1977 Ford Thunderbird problems

General information about Ford-Thunderbird
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company from model years 1955 to 2005 (with a 1997–2002 hiatus), across 11 generations. Introduced as a two-seat convertible, the Thunderbird was offered variously as a four-seat hardtop coupe, four-seat convertible, five-seat convertible and hardtop, four-door pillared hardtop sedan, six-passenger hardtop coupe, and five-passenger pillared coupe, with the final generation designed again as a two-seat convertible.

Ford targeted the two-seat Thunderbird as an upscale model, but the 1958 model year design introduced a rear seat and arguably marked the expansion of a market segment eventually known as personal luxury cars, positioned to emphasize comfort and convenience over handling and high-speed performance.

Overview

The Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car. Ford positioned the Thunderbird as an upscale model and it is credited in developing a new market segment, the personal luxury car. For 1958, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a second row of seats. Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. Sales were good until the 1990s when large two-door coupes became unpopular. Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005.

From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.

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Common 1977 Ford Thunderbird problems

Based on the sources provided, here are the common problems with the 1977 Ford Thunderbird based on complaints from owners:

Starting Problems: Some owners have experienced difficulties starting the 1977 Thunderbird, where the engine cranks over several times before starting.

Engine Issues: The seventh generation Ford Thunderbird from 1977 to 1979 was available with two engine options: a 5.8-liter V8 and a 6.6-liter V8. Specific engine-related problems for the 1977 Thunderbird are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources but could include issues like overheating, coolant leaks, or oil leaks common in older vehicles.
Electrical Issues: While not directly specified for the 1977 model, Thunderbirds in general have faced electrical problems like faulty wiring and component failures, which could potentially affect the 1977 Thunderbird as well.
Body and Suspension Issues: Again, not explicitly detailed for the 1977 Thunderbird, but common issues in Thunderbirds over the years have included rusted body panels, worn suspension components, and broken springs.

These common problems with the 1977 Ford Thunderbird, as reported by owners and general trends across Thunderbird models, highlight areas where owners may encounter challenges and need to be vigilant in maintenance and repairs to keep their classic cars running smoothly.

What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?

The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.

How much did a 1977 Thunderbird cost?

Model overview

The car was nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than the 1976 model, and rode on a wheelbase that was 6 inches shorter. In addition to size, the 1977 Thunderbird's price was reduced as well, now with a $5,000 base price.

What is the most valuable year Thunderbird?

A: The highest recorded sale was $495,000 for a 1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE on Jan 27 2023.

How much horsepower does a 1977 Ford Thunderbird have?

FORD Thunderbird 4.9L V8 3AT (135 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 4.9L V8 3AT (135 HP)
Displacement:	4942 cm3
Power:	99 KW @ 3400 RPM 135 HP @ 3400 RPM 133 BHP @ 3400 RPM
Torque:	245 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM 332 Nm @ 1600 RPM
Fuel System:	Carburetor

How much did a 1977 Thunderbird cost?

Model overview

How much horsepower does a 1977 Ford Thunderbird have?

FORD Thunderbird 4.9L V8 3AT (135 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 4.9L V8 3AT (135 HP)
Displacement:	4942 cm3
Power:	99 KW @ 3400 RPM 135 HP @ 3400 RPM 133 BHP @ 3400 RPM
Torque:	245 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM 332 Nm @ 1600 RPM
Fuel System:	Carburetor

What year Thunderbird is most collectible?

1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster: This restricted creation model is one of the most sought-after Thunderbirds by collectors. It included the powerful "M-Code" V8 motor, creating 430 pull, making it a genuine muscle vehicle of its period.

How long did the Ford Thunderbird last?

Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005. From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.

1977 Ford Thunderbird car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Thunderbird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1977 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1977 Ford Thunderbird complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1977 Ford Thunderbird.

2000-09-05

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: TIRES
Summary: VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH FIRESTONE 500 TIRES, AT LESS THAN 4000 MILES A RECALL WAS MADE AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH NEW FIRESTONE 721'S. CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM PARENTS WITH LESS THAN 15000 MILES, THE CAR IS STORED AND ONLY DRIVEN ONCE EVERY 3 MONTHS. ON A RETURN TRIP THE TREAD CAME OFF THE LEFT REAR TIRE, CONSUMER LOST TEMPORARY CONTROL UNTIL PULLING ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL AND SCRATCHED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. NLM

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1977 Ford Thunderbird recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1977 Ford Thunderbird.

2008-03-06

Manufacturer: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.

1984-06-26

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: BLADES MAY CRACK AND MAY, OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, LOOSEN FROM FAN ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: FAN ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.

1980-11-07

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: SOME OF THE FLEXIBLE FIVE-BLADE ENGINE COOLING FANS MAY BE SUBJECT TO HIGH BLADE STRESSES THAT CAN RESULT FROM RESONANT VIBRATION INPUTS OCCURRING DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THIS CAN LEAD TO FATIGUE CRACKING OF THE BLADES. PORTIONS OF THE BLADE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FAN ASSEMBLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE FAN WITH AN IMPROVED FIVE-BLADED VERSION WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1977-09-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL INLET TUBE TO THE CARBURETOR FILTER. THIS LEAKAGE CONDITION IS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT INSERTION OF THE FUEL TUBE INTO THE HOSE OR IMPROPER POSITIONING OF THE HOSE CLAMP, CAUSING THE CLAMP TO BE CRIMPED DIRECTLY OVER THE FUEL TUBE BEAD.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FUEL HOSE CLAMP WITH A SPRING-TYPE CLAMP AT THE HOSE-TO-FUEL INLET TUBE CONNECTION, AND ADJUST THE CONNECTION WHERE NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.

1977-09-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE FITTED WITH TILT STEERING COLUMNS CONTAINING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INSERTS INTENDED FOR TRUCKS RATHER THAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POINTER TO BE MISALIGNED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF STARTING THE ENGINE WHEN THE SELECTOR IS BETWEEN THE NEUTRAL (N) AND DRIVE (D) DETENTS AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL INSERT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1977 Ford Thunderbird problems:

Q&A: 2004 Ford Thunderbird Convertible - Common Problems, 0-60 ...

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/16vlo-2004-ford-thunderbird-convertible.html

May 4, 2008 ... I have a 2004 Ford Thunderbird convertible. I have already had to have the coils changed once. The car has 43000 miles - Answered by a ...

1977 gas filling problem | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955 ...

https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com/threads/1977-gas-filling-problem.15621/

Aug 16, 2023 ... ... problem filling at gas stations. Pump shuts off repeatedly and tried different stations. Is this a common problem or is there a fix?

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https://www.justanswer.com/ford/0rfxl-hi-there-1980-ford-351-windsor-boat.html

Jun 30, 2007 ... I have a 1980 ford 351 windsor in my boat and I'm having trouble diagnosing what's wrong. When I try to hit the throttle - Answered by a ...