Ford Thunderbird engine failure problems

Filed Sep 5, 2023 · Steering · 75,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to turn the steering wheel while using excessive force and veered to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled after driving approximately 3-feet. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2015 · Engine · 65,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Dec 20, 2011 · Engine · 18,500 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the engine would misfire and lose throttle response. The vehicle later stalled and was taken to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that the misfire was due to a faulty engine coil. The dealer replaced the engine coil but the repair did not remedy the failure. The failure mileage was 18,500. Updated 01/18/12

Filed Oct 7, 2005 · Engine · IL

Dt: 1995 ford thunderbird 3.8. The consumer complained about an engine problem on october 3, 2005. Took vehicle to a ford dealership, they wanted $4600 to put in a new engine. In december 2003 vehicle was leaking antifreeze from timing chain gasket. Had vehicle repaired immediately. Vehicle was not involved in any accident nor have there been any property damage. Police have never been notified. Vehicle has only 32,000 miles on it. The vehicle still has the original engine . The consumer called ford motor company, and they said the warranty expired.

Filed Apr 21, 2005 · Engine · 81,335 miles · IN · fire

Plastic intake manifold failure on a 1996 ford thunderbird v8. Part failure was preceded by a "check engine light" and "low coolant" light. Turns out that ford had put out "service bulletin" in 1999 and followed up on it in 2001 on this issue (97m91) yet they never notified any owners. Cost of repairs for this part will be around $1,000 yet ford will not do anything willingly to rectify the situation. Failure of part could lead to catastrophic engine failure if not corrected.

Filed Sep 1, 2003 · Engine · 4,800 miles · WV

Engine failure. While driving approx 40 MPH. Slowed to stop for an animal in the road and engine failed. I shifted to neutral and restarted w/o problem. Had this occured in a busy intersection, it could have resulted in serious injury and/or death. Please investigate and notify ford. This is not the first complaing you hav recieved regarding this problem.

Filed Aug 8, 2003 · Engine · 62,000 miles · AZ

Fatigue crack in intake manifold of 4.6 l engine that that caused loose of coolant and the engine to over heat. My 1997 ford thunderbird is not part of the recall even thought it has the same engine and defective manifold. Repair cost is $600.00. Ford already has a recall and the follow was coped from source: ford motor company documents ford motor company will extend the recall (01m02) on 4.6l v8 equipped vehicles with plastic intake manifolds. Some of the composite intake manifolds used on 4.6l sohc engines may develop fatigue cracks at the coolant crossover duct. This condition could result in engine coolant leakage which, if not serviced, may cause engine overheating. Complete loss of coolant may result in engine damage or engine failure. The updated recall now includes: " certain 1996 through 2001 model year crown victoria police interceptor " certain 1998 through 2001 model year crown victoria with taxi " certain 1998 through 2001 lincoln town car limousine and livery prep package " certain 1996-2001 crown victoria taxis, police cars and lincoln town car limousine and livery cars. " certain 1996 through 1997 crown victoria police interceptor vehicles with 4.6l sohc engines built at the st. Thomas assembly plant from the beginning of production for the 1996 model year through january 28, 1997. " certain 1998 through 2001 crown victoria police interceptor vehicles with 4.6l sohc engines built at the st. Thomas assembly plant from november 22, 1997 through december 15, 2000. " certain 1998 through 2001 crown victoria taxi vehicles with 4.6l sohc engines built at the st. Thomas assembly plant from november 22, 1997 through december 15, 2000. " certain 1998 through 2001 lincoln town car limousine prep package and livery vehicles with 4.6l sohc engines built at the wixom assembly plant from november 22, 1997 through december 15, 2000.

Filed Mar 1, 2003 · Engine · 63,237 miles · CA

Engine failure at 63000 miles. Front seal failed, allowing coolant into engine. Car was meticulously cared for, and driven carefully.

Filed Feb 28, 2002 · Engine · FL

I am in a club of over 5,000 owners of identical cars and failures have been seen as low as 18,000 miles to my knowledge, and numerous in the 60000 mile range on well maintained cars of headgasket failure which often causes complete engine failure, in my case it caused two connecting rods to fail, a crankshaft bearing due to oil contamination and the crankshaft as a result. This is the third failure on my vehicle, once I was stranded on a dangerous dark stretch of I-95, once in the rain and as a result of loss of heat (headgasket failure symptom) I ran a red light and proceded the wrong way on a one way street.

Filed Sep 20, 2001 · Engine · KY

On both occasions, the head-gaskets blew. Engine was replaced with first incident. Now faced with a similar situation. Only engine is not burned up this time. Why fix it, if the same problem is going to simply happen again. Yet I can't afford another vehicle. I purchased this car brand new and took very good care of it. Alot of good that did.