2003 Ford Thunderbird
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Ford Thunderbird. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
33 complaints2 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Suspension
Rattle in my front end E code for transmission
- Suspension
Basically, all suspension rusted out, including both front suspensions, spindle rods, sway bar, outer tie rods, both rear tie rod links, rear lower and upper control arms , front upper control arms, rear shocks. All the work was performed by the local ford dealer. I was told this was not a unique problem to this vehicle. driving the vehicle made squeeky noises all the time!
- Unknown or other
When I open the vehicle door at night other vehicle drivers can not see my opened vehicle door when I enter or exit the vehicle even with a reflector or light on the vehicle door because it IS blocked when enter or exit the vehicle by my body. I applied highly reflective tape to the lower flange…
When I open the vehicle door at night other vehicle drivers can not see my opened vehicle door when I enter or exit the vehicle even with a reflector or light on the vehicle door because it IS blocked when enter or exit the vehicle by my body. I applied highly reflective tape to the lower flange of the vehicle door and also was granted a united states patent no. 9,308,859 under the title motor vehicle door having reflective luminant component on lower interior edge. the advancement allows over two thirds of any vehicle door to be seen at night by other vehicle drivers and will reduce in my estimation one life lost per night per ten million vehicles or globally 35,000 lives a year. I would like my advancement to become a new fmvss with cause and encourage accountability at nhtsa to respond to my genuine concerns. please advise of what assistance your agency can provide me with the validated new knowledge in visual vehicle accident avoidance that I provide that IS now being applied.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. While stopped in traffic, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and back injuries that required medical attention.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. While stopped in traffic, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and back injuries that required medical attention. The passenger sustained a concussion and back injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the headlights failed. While driving 50 mph, the headlights and tail lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a failure code could not be produced due to the failure occurring intermittently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
- Engine
I've owned my 2003 thunderbird since it was new. It now has 65000 miles and IS driven only 2000 miles a year, over the last 5 years. During this period, I have had all 8 coils replaced, one at a time. The first time was within the first 1000 miles. Generally it occurs while driving in traffic…
I've owned my 2003 thunderbird since it was new. It now has 65000 miles and IS driven only 2000 miles a year, over the last 5 years. During this period, I have had all 8 coils replaced, one at a time. The first time was within the first 1000 miles. Generally it occurs while driving in traffic, being on the freeway or on local streets. The engine starts to misfire and not function. After the 3RD or so incident, I was informed that ford recognized the problem and would honor the repair. The only problem with this, knowing of the problem, they refused to replace all at the same time. In other words, they would only replace when the coil malfunctioned, this now has occurred 8 times. Now my motor has failed and needs to be replaced. My understanding IS that when the coil malfunctions the corresponding cylinder also IS not functioning properly. Again, the car only has 65000 miles and has never been mistreated. The cost to replace the engine IS almost $10,000. This motor IS a jaguar production 3.9 model. Done when ford had a brief relation with jaguar. To say the least, I am very disappointed with ford and their lack of taking responsibility. By the way, when they replace the motor, the old coils will be reinstalled on the rebuilt engine.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle drastically reduced speed and hesitated on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle drastically reduced speed and hesitated on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was not able to replicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who indicated that the vehicle was not included in two manufacturer recalls that expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Engine
Car sputtered and misfired causing partial power loss and speed loss. problem IS ignition coils. Have now had to replace a total of three during two similar events. two dealers failed to inform me of extended warranty on this known problem. *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
One of the 4 bolts that hold the rear suspension to the vehicle fell out of the car. the bolt failed due to corrosion and possibly over torquing at the factory. severe corrosion inside the pocket that houses this bolt. ford dealer says it IS not covered and IS at least 10 hours labor and IS…
One of the 4 bolts that hold the rear suspension to the vehicle fell out of the car. the bolt failed due to corrosion and possibly over torquing at the factory. severe corrosion inside the pocket that houses this bolt. ford dealer says it IS not covered and IS at least 10 hours labor and IS concerned the remaining 3 bolts may be corroded as well. they are also concerned that the frame rail on the body may be affected. this has been a south florida car its entire life and has been garaged its whole life. it has never been exposed to road salt or snow and has only been driven in rain on limited occasions. major safety issue since the rear suspension could fall out of the car. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle experiences unintended engine acceleration when stopping for a red light or placing the car in park. Motor hit over 3500 rpm while parking before I could shut down the ignition. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I was accelerating to merge onto the highway at full throttle and the engine shut itself off. I pulled over to the shoulder and turned the ignition off and restarted it and continued to my destination. This has occurred several times over the last few years, and it IS only getting worse and more…
I was accelerating to merge onto the highway at full throttle and the engine shut itself off. I pulled over to the shoulder and turned the ignition off and restarted it and continued to my destination. This has occurred several times over the last few years, and it IS only getting worse and more frequent. Sometimes the limp home light (wrench) comes on. I must turn the ignition off and back on to make the car work. I have had all 8 coils replaced and this did not fix the problem and it still occurs today. I checked the codes and it did say it was a forced shut down. I unfortunately do not remember the code number. *js
- Engine · Power train
While making a u-turn in a culd-e-sac at 5 mph, the wrench light came on. I can only reach a speed of 40 mph now. I am afraid to turn the car off until I get home. *tr
- Engine
The first incident happened on 6/12/12 when the engine started sputtering and missing and then went into a "limp mode" and would only accelerate no more than 15 mph. After taking it to the shop they determined that the ignition coil on cylinder #8 was bad and replaced it for $270. The second…
The first incident happened on 6/12/12 when the engine started sputtering and missing and then went into a "limp mode" and would only accelerate no more than 15 mph. After taking it to the shop they determined that the ignition coil on cylinder #8 was bad and replaced it for $270. The second incident happened 9/7/13 and left my wife stranded on the side of the road. After doing research on the internet, I found out that ford had issued a 10 year/100,000 mile extended warranty for all 2003, 2004, and 2005 thunderbirds to replace the defective ignition coils. Ford has recognized that this part IS defective and IS a safety problem, but since it has not been recalled, and I did not know about the extended warranty, they are charging me $1,200 dollars to replace 7 ignition coils. Looking at the ford thunderbird forums on the internet reveals that this IS a common problem and should be recalled so owners can have them replaced, since ford has acknowledged that there IS a defect. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the vehicle sputtered and the check engine light illuminated on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and independent repair shop after each failure to have the coils and spark plugs replaced. The repairs…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the vehicle sputtered and the check engine light illuminated on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and independent repair shop after each failure to have the coils and spark plugs replaced. The repairs were covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 44,850.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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. *tr
- Electrical system
The car de-powers and will not go above 20-25 mph. the anti lock brake lights come on. they will stay on for awhile and go off and on by themselves. this happens in traffic and IS very dangerous. my daughter nearly got plowed over trying to get off the road. she called my scared to death. this happens intermittently. no wet or slick pavement, on a dry sunny day. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
2003 thunderbird goes into "limp mode" and the car suddenly will not go above 25mph.... I am told it IS a safety feature... But this IS not safe if you are driving on the interstate! I am told this time it IS a throttle body... Which I have been waiting for over 30 days. Ford does not have parts for their cars. *Tr
- Steering › Rack and pinion
TL* - the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. the contact heard a loud noise when steering or turning the vehicle to the left or right. the contact had the rack and pinion replaced ,and has the repair order. the contact purchased the vehicle in october 2006, and the failure began in december 2006. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/linings
Dt*: the contact stated while applying the brake pedal, there was a noise as though the wheel was going to come off. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the driver side rear caliper, brake shoe and rotor needed to be replaced. updated 12/12/2006 - *nm
- Air bags
Dt*: the contact stated while the contact's spouse was driving 70 mph on a dry, smooth interstate, the passenger side air bag deployed without a collision or impact. the vehicle was towed to a dealership who determined there was no apparent reason for the air bag deployment. another dealership in…
Dt*: the contact stated while the contact's spouse was driving 70 mph on a dry, smooth interstate, the passenger side air bag deployed without a collision or impact. the vehicle was towed to a dealership who determined there was no apparent reason for the air bag deployment. another dealership in florida determined a couple of hairline rusted places located on the undercarriage of the vehicle were to blame for the air bag deployment. there was no indication of an impact. there were no air bag lights illuminated prior to the incident.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Structure · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
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. *Kb water leaked inside the vehicle, the dealer found cracks and a tear around the weather strip and seal. The a/c control head…
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. *Kb 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. *Jb
- Electrical system
A couple of months after the car was purchased the battery light comes on and when it does no other electrical parts will operate. for instance if you have a window down you can't roll it up or the heater won't work. this has been an ongoing problem since the car was purchased. we've had the car…
A couple of months after the car was purchased the battery light comes on and when it does no other electrical parts will operate. for instance if you have a window down you can't roll it up or the heater won't work. this has been an ongoing problem since the car was purchased. we've had the car to the dealer 3 times and they have replaced the alternator as well as overlaying electrical wires and none of this has fixed the problem. on one occasion they had the car for a month, put approximately 200 miles on it and still couldn't find and fix the problem. our concern IS that when the battery light comes on and nothing else electrical works what if you needed, say, the defroster to come on and it wouldn't it could pose a serious safety problem! the date in the incident box IS just an approximation this has been ongoing since we've owned the car. thank you. *nm
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
The vehicles rearend (differential) develops a howling noise, noticable at 40+ mph. This same problem has occurred twice before. The dealership has replaced the rearend on two previous occassions. The noise IS starting to occur again, if replaced this would be the fourth rearend.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt: while driving at 55-60 mph the engine started to bog down and slowly died. had been to dealer numerous times concerning this problem and a transmission. vehicle had been checked diagnosticians, and was unable to find anything wrong. dealer had never indicated what was wrong. no…
Dt: while driving at 55-60 mph the engine started to bog down and slowly died. had been to dealer numerous times concerning this problem and a transmission. vehicle had been checked diagnosticians, and was unable to find anything wrong. dealer had never indicated what was wrong. no repairs were made other than a rebuild of the transmission when first purchased. problem with the engine dying was intermittent. no repairs were made because they were unable to determine the cause of the problem. *ak *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Complaint received via e-mail. Front right brake caliper came off and locked up wheel and slid my car sideways when brakes were applied. 2003, ford, thunderbird on the day of delivery with 300 miles on the car caliper bolt fell out, and when brakes applied the caliper turned up into the wheel, and…
Complaint received via e-mail. Front right brake caliper came off and locked up wheel and slid my car sideways when brakes were applied. 2003, ford, thunderbird on the day of delivery with 300 miles on the car caliper bolt fell out, and when brakes applied the caliper turned up into the wheel, and jammed wheel. At 6:30 pm. moved from left to right lane, and applied brakes to slow down approximately 25 mph to turn into a parking lot. Original speed was between 35 and 40 mph. Released brakes, and heard a clung under the car as if we ran over something. Immediately looked back, but saw nothing in the road. Continued to parking lot, applied brakes, and front right wheel locked up, car slid to an angled stop, released brakes ,and rolled forward with very strong clanking noise. We continued into the parking lot. My wife called ford roadside assistance to repair front right caliper bolts, and wheel was replaced. The proper caliper bolt was not available at the time of replacement. service used bolt they could find. 1 failure, no one hurt, no police report, just very lucky.*ak the failure caused damage to the vehicle. *tc
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.
- 10048099Ford/lincoln/mercury: may have sludge buildup in throttle body leading to less airflow or engine idling rpm fluctuation and hard starts or battery disconnect or dead battery after keep alive memory (kam) clear. Models 2003-05 thunderbird, 05-06 mustang, 06-08 fusion, 04-05 explorer, 05-06 expedition, 05-07 F-150; 2003-06 LS, 06 zephyr, 05-06 navigator; 06-08 milan.
- 10026402Ford/lincoln mercury: certain 2003-2005 model year lincoln LS and ford thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9L engine with extended warranty coverage on ignition coil assemblies and on 2003 my vehicles only , engine valve cover gaskets.
- 10023293Certain 2003 model year lincoln LS and ford thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9L engine - extended warranty coverage on ignition coil assemblies and engine valve cover gaskets. Also have an owner's letter.
- 10022290Automatic transmission solenoid emissions warranty extension. Sample consumer letter attached.
- 10017925Water/moisture in cop wells - dtc p0301-p0308 - 3.9L engine - vehicles built through 5/1/2004.
- 10017917Unusual engine noise or engine knock concerns due to regular fuel.
- 10014703Moisture in storage compartment.
- 10014594Vibration felt for a few miles of driving after parking.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013401Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1145 and/or c1155 stored in anti-lock brake system (ABS) module.
- 10013371Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) and electronic throttle control (etc) lamps on with both diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 and p2135.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10009344ABS warning indicator on with diagnostic trouble code c1145 and/or c1155.
- 10009342Key-in-ignition warning chime sound whenever the driver's door IS open (even with no key in the ignition), the easy exit feature inoperative when the key IS removed from the ignition, or the steering column (and seat if applicable) moving back and forth when the key IS removed from the ignition on vehicles with a ford accessory remote start kit.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008991Steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel, especially during low speed parking maneuvers.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008246Steering gear noise.
- 10008239Electtronic throttle control warning message or lamp on - malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 - possible driveability symptoms.
- 10008194Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0300-p0308 or p0350-p0358.
- 10008173Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 stored in the pcm (powertrain control module).
- 10007423Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) u0300 (internal control module software incompatibility) stored in the pcm with no other dtc's present.
- 10007344An intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0462 (fuel level sensor a circuit low) or p2067 (fuel level sensor b circuit low) caused by an improperly installed remote start system.
- 10007323Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with ignition coil related diagnostic trouble codes (p035x).
- 10004912Squeaking noise when switching climate control between panel, floor and panel/floor modes.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003833Passive anti-theft system (pats) parameter reset required after module programming.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003744Engine misfire or rough running condition with coil on plug (cop) ignition systems may be more accurately diagnosed using the optional worldwide diagnostic system (wds) coil on plug (cop) kit. 2003 super duty f series included.
- 10003189A no-start condition due to a discharged battery.
- 10003188Vehicles built between 11/18/2002 and 05/17/2003 with the 5r55s transmission may exhibit harsh shifts.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002765Diagnostic trouble code b2519 ( hgh mount stoplamp circuit failure).
- 10002641Vehicles with the controller area network (can) may exhibit a powertrain control module (pcm) non-communication event, which could lead to an unnecessary pcm replacement using normal diagnostics. Various models including the 2003 super duty.
- 10002608Illuminated tcil e or an error message with diagnostic trouble code p1744 only.
- 10002607Squeal noise from the rear brakes on vehicles produced before 5/15/2003.
- 10001941Power seat function - contact request / detroit region.
Every Ford Thunderbird model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.