Ford Thunderbird slipping problems

Filed Nov 29, 2003 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · WA

I noticed immediatly after buying this car that the transmission slipped that was 11/98 it took several calls to the dealer and a coarse of a year for them to finally fix it. Second time I brought in to shop replaced whole transmission that was 12/99. Now in 6/03 the transmission is starting to slip again. Also had recall letter about head gaskets, ford refused to work with me on replacements, had to be replaced out of my own pocket. Private dealer lied about condition of vehicle, it had transmission problems when I bought it. Ford made no attemps to help resolve problems.

Filed Oct 8, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · WI

The 1996 ford thunderbird's head gasket blew and transmission is slipping. It has been using water since we bought it from the dealer.

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 Feb 24, 2002 · Steering, Transmission · TX

Transmission slips out of gear and jerks the car around and the steering has a lot of slack in it about an inch.

Filed Sep 21, 2001 · Transmission · VA

Transmission slips at takeoff, causing car to stop in lane of oncoming traffic.

Filed Jun 7, 2001 · Transmission · SC

While driving 70 MPH engine idle increased shortly after transmission slipped out of gear, causing loss of vehicle control, cause unknown. Dealer has not determined problem. Please give any further details.

Filed Aug 3, 2000 · Transmission · TX

Problems with slipping transmission.

Filed Jun 12, 2000 · Transmission · CA

The transmission slips out of gear by itself. It happens at all speeds sporadically. When it slips the car slows down,which has caused a couple of dangerous situations. More dangerous still is that when it slips the r.p.m.'s jump higher and sometimes the transmission then grabs and the car lurches suddenly forward.this has almost caused us to crash twice;once on the freeway and once on a sharp turn.

Filed Jun 12, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Transmission slips out of gear, rpms run high, and then it goes back into gear, and jumps forward.

Filed Mar 16, 2000 · Transmission · FL

First problem was a shudder in the transmission occurring around 40mph. Vehicle taken to ford dealership for repair. Known to be a common problem with this vehicle. Ford repaired by changing original equipment fluid type with new type fluid. Additionally they modified the original equipment design by adding a transmission cooler. Contacted ford regional representative and ford customer service with zero response. If they know the way to fix the problem is to alter their own design, why do they not pay for the repair. Only temporary fix. Transmission began slipping only 10 months after first repair resulting in the need to rebuild the transmission and replace the torque converter. This should not be on a well maintained vehicle with less than 70,000 miles. Total cost for these two repairs was $1,880.00. Ford should be held accountable to some degree. Too many consumers are left to pay high repair bills for ford's poor designs and engineering.