997 4.6 l thunderbird cracked and blew all the coolant into the engine compartment. I had to pay ford to replace the upper intake and the plugs that were fouled out. they refused any responsibility even with a formal written complaint to their home office. it IS my understanding this IS happening to a lot of their 4.6 l engines in a variety of vehicles.*jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlight lenses on 1997 thunderbird cloud over due to weathering and limit amount of light emitted. Night vision and object illumination IS seriously compromised. vigorous polishing temporarily removes haze, but it has been my experience that the condition returns more quickly. I recently had to…
Headlight lenses on 1997 thunderbird cloud over due to weathering and limit amount of light emitted. Night vision and object illumination IS seriously compromised. vigorous polishing temporarily removes haze, but it has been my experience that the condition returns more quickly. I recently had to swerve into a large pot hole to avoid a city recycle can that had overturned and, being dark green, impossible to see at night. I damaged my left front wheel. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · 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…
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.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10018959Extended coverage program 05n04 - extended coverage for composite intake manifold. This program IS being provided as a settlement to a class action lawsuit. The terms of the settlement extend the coverage of the all-composite intake manifold to 7 years from the original warranty start date of the vehicle, with no limit on the number of miles that the vehicle has been driven.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 6089651Subject on engine coolant leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles.
- 630628Some vehicles may exhibit an intake manifold crossover (first runner) coolant seepage condition.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 613562Information regarding replacment of engine front cover gasket. **Mr
- 613261Some vehicles with non-functional windshield wipers may require wiper motor replacement.
- 613082Some vehicles with non-functional windshield wipers may require wiper motor replacement. *Mjs
- 612219Some vehicles may experience engine coolant leaks at the engine front cover gasket. Owner notification program providing replacement of the engine front cover gasket.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607436Some vehicles may have water contamination in the air filter and / or the mass air flow sensor.
- 607402Effective march 2, 1998m3.8l engine assembly IS added to fqr(ford quality renewal) assembly program.
- 607401Brief information regarding engines being added to the fqr (ford quality renewal) assembly program.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 606484Concerns with engine coolant leaking into engine oil on some vehicles.
- 606461Ford motor company has released a private labeled material to be used for iron particle / acid rain service repairs.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
Every Ford Thunderbird model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.