Ford Thunderbird door locks problems

Filed Aug 5, 2009 · Acceleration, Airbags · 26,000 miles · GA

The most recent problem started in june 2009 when the airbag indicator light came on for no reason and wouldn't go off (is it working or not? Safety issue?) then within a matter of weeks everything on the steering column controls quit working or went berserk. The cruise controls suddenly went haywire accelerating when any button was pushed now they don't work at all (safety issue). A car pulled out in front of me, I slammed on the brakes and laid on the horn and nothing!!! A terrible crash was missed by literally inches( safety issue)...30 minutes later the horn worked. The next day I tried about 30 times and I got it to beep twice. The radio/cd controls sometimes work and sometimes don't. Change from radio to cd and suddenly the volume is blasting (shocked enough for it to be a safety issue). I was told over the phone it is a clock spring issue and the estimate was $450!!!!! In addition my 2002 thunderbird was purchased jan 2,2003. It was one of the last cars off of the line before the 2002 model switch to 2003. I have had the same coil on plug issues that were recalled on 2003's, yet dealer would do nothing for me.it started only 2,000 mls out of initial warranty. I have replaced 3 of the coils/gasket cover and now the 4th coil is bad with gasket leaking. The design is unchanged from 2002 to 2003, why not fix mine? Twice I have lost power when accelerating and the car hesitated or stalled in middle of driving. If you don't consider that a safety issue then try pulling out in atlanta traffic and see what you think. In addition now the passenger side auto door latch won't work. This is by far the worst car I have ever had in my life. I had purchased three prior ford vehicles at the same dealership and they would do nothing for me. I never had the first complaint on any other ford vehicles.... Now the dealer has gone out of business...... Please I am begging you see if you can get these issues fixed I have poured enough money into this car and it isn't fair!

Filed Apr 11, 2006 · Body, Electrical · KS

Compliant is that through my insurance provider I was alerted to two recalls that should be at least looked into on my auto. The first is the blower on the climate control began to work erratically and now it does not work at all. Meaning that my defrosting does not work at all. The other and more serious is that the drivers side door latch sticks at smacks against the peg and does not latch properly or at all, unless the latch is manually lifted. Both of these are recalls for other t-birds but somehow mine slipped through. Vin is [xxx]. If these are such common problems why weren't all the t-birds recalled? I am looking at over 600.00 to replace these parts. Which is irritating when ford should be fixing it's known problems. *nm updated 07/16/2012 * js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jun 20, 2005 · Electrical · 107,000 miles · VA · fire

Ford 1995 thunderbird caught on fire. It was parked early in the morning. No keys in the ignition. *ak the right front tire exploded from the flames shooting out from the right front wheel well. The fire spread to the inside passenger compartment. The power antenna motor had not worked properly for years. Ten days later before the fire, the power door locks failed and the fuse was replaced. The door lock power function was restored and the fuse was replaced. The fuse was being checked for being too hot to touch. *sc

Filed Nov 7, 2002 · Body · NJ

Consumer states that the manual door latches will not close properly. Dealer is aware of the problem please provide additional information. Ts

Filed Mar 5, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · OH

On two occasions in heavy traffic vehicle suddenly lurched forward. Dealer was notified. *ak engine roars, consumer would tap the accelerator and would go to the floor, feels as if vehicle is put in neutral. Dealer replaced transmission gear shift switch assembly. Check engine light came on intermittently. Dealer replace 2 o2 sensors and maf sensor. Vehicle pulls to right. Wheel alignment performed. Steering wheel shimmy when applying brakes. Prformed front disc/ rear drum brake service. Replaced front rotors after brake job due to pulsation. Steering column had to be replaced. At times, vehicle will not shutt off. Right door lock inoperative. Dealer can not duplicate. Customer states fluid leak at rear end. Right axle seal replaced. Passenger head rest rattles over bumps. Dealer could not duplicate. Consumer states noise from seat when no one is sitting there, dealer states this is normal. Seat track covers mising one laying in the rear floor. Seat track cover reinstalled. Consumer stats there is a pinging noise upon acceleration. Dealer suggested higher fuel octane. Customer states brake pedal seems low. Brakes ok. Front end shimmies at 50 to 60 MPH. 4 tires balanced. Dome light will not come on when driver outside door handle pulled up. Temperature and speedomoter light burned was inoperative. Dealer replaced instrument cluster bulbs. Coolant leak under car and warning light is on. Dealer found no leaks and coolant level low. Consumer states motor will roar and shift into gear. Driver side headlamp burnt out. Headlamp replaced. Transmission slips when not in overdrive. Dealer replaced transmission oil pan and gasket.

Filed May 8, 2001 · Locks · TX

Driver's side door will not remain closed during normal operation of vehicle. There is a recall (96v070000) for door latch. However, dealership and manufacturer have informed consumer that his vehicle is not included in recall due to VIN. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Dec 18, 2000 · Body · AL

Door hinges have worn out on the doors of my car. The door will not close. It will be 350 dollars to repair them, and it is a design flaw, as per my mechanic. It is dangerous and potentially life threatening.

Filed Nov 9, 2000 · Locks · NY

There was recall 96v07000/ door locks and latches. Consumer had door locks and latces replaced, and charged consumer because of VIN not being included.

Filed Jul 16, 2000 · Body, Engine · TX

Head gasket failure at 57,446 miles 3.8l engine engulfed is white smoke. Between 57.446 mile and 58,346 all kinds of electrical problems, e.e. Mirror switch, door locks, odometer, tripometer, window swithches. Third time for door locks. All ford motor says is they will document the complaint.

Filed Jul 28, 1999 · Locks · VA

Tailgate door latch got stuck in the open position, making it impossible for the door to shut.also, once it was shut, door latch became stuck again. Dealer has been contacted.