Ford Thunderbird fire or smoke problems

Filed Jul 25, 2007 · Engine · 68,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated within minutes of being started. He noticed thick, white smoke coming from the tailpipe and the "low coolant" warning indicator light illuminated. The repair shop stated that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 69,000 and failure mileage was 68,000.

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 Dec 1, 2004 · Engine · NC

1996 ford thunderbird 4.6l v8 motor failure of plastic intake manifold. Driving home under normal conditions and check coolant light came on. Duaghter said she had thought she smelled burning coolant for several days prior. Took to mechanic and he pointed out the crack in the intake manifold. Said this was a very common problem with this motor. Paid over $900.00 to have repaired with upgraded part. Told by mechanic that recall issued but expired about 6 months prior to repair.

Filed Oct 29, 2004 · Engine · 114,000 miles · SC

1996 ford thunderbird 4.6l 281cid v8 motor failure of plastic intake manifold. Driving home under normal conditions and check coolant light came on. Wife said she had thought she smelled burning coolant for several days prior. Took to mechanic and he pointed out the crack in the intake manifold. Said this was a very common problem with this motor. Paid over $800.00 to have repaired with upgraded part. Ford motor co. Has been aware of problem for years and issued a recall for taxis and police vehicles but recall does not cover privately owned vehicles. Car has approximately 114,000 miles.

Filed Sep 1, 2004 · Engine · PA

While driving consumer noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to a body shop. Mechanic determined that the intake manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Electrical · OH · fire

While driving consumer smelled smoke coming in from the vents. Consumer pulled over, lifted the hood up, and vehicle caught on fire. Consumer was able to extinguish the fire. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection.

Filed Aug 13, 2004 · Engine · 54,000 miles · OH · fire

Electric fan motor for radiator cooling fan shorted out, causing it to overheat and cause the plastic shroud to catch on fire.

Filed Oct 15, 2003 · Engine · NJ

Vehicle smoking from underneath hood and leaking coolant.*mr consumer's wife was driving when the vehicle started to shake, a billow of white smoke came from under the hood of the vehicle and the vehicle leaked coolant . The vehicle was towed and the diagnosis was a head gasket leak which allowed coolant into the combustion chamber. The coolant contaminated the oil and was leaking out the rear of the exhaust system. The consumer's wife was told the vehicle may be covered under a recall/extended warranty. The recall only covered 1994 models not 1995. The consumer later learned the part was covered under warranty. Ford wouldn't cover the repair because the vehicle wasn't diagnosed/repaired at a ford dealer. Consumer stated that if the woman at the ford dealership would've confirmed the warranty on the part, the vehicle would have been at a ford dealership. Consumer felt ford should have reimburse them the cost of the repairs since their representative was at fault. *ph

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Electrical · OR · fire

While vehicle was parked on the street it caught on fire. Dealer notified. *ak while parked in a parking lot of a food store. The vehicle was a total loss. The vehicle was in excellent condition prior to fire. *scc

Filed Jul 8, 2003 · Engine · 64,018 miles · IN

Ford recall not honored - intake manifold http://www.bigclassaction.com/class_action/ford_manifold.html upon acceleration, smoke came out of under hood & I believe engine light came on. It all happened so quickly. Made it to the nearest lot, where I could pull off the road. All coolant leaked out. Had to call for tow. Mechanic did coolant pressure test, and showed only leak was at back of engine. Had to pull transmission to get to it. Water pouting out back of engine but no freeze plug blown, traced backward to intake manifold crack that never showed up on intial pressure testing. I was charged over $750. For repairs. Called dealer to check on warranty (expired 1200 miles earlier) and recalls. Said there were none. Just recently discovered the recall at an autozone website, and contacted dealer about it. He said to send in original receipt & ford would reimburse. They gave me the runaround, and finally said the claim was denied because I should've taken it to a ford dealer/service. Since the warranty was expired, & I knew of no recall, I saw no reason to spend the extra money ford mechanics charge, so I went with the other private mechanic. Ford's argument is that I should've gone to ford mechanic, and mine is that ford should have notified me of the recall, especially when I asked them. At least they should reimburse me for something they should have taken care of. I bought the car in 2000, recall was in 1999. Dealer or someone should've notified me of the recall.