1978 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 1978 Ford Thunderbird problems

The 1978 Ford Thunderbird is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from mechanical and electrical problems to interior and exterior wear.

One of the most common problems is related to the fuel system. According to recall data, there have been 24 recalls related to the fuel system for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird. This includes issues with fuel leaks, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors. These problems can lead to poor fuel efficiency, difficulty starting the car, or even a fire hazard.

Another common problem is related to the lighting system. There have been 13 recalls related to lighting issues for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird. This includes problems with headlights, taillights, and brake lights. These issues can affect the driver's visibility and make the car less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.

The seats are also a common problem area for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird. There have been 10 recalls related to seats for this model. This includes issues with seat belts, seat adjusters, and seat backs. These problems can affect the safety and comfort of the car's occupants.

Electrical problems are also common for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird. There have been 8 recalls related to electrical issues for this model. This includes problems with the battery, alternator, and wiring. These issues can affect the car's performance and reliability.

Steering and transmission problems are also common for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird. There have been 5 recalls related to each of these systems for this model. Steering problems can affect the car's handling and make it more difficult to control. Transmission problems can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency.

Brakes and engine problems are less common but still occur for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird. There have been 5 recalls related to brakes and 2 recalls related to engines for this model. These problems can affect the safety and performance of the car.

In addition to these common problems, some owners have reported issues with the car's interior and exterior. For example, some owners have reported that the rear seat has worn badly and the Landau roof is cracked and peeling. These issues can affect the car's appearance and comfort.

Overall, the 1978 Ford Thunderbird is known for several common problems that can affect the car's performance, reliability, and safety. Owners should be aware of these issues and take steps to address them as needed.

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.

What engine was in 1978 Thunderbird?

The 1978 Ford Thunderbird was available with a few different engine options. The standard engine was a 302 cubic inch (5.0 liter) V8, which had a power output of around 134 horsepower. However, there was also an optional 351 cubic inch (5.8 liter) V8 available, which had a power output of around 148 horsepower.

How many miles per gallon does a 1978 Ford Thunderbird get?

1978 Ford Thunderbird MPG

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 94 fuel-ups and 14,142 miles of driving, the 1978 Ford Thunderbird gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.29 with a 0.44 MPG margin of error.

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.

What engine was in 1978 Thunderbird?

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.

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 many miles per gallon does a 1978 Ford Thunderbird get?

1978 Ford Thunderbird MPG

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 94 fuel-ups and 14,142 miles of driving, the 1978 Ford Thunderbird gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.29 with a 0.44 MPG margin of error.

1978 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:

Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1978 Ford Thunderbird complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Ford Thunderbird.

2000-11-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-11-22
Number Of Injuries: 2
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHEN I TURNED THE KEY IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED, AND I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE KEY WILL NOT EVEN MOVE AT ALL. *AK

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1978 Ford Thunderbird recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1978 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.

1978-05-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SHOULDER HARNESS RETRACTORS THAT MAY NOT LOCK. SHOULD THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DECELERATION OR IMPACT, THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE RESTRAINED BY THE SHOULDER HARNESS PORTION OF THE THREE-POINT SEAT BELT SYSTEM. FURTHERMORE, THE SHOULDER HARNESS RETRACTORS MAY NOT ALLOW EXTRACTION OF THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING DUE TO A PRE-LOCKED CONDITION. THIS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE TO THE EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES".
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1977-11-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS WITH INADEQUATE LUG NUT COUNTERBORE DEPTHS. THIS CONDITION MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LUG NUT THREAD ENGAGEMENT. THE LUG NUTS MAY LOOSEN AND FALL OFF, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NEESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1977-10-25

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE PARK ACTUATION SUPPORT PLATES ARE DEFECTIVE DUE TO THEIR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CRACKING DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE. AS A RESULT, FRAGMENTS FROM A BROKEN PLATE CAN BECOME LODGED IN THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL MECHANISM. THIS COULD PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL FROM ENGAGING WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION, OR PREVENT THE PAWL FROM BEING DISENGAGED FROM THE PARK GEAR.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PARK ACTUATION CAM SUPPORT PLATES, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1978 Ford Thunderbird problems:

1978 Tbird idling issue? - Vintage Thunderbird Club International

https://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=7429

Apr 24, 2012 ... I'm not sure if it's the choke or what. Any suggestions on how to fix the problem would be appreciated. 1978 Thunderbird 400ci 2 bbl.

1978 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Page 2 of 3 - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/ford/thunderbird/1978/page-2/

Nov 17, 2007 ... Faults: Replaced brake system from master cylinder back. Replaced springs/shocks. Shocks now air adjust. Replaced voltage Coil/Plugs/Wires.

Fixing 97 Ford Thunderbird & Escape Transmission Issues

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/ooptq-97-ford-thunderbird-gears-forward-ford-escape-s.html

Apr 10, 2024 ... Low transmission fluid this is a common cause of transmission problems. Transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts inside the transmission ...