2005 Ford Thunderbird
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Thunderbird › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Ford Thunderbird. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 Ford Thunderbird. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tank may have a localized thin wall section in the lower half of the tank. the fuel tank may crack creating a potential for a fuel leak and fuel odor. The "service engine soon" indicator may illuminate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. the recall began on april 4, 2005. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673, lincoln at 1-800-521-4140.
Owner complaints
27 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no…
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,118.
- Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
Dash board cracked few places by Windshield. It's really Between WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD. ANY RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS? [XXX] THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden unintended acceleration on two occasions. Car only has 11,000 miles
- Air bags · Seats · Wheels
While driving my car on the highway last evening, the left shoulder airbag was deployed. I immediately pulled the car to the side of the road. I noted that the left front tire was flat. my husband changed the tire. upon removing the wheel we noted that the tire was completely normal, but the…
While driving my car on the highway last evening, the left shoulder airbag was deployed. I immediately pulled the car to the side of the road. I noted that the left front tire was flat. my husband changed the tire. upon removing the wheel we noted that the tire was completely normal, but the rim was fractured on the internal aspect. the seat was damaged from the deployed airbag. it appears that the rim implosion set off the left shoulder airbag. had it been the chest airbag, I would have had an accident. I called the local dealer and they told me that they have never heard of this. I had 4 new tires placed about 1 month ago at costco in albuquerque. the car has only 16,000 miles on it. I have owned it for theee years. prior owner an elderly man- drive it 10,000 miles over 13 years. I am not aware of ever any damage to the wheel or hitting anything with it. I was driving 60 mph when this occurred.i have included a picture of the inside of the tire rim.
- Engine
Throttle body system failure causing inappropriate vehicle deceleration while driving. This condition happens without warning and can cause another vehicle to rear end you. I have already had one throttle body replaced due to this condition in 2013 and my vehicle IS having the same problems again.…
Throttle body system failure causing inappropriate vehicle deceleration while driving. This condition happens without warning and can cause another vehicle to rear end you. I have already had one throttle body replaced due to this condition in 2013 and my vehicle IS having the same problems again. The computer program that cuts the engine to idle speed should be disabled until a permanent fix to this problem can be corrected. in the current mode, these vehicles are unsafe to drive.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle began to shift hesitantly without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle began to shift hesitantly without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there were no recalls pertaining to the failure, and transferred the call to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. ..Updated 06/27/17 *bf *cn
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was restarted, but completely shut down. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but the exact cause of the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The failure recurred…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was restarted, but completely shut down. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but the exact cause of the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The failure recurred and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the fuel pressure was replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear module and fuel pump were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,168. updated 11/17/16*lj *tr
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving approximately 25 mph on an incline, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving approximately 25 mph on an incline, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body, valve cover gasket, and two coils unplugged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,787. updated 09/22/16*lj *cn
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the fuel system and a vapor fuel leak. As a result, the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the fuel system and a vapor fuel leak. As a result, the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 05v113000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 11,000. Updated 08/22/16*lj updated 08/30/16*lj *cn
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact smelled "raw" fuel in the vehicle. The contact noticed fuel leaked all over the garage at home and the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact smelled "raw" fuel in the vehicle. The contact noticed fuel leaked all over the garage at home and the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was leaking around the seam of the fuel tank cover. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 91,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving various speeds, the engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was cracked and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving various speeds, the engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was cracked and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 05v113000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle made a loud whining noise. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at approximately 45 mph, the front driver's side air bag deployed without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving 40 mph with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving 40 mph with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cpu needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
- Wheels
Corrosion of the aluminum wheels causing separation of the chrome plating on the wheel inner bead and resulting in air leaks from around the wheel at the bead of the tires. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. The contact stated intermittently the vehicle would lose transmission power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,162.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
Letter from constituent regarding an ongoing throttle problem with his 2005 ford thunderbird; information provided to nhtsa that may be the bases of a recall of the thunderbird. *Smd the consumer stated in early august of this year, a yellow mechanic wrench light appeared on the dashboard at the…
Letter from constituent regarding an ongoing throttle problem with his 2005 ford thunderbird; information provided to nhtsa that may be the bases of a recall of the thunderbird. *Smd the consumer stated in early august of this year, a yellow mechanic wrench light appeared on the dashboard at the time of start up. The consumer immediately stopped the vehicle, and made an appointment at the dealer. After a complete check-up, the vehicle was released to the consumer after the computer diagnostic system failed to reveal anything wrong. The next day, while driving 70 mph on the freeway while passing a slow moving truck, the wrench light illuminated again and the vehicle went into drive safe mode and immediately slowed down to 45 mph. The consumer was able to maneuver to the side of the road. Once the consumer made it to the dealer, the vehicle was left running, so the mechanic could do a computer diagnostic check. It was determined after testing, the throttle body and motor assembly were defective and replaced at a cost of $964.27. updated 03/31/14
- Electrical system
When I inserted the key to start the car, the battery (located in the trunk) exploded. it sounded like a gun shot inside the car, the battery was blown open at both ends and the battery fluid was thrown around the trunk cavity where the spare tire IS also housed. a service tech advised me that a…
When I inserted the key to start the car, the battery (located in the trunk) exploded. it sounded like a gun shot inside the car, the battery was blown open at both ends and the battery fluid was thrown around the trunk cavity where the spare tire IS also housed. a service tech advised me that a spark was necessary to ignite the sulfuric gas leaking from the battery. no one has been able to identify the source of the spark. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. The contact was driving approximately 40 mph when the engine stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred twice. The approximate failure mileage was 36,476.
- Wheels › Rim
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the factory rims on the vehicle are beginning to crack on the inside and causing the brake lines and calipers on the vehicle to leak. The dealer stated that this was a singular issue and since the rims were out of warranty and not…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the factory rims on the vehicle are beginning to crack on the inside and causing the brake lines and calipers on the vehicle to leak. The dealer stated that this was a singular issue and since the rims were out of warranty and not under recall, the contact would have to replace the rims at his own expense. The vin was not available when the complaint was filed. The contact was not aware of the failure or current mileage.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
My 2005 ford thunderbird for no apparent reason just looses power and the wrench icon come on. I was driving on the freeway and this happened and I barely made it to the side of the road. this happened to me in 2007 and I took it in to a ford dealership and they could not find anything wrong.…
My 2005 ford thunderbird for no apparent reason just looses power and the wrench icon come on. I was driving on the freeway and this happened and I barely made it to the side of the road. this happened to me in 2007 and I took it in to a ford dealership and they could not find anything wrong. now it IS happening again and I almost got in to a serious accident at high speed. I did a search and found that this IS has happened enough that ford extended the warranty for the coil on plug. when I called my dealership and explained the problem they told me that the cop IS not the problem but to bring it in. in my search I found that several people with this same problem were told that the cop was not the problem only to spend over $1500 on an electronic throttle control and that did not fix it. When they went back the problem was then discovered to be the cop. this IS dangerous and should be a recall. at the very least the service people at ford should be aware of this potential life threatening problem. from what I have found it has been a problem since the 2002 thunderbird. my ford dealer should have been aware of this when I brought the car in under full warranty in 2007 before I had another incident that could have caused a very serious accident. this was very scary and it alarms me that it IS not being taken seriously enough. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Vehicle speed control
On nov 24,2009, the throttle body motor failed and caused my 2005 ford thunderbird to cut off in traffic. I took the car to metro ford for repair. They said the part would take several weeks. Metro said I could drive my car until they repair my car because ford could not provide me with a loaner. I…
On nov 24,2009, the throttle body motor failed and caused my 2005 ford thunderbird to cut off in traffic. I took the car to metro ford for repair. They said the part would take several weeks. Metro said I could drive my car until they repair my car because ford could not provide me with a loaner. I later found out that there are others with the same problem since july 2009. After several promises to no avail, I decided to write several executives. I have not heard from anyone yet. Two days ago, I was almost rear-ended when the car off in traffic. the consumer was told the throttle body and motor assembly needed to be replaced. updated 04/16/10
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
My temperature gauge has risen to hot three times while driving with no prior warning. The first was 12/29/2008. They replaced the motor radiator cooling fan. My mileage at the time was 35673.the 2ND time was 3/17/2009 and they replaced the tank assy-radiator, seal, cap asy radiator, thermostat asy…
My temperature gauge has risen to hot three times while driving with no prior warning. The first was 12/29/2008. They replaced the motor radiator cooling fan. My mileage at the time was 35673.the 2ND time was 3/17/2009 and they replaced the tank assy-radiator, seal, cap asy radiator, thermostat asy - spo. My mileage this time was 38000.the 3RD time was 9/21/2009, this time they replaced the heater control valve assy. My mileage this time was 42921. Each time this occurred, it was shortly after I had my car in for its usual maintenance. Of course the dealer denies this has anything to do with my temp gauge rising to hot within weeks after they service the car and the car shutting down.*tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
1. I was accelerating from a stop position and the "wrench icon" came on and the car went on :"limp mode". 2. has occurred twice, once, a week after they installed a new electronic throttle control. 3. I am afraid the throttle could jam on the major highway that I travel everyday to work. 4.…
1. I was accelerating from a stop position and the "wrench icon" came on and the car went on :"limp mode". 2. has occurred twice, once, a week after they installed a new electronic throttle control. 3. I am afraid the throttle could jam on the major highway that I travel everyday to work. 4. I did a search on this problem and so far I have counted 20 complaints and I stopped searching. 5. this happen on a 2005 ford thunderbird that I just purchased. *Tr
- Air bags
On september 6, 2006 while traveling on an 8-lane highway at a speed of approximately 70 mph the drivers side airbag on my 2005 ford thunderbird deployed with a very loud noise and considerable force. There was no impact or accident involved with this incident. The air bag simply deployed for no…
On september 6, 2006 while traveling on an 8-lane highway at a speed of approximately 70 mph the drivers side airbag on my 2005 ford thunderbird deployed with a very loud noise and considerable force. There was no impact or accident involved with this incident. The air bag simply deployed for no apparent reason. fortunately, the vehicle was able to be controlled and pulled off the highway safely. the car was then taken to darling ford in bangor maine on september 11, 2005 where it was inspected and found to have no signs of any recent impact either on the exterior or the underbody. the vehicle was purchased new on february 14TH 2005 and has gone approximately 16,000 miles. this IS well within the warranty period for this vehicle. the dealer told us the car would likely have to be inspected by ford personnel to determine the cause and to authorize any repairs. the dealer later contacted us on september 18TH who told him that ford had decided not to cover any costs associated with this incident even though there were no signs of any impact. this decision was made without any further inspection of the vehicle. this incident was clearly a fault of the airbag system, and since we cannot find any exclusion of the ford warranty regarding the airbag system we are seeking authorization for repairs to this vehicle. it IS very fortunate no one was seriously injured due to the faulty operation of this device. further, the dealer tells us that the deployment of the side air bag now disables all of the air bags leaving the driver and any passengers in a very vulnerable situation. *jb
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.
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10017898Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004.
- 10014703Moisture in storage compartment.
- 10014594Vibration felt for a few miles of driving after parking.
- 10014310Weld bonding procedure.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013401Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1145 and/or c1155 stored in anti-lock brake system (ABS) module.
- 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.
- 10009344ABS warning indicator on with diagnostic trouble code c1145 and/or c1155.
- 636096Excessive electrical system current draw which could result in a discharged battery and a no crank condition. Service tips.
Every Ford Thunderbird model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.