2003 Ford Thunderbird problems
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 2003 Ford Thunderbird problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, several common problems have been reported:
- Coil on Plug (COP) Problems: Another common complaint involves the COP or 'Coil on Plug' design in the 2003 Thunderbird. This system, which replaces the traditional distributor with individual coils attached to each spark plug, can fail due to oil or water seepage into the spark plug enclosure. Failed COPs can lead to issues like stalling, rough idling, poor acceleration, and loss of power. Replacing defective COPs can be costly, with OEM Ford coils being expensive, prompting some owners to opt for aftermarket versions.
These problems with the 2003 Ford Thunderbird highlight significant issues related to electronic modules and the COP system, impacting the car's performance and reliability. Owners facing these issues may need to seek professional assistance to address these common complaints effectively.
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.
Why did the 2002 Thunderbird fail?
The driving experience didn't help much, either, as the Thunderbird was powered by a 3.9-liter V8 that made just 252 horses. That let Ford tout that the T-Bird did, in fact, have a V8 — but even by 2002 standards, that power figure was squarely in V6 territory.
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.
Why did the 2002 Thunderbird fail?
The driving experience didn't help much, either, as the Thunderbird was powered by a 3.9-liter V8 that made just 252 horses. That let Ford tout that the T-Bird did, in fact, have a V8 — but even by 2002 standards, that power figure was squarely in V6 territory.
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 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 difference between 2002 and 2005 Thunderbirds?
Except for various different exterior and interior color combinations, all 2002-2005 Thunderbirds share the same body style. But that's where the similarities end. All 2002-2005 T-Birds are powered by Ford's 3.9 liter V8 engine, however, for 2002 that engine produced only 252 horsepower.
2003 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
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Ford Thunderbird
The NHTSA has received 72 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford Thunderbird. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Ford Thunderbird vehicles.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-29
- VIN: 1FAHP60A23Y
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: BASICALLY, ALL SUSPENSION RUSTED OUT, INCLUDING BOTH FRONT SUSPENSIONS, SPINDLE RODS, SWAY BAR, OUTER TIE RODS, BOTH REAR TIE ROD LINKS, REAR LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS , FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS, REAR SHOCKS. ALL THE WORK WAS PERFORMED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A UNIQUE PROBLEM TO THIS VEHICLE. DRIVING THE VEHICLE MADE SQUEEKY NOISES ALL THE TIME!
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-01
- VIN: 1FAHP60A53Y
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN I OPEN THE VEHICLE DOOR AT NIGHT OTHER VEHICLE DRIVERS CAN NOT SEE MY OPENED VEHICLE DOOR WHEN I ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE EVEN WITH A REFLECTOR OR LIGHT ON THE VEHICLE DOOR BECAUSE IT IS BLOCKED WHEN ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE BY MY BODY. I APPLIED HIGHLY REFLECTIVE TAPE TO THE LOWER FLANGE OF THE VEHICLE DOOR AND ALSO WAS GRANTED A UNITED STATES PATENT NO. 9,308,859 UNDER THE TITLE MOTOR VEHICLE DOOR HAVING REFLECTIVE LUMINANT COMPONENT ON LOWER INTERIOR EDGE. THE ADVANCEMENT ALLOWS OVER TWO THIRDS OF ANY VEHICLE DOOR TO BE SEEN AT NIGHT BY OTHER VEHICLE DRIVERS AND WILL REDUCE IN MY ESTIMATION ONE LIFE LOST PER NIGHT PER TEN MILLION VEHICLES OR GLOBALLY 35,000 LIVES A YEAR. I WOULD LIKE MY ADVANCEMENT TO BECOME A NEW FMVSS WITH CAUSE AND ENCOURAGE ACCOUNTABILITY AT NHTSA TO RESPOND TO MY GENUINE CONCERNS. PLEASE ADVISE OF WHAT ASSISTANCE YOUR AGENCY CAN PROVIDE ME WITH THE VALIDATED NEW KNOWLEDGE IN VISUAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE THAT I PROVIDE THAT IS NOW BEING APPLIED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAHP60A13Y
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-01
- VIN: 1FAHP60A53Y
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE PRODUCED DUE TO THE FAILURE OCCURRING INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-01
- VIN: 1FAHP60A03Y
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I'VE OWNED MY 2003 THUNDERBIRD SINCE IT WAS NEW. IT NOW HAS 65000 MILES AND IS DRIVEN ONLY 2000 MILES A YEAR, OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS. DURING THIS PERIOD, I HAVE HAD ALL 8 COILS REPLACED, ONE AT A TIME. THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN THE FIRST 1000 MILES. GENERALLY IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, BEING ON THE FREEWAY OR ON LOCAL STREETS. THE ENGINE STARTS TO MISFIRE AND NOT FUNCTION. AFTER THE 3RD OR SO INCIDENT, I WAS INFORMED THAT FORD RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND WOULD HONOR THE REPAIR. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS, KNOWING OF THE PROBLEM, THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE ALL AT THE SAME TIME. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE WHEN THE COIL MALFUNCTIONED, THIS NOW HAS OCCURRED 8 TIMES. NOW MY MOTOR HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WHEN THE COIL MALFUNCTIONS THE CORRESPONDING CYLINDER ALSO IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. AGAIN, THE CAR ONLY HAS 65000 MILES AND HAS NEVER BEEN MISTREATED. THE COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IS ALMOST $10,000. THIS MOTOR IS A JAGUAR PRODUCTION 3.9 MODEL. DONE WHEN FORD HAD A BRIEF RELATION WITH JAGUAR. TO SAY THE LEAST, I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH FORD AND THEIR LACK OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. BY THE WAY, WHEN THEY REPLACE THE MOTOR, THE OLD COILS WILL BE REINSTALLED ON THE REBUILT ENGINE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-15
- VIN: 1FAHP60A73Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-11
- VIN: 1FAHP60AX3Y
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: CAR SPUTTERED AND MISFIRED CAUSING PARTIAL POWER LOSS AND SPEED LOSS. PROBLEM IS IGNITION COILS. HAVE NOW HAD TO REPLACE A TOTAL OF THREE DURING TWO SIMILAR EVENTS. TWO DEALERS FAILED TO INFORM ME OF EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-02
- VIN: 1FAHP60A33Y
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: ONE OF THE 4 BOLTS THAT HOLD THE REAR SUSPENSION TO THE VEHICLE FELL OUT OF THE CAR. THE BOLT FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND POSSIBLY OVER TORQUING AT THE FACTORY. SEVERE CORROSION INSIDE THE POCKET THAT HOUSES THIS BOLT. FORD DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT COVERED AND IS AT LEAST 10 HOURS LABOR AND IS CONCERNED THE REMAINING 3 BOLTS MAY BE CORRODED AS WELL. THEY ARE ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE FRAME RAIL ON THE BODY MAY BE AFFECTED. THIS HAS BEEN A SOUTH FLORIDA CAR ITS ENTIRE LIFE AND HAS BEEN GARAGED ITS WHOLE LIFE. IT HAS NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT OR SNOW AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN IN RAIN ON LIMITED OCCASIONS. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE REAR SUSPENSION COULD FALL OUT OF THE CAR. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-27
- VIN: 1FAHP60A03Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCES UNINTENDED ENGINE ACCELERATION WHEN STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT OR PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. MOTOR HIT OVER 3500 RPM WHILE PARKING BEFORE I COULD SHUT DOWN THE IGNITION. *TR
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-10
- VIN: 1FAHP60AX3Y
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AT FULL THROTTLE AND THE ENGINE SHUT ITSELF OFF. I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND CONTINUED TO MY DESTINATION. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, AND IT IS ONLY GETTING WORSE AND MORE FREQUENT. SOMETIMES THE LIMP HOME LIGHT (WRENCH) COMES ON. I MUST TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND BACK ON TO MAKE THE CAR WORK. I HAVE HAD ALL 8 COILS REPLACED AND THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT STILL OCCURS TODAY. I CHECKED THE CODES AND IT DID SAY IT WAS A FORCED SHUT DOWN. I UNFORTUNATELY DO NOT REMEMBER THE CODE NUMBER. *JS
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-28
- VIN: 1FAHP60A53Y
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A U-TURN IN A CULD-E-SAC AT 5 MPH, THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. I CAN ONLY REACH A SPEED OF 40 MPH NOW. I AM AFRAID TO TURN THE CAR OFF UNTIL I GET HOME. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-12
- VIN: 1FAHP60A93Y
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 6/12/12 WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED SPUTTERING AND MISSING AND THEN WENT INTO A "LIMP MODE" AND WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE NO MORE THAN 15 MPH. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE SHOP THEY DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION COIL ON CYLINDER #8 WAS BAD AND REPLACED IT FOR $270. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED 9/7/13 AND LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD ISSUED A 10 YEAR/100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR ALL 2003, 2004, AND 2005 THUNDERBIRDS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS. FORD HAS RECOGNIZED THAT THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE AND IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, BUT SINCE IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED, AND I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, THEY ARE CHARGING ME $1,200 DOLLARS TO REPLACE 7 IGNITION COILS. LOOKING AT THE FORD THUNDERBIRD FORUMS ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED SO OWNERS CAN HAVE THEM REPLACED, SINCE FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A DEFECT. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-01
- VIN: 1FAHP60A03Y
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AFTER EACH FAILURE TO HAVE THE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,850.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-11
- VIN: 1FAHP60A53Y
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DRIVING ON A 1,850 MILE TRIP. CAR ENGINE REPEATEDLY SHUT OFF ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM COMPLETE STOP. MOTOR LIGHT AND WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED. PUT CAN IN NEUTRAL AND RE-STARTED. WRENCH LIGHT DE-ILLUMINATED, MOTOR LIGHT STAYED ON. ACCELERATION COULD BARELY BE ATTAINED TO KEEP ENGINE RUNNING UP TO 45 MPH. AFTER THAT SPEED, CAN RAN SOMEWHAT NORMALLY,. ENTERING AN EXPRESSWAY AT VERY LOW SPEED WITH MINIMUM ACCELERATION BECAME THE ONLY WAY TO CONTINUE THE TRIP. VERY DANGEROUS. WENT TO A FORD DEALER ON ROUTE. BECAUSE I WAS FROM OUT OF STATE HE AGREED TO WORK ME IN FOR SERVICE THAT DAY. HOWEVER, AFTER I DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM, SERVICE WRITER REFUSED MY REQUEST TO PUT CAR ON THEIR DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. HE AGREED TO CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER ONLY. DEALER WOULD DO NO OTHER WORK. TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE IT SEVERAL DAYS. I TRIED TWO TANKS OF FUEL WITH A STODDARD SOLVENT INJECTOR CLEANER. AT HOME. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM. THE IGNITION COILS AND THROTTLE BODY ARE INDICATED. I HAVE HAD BOTH IGNITION COILS REPLACED.18,000 MILES AGO. REPLACEMENT FOR BOTH WAS NOT FREE. THIS CONDITION IS ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS AND HAS NO LEAD UP SYMPTOMS TO WARN YOU. I HAVE BARELY AVOIDED BEING REAR-ENDED SEVERAL TIMES AS I TRIED TO MAKE IT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY. LOCAL FORD DEALER IS TRYING TO AVOID SCHEDULING MY THUNDERBIRD FOR REPAIRS. A RECALL OF THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS IS NECESSARY. A CHECK OF THE INTERNET WEB SITES INDICATE THIS IS PREDOMINANT WITH ALL THUNDERBIRDS OF THIS VINTAGE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-28
- VIN: 3FAHP39523R
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE FROM THE PARK POSITION. IN ORDER SHIFT INTO REVERSE HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ALLOW IT TO SLOWLY ROLL BACKWARDS. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE ALSO NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-15
- VIN: 1FAHP60A93Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR DE-POWERS AND WILL NOT GO ABOVE 20-25 MPH. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON. THEY WILL STAY ON FOR AWHILE AND GO OFF AND ON BY THEMSELVES. THIS HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. MY DAUGHTER NEARLY GOT PLOWED OVER TRYING TO GET OFF THE ROAD. SHE CALLED MY SCARED TO DEATH. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. NO WET OR SLICK PAVEMENT, ON A DRY SUNNY DAY. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-09
- VIN: 1FAHP60A93Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 2003 THUNDERBIRD GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" AND THE CAR SUDDENLY WILL NOT GO ABOVE 25MPH.... I AM TOLD IT IS A SAFETY FEATURE... BUT THIS IS NOT SAFE IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE! I AM TOLD THIS TIME IT IS A THROTTLE BODY... WHICH I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER 30 DAYS. FORD DOES NOT HAVE PARTS FOR THEIR CARS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-18
- VIN: 1FAFP33P03W
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED MY 2003 FORD FOCUS IN 2005 AND EVER SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH GETS STUCK BUT IT HAS GOT STUCK OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS . *CN
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-16
- Fire: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN A NICE ASPHALTED ROAD UP A HILL, I FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD MOMENTUM SO I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. I ENDED UP AT A SERVICE STATION WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY LOST AND THE SERVICE STATION SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-17
- VIN: 2FMZA514X3B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FUSES REPEATED BLOW AND ALSO THE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP ALL THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND SOME TIMES THEY JUST FLICKER OFF AND ON FOR NO REASON. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING IN MY VAN AND I HAVE HEARD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-21
- VIN: 1FMSU43PX3E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: COMPAINT IS ABOUT B.F. GOODRICH TIRES (LT 265/75R16) TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PERFECTLY, ROTATED EVERY 7500 MILES. TOTAL TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 61,XXX. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. I HAD SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE COSTING OVER $2800.00, PLUS REPLACEMENT OF ALL TIRES DUE TO LACK O FAITH IN THE BF GOODRICH TIRES. THE BODY WORK/REPAIRS WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-27
- VIN: 1FMZU64K73U
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND FIXED AT A COST OF 1479.67 PAID BY THE OWNER (ANGELA MORGAN). VEHICLE REQUIRED SERVICING AS IT BEGAN STALLING WHILE IN TRAFFIC (ATLANTA). CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS CAUSED OTHER ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AS THIS CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS EXTEND BEYOND THE FORD 2002 MODELS; I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANGELA MORGAN *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-10
- VIN: 1FAFP55U93G
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: FORD TAURUS 2003, WINDSHIELD WAS HIT WITH A STONE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON MAY 10, 2007, A CHIP WAS VISIBLE AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS BECAME A 12 INCH CRACK. HAD REPLACED AT A COST OF $197.34. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-21
- VIN: 1FMNU42P23E
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION DIESEL TURBO 6.0 ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE DATE FOR A/C PROBLEMS & SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES ON 4 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS. THEY HAVE FOUND ONE SHORT IN FEBRUARY & AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERIES AGAIN IN APRIL 2007 THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE LIGHTS TURN OFF & I LOSE POWER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND & CORRECT THE PROBLEM & I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PICK UP MY 4 CHILDREN AND FEEL I AM PUTTING THEM AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-15
- VIN: 1FMPU16L23L
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 L, V-8 TRITON ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BACK FIRING. WE SMELLED GAS AND A BURNING SMELL. WE HAD OUR EXPEDITION TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT SPARK PLUG #7 HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD, STRIPPING THE THREADS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,500. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THIS EXPEDITION INTO FORD AT 72,723 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE LACKED POWER AND SURGED. WE WERE TOLD THAT SPARK PLUG #7 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS PRIOR TO THE FORD'S RECOMMENDATION OF A TUNE UP TO BE DONE AT 100,000. THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUG #7 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE WERE CHARGED TO REPLACE THE OTHER SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT AT 108,411 MILES. WE HAVE CONTACTED MANY MECHANICS TO SEE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE OUR EXPEDITION REPAIRED BY PLACING A RECOMMENDED PERMANENT THREAD REPLACEMENT INSERT PUT INTO THE #7 CYLINDER; WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LOW COMPRESSION IN #7 CYLINDER AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. THE MECHANIC SHOPS THAT WE CONTACTED HAVE INFORMED US THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE ALUMINUM HEADS ON THE FORD EXPEDITION AND SOME OTHER FORD TRUCKS. A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ENGINES. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE COMPLETED AND THAT FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT IN THEIR FORD EXPEDITION ENGINES/HEADS. *JB
Negative 2003 Ford Thunderbird car reviews
Positive 2003 Ford Thunderbird car reviews
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We recently purchased our car online from White Plains NY, even though we live in St. Louis, MO. Despite the long 1000-mile journey back home, we were impressed with how well the car handled during the four hours of storms we encountered. We are excited for our next road trip in the T-Bird!
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This black on black car is absolutely stunning! I added a subtle red pinstripe and even included my name on both doors. As a TBird owner, I know how much we all love our cars, but this one holds a special place in my heart. I've been fortunate enough to drive some of the best cars ever made, including Mercedes, Jaguar, and BMW, but nothing compares to the experience of driving this car. It handles the road with ease, is incredibly comfortable, and the style and look of it is unbeatable!
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Every time I drive this car, someone compliments me. It looks great, rides great, and I haven't had any mechanical problems. If you're interested, I recommend test driving one for yourself. If you want more power, you can add the K&N Typhoon intake kit and Borla exhaust to get over 300HP.
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Your T-bird sounds amazing! It must be so much fun to drive and it looks really sharp. I bet it's perfect for road trips. It's great to hear that you get so many compliments on it when you're out and about. I can imagine you spend most of your time with the top down, but it's always good to have the hardtop on hand for those rainy days. It's clear that you really love your car and I can see why - there's no other car out there that could compare!
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Great car all around! Ford really nailed it for those of us who wanted a boulevard cruiser.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Ford Thunderbird problems:
Ford Thunderbird BUYER'S GUIDE (Review, Values, Common ...
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2003 Ford Thunderbird Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Ford Thunderbird? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Ford Thunderbird.
Thunderstruck? We Drive a 2003 Ford Thunderbird. Is it a Sports ...
Mar 23, 2022 ... Go to channel · Ford Thunderbird BUYER'S GUIDE (Review, Values, Common Problems, Yearly Changes 2002-2005). Retro Cars Forever•28K views · 18:30.
2003 Ford Thunderbird - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
Feb 21, 2010 ... Mechanically the most significant issue is the “coil on plug” ignition set up or, COP's. The coils are sitting on top of the plugs and they are ...
Here's Why the 2002 Ford Thunderbird Was a Retro Failure - YouTube
Sep 5, 2019 ... Go to channel · Ford Thunderbird BUYER'S GUIDE (Review, Values, Common Problems, Yearly Changes 2002-2005). Retro Cars Forever•28K views · 26:29.
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Bret Braun 2024-09-25
What a lovely vehicle! I had my eye on it for a couple of years before finally purchasing a brand new one. One interesting feature of this car is its winter hardtop salon type roof with the opera windows, which can be stored on a rack/gurney. However, when we removed the top to go to convertible status in late May 2004, the paint around the trunk where the top meets the roof easily lifted up, and we had to repaint it. Fortunately, Ford has come up with a 21st-century solution. They now send you a kit with plastic strips that you can place along the outer reaches of the rear deck before putting the top back on. It's not engineered perfectly, but it does the job.