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2005 Ford Thunderbird problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Ford Thunderbird is engine and cooling, typically around 36,476 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Thunderbird model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
80/100
Owner complaints
27
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
15
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2005 Ford Thunderbird problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Airbags
    4

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Airbags
    4
  • Wheels
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported March 18, 2005 · 56 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 05V113000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird 15

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 15 bulletins for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird

2005 Ford Thunderbird fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.9L 8‑cylRWD162218

What 2005 Ford Thunderbird owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 17, 2024 · Fuel system · 33,118 miles · AZ

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.

Filed May 26, 2022 · Body · FL

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).

Filed Jun 23, 2021 · Acceleration · MD

Sudden unintended acceleration on two occasions. Car only has 11,000 miles

Filed May 6, 2021 · Airbags, Seats · NM

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.

Filed Sep 23, 2019 · Engine · 120,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed May 1, 2017 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · NV

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 the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. ..updated 06/27/17 *bf

Filed Sep 29, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 44,168 miles · TN

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

Filed Jul 20, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 19,787 miles · MA

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

Filed May 5, 2016 · Fuel system · 11,000 miles · NY

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v113000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 11,000. Updated 08/22/16*lj updated 08/30/16*lj

Filed Apr 20, 2016 · Fuel system · 91,000 miles · NH

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.

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Compare the 2005 Ford Thunderbird

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Questions about the 2005 Ford Thunderbird

Is the 2005 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 2005 Ford Thunderbird, fewer than a typical Thunderbird model year.

What is the 2005 Ford Thunderbird year score?

The 2005 Ford Thunderbird scores 80 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Thunderbird: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Thunderbird?

Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints, typically around 36,476 miles. Next is electrical (5).

How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Thunderbird have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Ford Thunderbird get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.9L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 22 highway.

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