Check a VIN

Ford Thunderbird hesitation problems

12 of the 2,012 owner complaints about the Ford Thunderbird describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 1993 model year.

owner complaints
12
worst model year
1993
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    1
  • 1997
    1
  • 1996
    1
  • 1995
    1
  • 1994
    2
  • 1993
    3
  • 1991
    1

What owners say

Filed Jan 14, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle drastically reduced speed and hesitated on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was not able to replicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who indicated that the vehicle was not included in two manufacturer recalls that expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Apr 1, 2013 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the transmission would not shift correctly and exhibited a severe hesitation. The vehicle was driven to a nearby transmission center where the contact was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

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 Nov 4, 2003 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

Consumer stated that she took vehicle to dealer for brake problems. While the mechanic was checking the brakes, he told her that transmission was malfunctioning. Consumer stated that when stepping on the gas pedal vehicle hesitated and shook. Then, made a funny noise. Vehicle had been doing this for a long time. Consumer was told by the mechanic that there was a recall on transmission.

Filed Dec 13, 2000 · Fuel system · MS

The car hesitates when gas is mashed which could, cause an accident

Filed Dec 13, 2000 · Engine · MS

Problem with engine hesitation/ loss of coolant and overheating when driving. Vehicle taken to an independent repair shop, and informed consumer that 3.8l engine experienced a head gasket failure. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under an extended warranty. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Filed May 11, 2000 · Body, Brakes · IL

Passenger seat hits console when moved forward, when applying brakes-the steering and car shakes badly, both side electric windows binds when going up or down,shifter handle broke off causing to hold piece in when shifting to drive-park-etc., both engine head gaskets blew at the same time along with a coolant tube, rocker arm lock nut was bad causing loud noises in engine, speedometer needle sticks on 0. I bought it at suburban ford in elgin, but moved to elk grove and took my car to larry roesch ford for the repairs. My car still needs to be brought in for brakes, engine runs rough and hesitates at a low speed, the seat is still broken, shifter also still broken, windows still bind, the brakes and engine is what worries me the most. After all the times I brought it in, they still haven't fixed anything. In fact, the last time I brought it in, some bolts were missing from the engine. Any further questions, please contact me. Thank you.

Filed Apr 14, 2000 · Acceleration, Engine · WI

Took car in to have a recall on a head lamp switch fixed. Told them car seems to have a hesitation when taking off after a complete stop. They told me it had to have the iac censor replaced. Had that done at a cost of 363.00. They also put in a new thermostat, sid engine wasn't getting hot enough? 2 days later car still hesitated and over heated. Was told head gasket needed to be replaced. Had that fixed 900.00. They also told me I should have the timing cover replaced because it has a possible crack? Took to an independent auto shop had them take a look, they said it looked fine?

Filed Apr 3, 2000 · Steering · FL

While driving down the road steering was stiff and then loosened up noticeably. Problem when making a right or left hand turn. Car would hesitate after turning. Would hear a grinding or popping noise while making turns. Contacted dealer and manufacturer, not able to help.

Filed Aug 31, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Transmission hesitation started at 1,671 miles, final repair at 26,069 of the faulty torque converter. Mjs

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 18, 1991 · 6,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The park rod assembly contains a park cam with inadequate surface hardness, which could lead to park disengagement or no park engagement when the lever is placed in park.
Risk
If park is not engaged and the parking brake is off, avehicle roll-away could result.
Remedy
Replace park rod assembly on automatic transmissions.

Recall number 91V048000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Thunderbird hesitation

Which Ford Thunderbird years have hesitation when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1993 (3 complaints), 1994 (2 complaints) and 1991 (1 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Ford Thunderbird?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history