2005 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird problems
The 2005 Ford Thunderbird has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the Coil on Plug (COP) system, which is a common design in many newer cars and trucks.
Another common problem reported by owners is engine issues, with 171 complaints mostly about engine problems, ranking the 11th generation Thunderbird (2002-2005) 58th in reliability out of 94 generations.
These common problems can significantly impact the reliability and overall ownership experience of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird. It is essential for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
Are Thunderbirds expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Ford Thunderbird is $433. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
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.
Why did Ford stop the Thunderbird?
It wasn't a terrible car, but a sad interior combined with divisive styling meant that the Thunderbird's best days were behind it. According to Hagerty, sales dropped off in 2003, with under 15,000 Thunderbirds leaving the dealership lot. Its last model year was 2005.
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.
2005 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2005 Ford Thunderbird
The NHTSA has received 27 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Ford Thunderbird. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2005 Ford Thunderbird vehicles.
2024-10-17
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 1FAHP60A25Y
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,118.
2022-05-26
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-26
- VIN: 1FAHP60A95Y
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Dash board cracked few places by Windshield. It's really Between WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD. ANY RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS? [XXX] THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2021-06-23
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-21
- VIN: 1FAHP60A55Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Sudden unintended acceleration on two occasions. Car only has 11,000 miles
2021-05-06
AIR BAGS,WHEELS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-06
- VIN: 1FAHP60A35Y
- Components: AIR BAGS,WHEELS,SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY LAST EVENING, THE LEFT SHOULDER AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I NOTED THAT THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE TIRE. UPON REMOVING THE WHEEL WE NOTED THAT THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL, BUT THE RIM WAS FRACTURED ON THE INTERNAL ASPECT. THE SEAT WAS DAMAGED FROM THE DEPLOYED AIRBAG. IT APPEARS THAT THE RIM IMPLOSION SET OFF THE LEFT SHOULDER AIRBAG. HAD IT BEEN THE CHEST AIRBAG, I WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS. I HAD 4 NEW TIRES PLACED ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO AT COSTCO IN ALBUQUERQUE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 16,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR THEEE YEARS. PRIOR OWNER AN ELDERLY MAN- DRIVE IT 10,000 MILES OVER 13 YEARS. I AM NOT AWARE OF EVER ANY DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL OR HITTING ANYTHING WITH IT. I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED.I HAVE INCLUDED A PICTURE OF THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE RIM.
2019-09-23
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-20
- VIN: 1FAHP60A85Y
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING INAPPROPRIATE VEHICLE DECELERATION WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND CAN CAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO REAR END YOU. I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED DUE TO THIS CONDITION IN 2013 AND MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE COMPUTER PROGRAM THAT CUTS THE ENGINE TO IDLE SPEED SHOULD BE DISABLED UNTIL A PERMANENT FIX TO THIS PROBLEM CAN BE CORRECTED. IN THE CURRENT MODE, THESE VEHICLES ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
2017-05-01
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
- VIN: 1FAHP60AX5Y
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT HESITANTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE, AND TRANSFERRED THE CALL TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000. ..UPDATED 06/27/17 *BF *CN
2016-09-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-15
- VIN: 1FAHP60A05Y
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR MODULE AND FUEL PUMP WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,168. UPDATED 11/17/16*LJ *TR
2016-07-20
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-13
- VIN: 1FAHP60A15Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND TWO COILS UNPLUGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,787. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *CN
2016-05-05
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-28
- VIN: 1FAHP60A85Y
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND A VAPOR FUEL LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 08/22/16*LJ UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ *CN
2016-04-20
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-20
- VIN: 1FAHP60A75Y
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED "RAW" FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKED ALL OVER THE GARAGE AT HOME AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING AROUND THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK COVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
2016-04-14
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-06
- VIN: 1FAHP60A65Y
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
2016-03-29
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-10
- VIN: 1FAHP69A35Y
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD WHINING NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
2016-02-22
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-17
- VIN: 1FAHP60A45Y
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000.
2015-07-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-19
- VIN: 1FAHP60A35Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CPU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
2014-10-30
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-08
- VIN: 1FAHP60A85Y
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: CORROSION OF THE ALUMINUM WHEELS CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE CHROME PLATING ON THE WHEEL INNER BEAD AND RESULTING IN AIR LEAKS FROM AROUND THE WHEEL AT THE BEAD OF THE TIRES. *TR
2014-09-19
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-17
- VIN: 1FAHP60A55Y
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE TRANSMISSION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,162.
2013-10-21
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-01
- VIN: 1FAHP60A15Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING AN ONGOING THROTTLE PROBLEM WITH HIS 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD; INFORMATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA THAT MAY BE THE BASES OF A RECALL OF THE THUNDERBIRD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN EARLY AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, A YELLOW MECHANIC WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AT THE TIME OF START UP. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER. AFTER A COMPLETE CHECK-UP, THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FAILED TO REVEAL ANYTHING WRONG. THE NEXT DAY, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHILE PASSING A SLOW MOVING TRUCK, THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE SAFE MODE AND IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONCE THE CONSUMER MADE IT TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT RUNNING, SO THE MECHANIC COULD DO A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. IT WAS DETERMINED AFTER TESTING, THE THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WERE DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $964.27. UPDATED 03/31/14
2012-05-26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-19
- VIN: 1FAHP60A05Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN I INSERTED THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE BATTERY (LOCATED IN THE TRUNK) EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT INSIDE THE CAR, THE BATTERY WAS BLOWN OPEN AT BOTH ENDS AND THE BATTERY FLUID WAS THROWN AROUND THE TRUNK CAVITY WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS ALSO HOUSED. A SERVICE TECH ADVISED ME THAT A SPARK WAS NECESSARY TO IGNITE THE SULFURIC GAS LEAKING FROM THE BATTERY. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE SPARK. *TR
2010-12-07
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-01
- VIN: 1FAHP60A85Y
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,476.
2010-09-16
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-14
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FACTORY RIMS ON THE VEHICLE ARE BEGINNING TO CRACK ON THE INSIDE AND CAUSING THE BRAKE LINES AND CALIPERS ON THE VEHICLE TO LEAK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A SINGULAR ISSUE AND SINCE THE RIMS WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOT UNDER RECALL, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIMS AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE OR CURRENT MILEAGE.
2010-08-16
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-11
- VIN: 1FAHP60A35Y
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD FOR NO APPARENT REASON JUST LOOSES POWER AND THE WRENCH ICON COME ON. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THIS HAPPENED AND I BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN 2007 AND I TOOK IT IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN AND I ALMOST GOT IN TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. I DID A SEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS HAS HAPPENED ENOUGH THAT FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE COIL ON PLUG. WHEN I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COP IS NOT THE PROBLEM BUT TO BRING IT IN. IN MY SEARCH I FOUND THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM WERE TOLD THAT THE COP WAS NOT THE PROBLEM ONLY TO SPEND OVER $1500 ON AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL AND THAT DID NOT FIX IT. WHEN THEY WENT BACK THE PROBLEM WAS THEN DISCOVERED TO BE THE COP. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. AT THE VERY LEAST THE SERVICE PEOPLE AT FORD SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE THE 2002 THUNDERBIRD. MY FORD DEALER SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN UNDER FULL WARRANTY IN 2007 BEFORE I HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS WAS VERY SCARY AND IT ALARMS ME THAT IT IS NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY ENOUGH. *TR
2010-02-25
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-24
- VIN: 1FAHP60A45Y
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON NOV 24,2009, THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR FAILED AND CAUSED MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO METRO FORD FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE PART WOULD TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS. METRO SAID I COULD DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL THEY REPAIR MY CAR BECAUSE FORD COULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE JULY 2009. AFTER SEVERAL PROMISES TO NO AVAIL, I DECIDED TO WRITE SEVERAL EXECUTIVES. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE YET. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE CAR OFF IN TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 04/16/10
2009-09-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-29
- VIN: 1FAHP60A05Y
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAS RISEN TO HOT THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. THE FIRST WAS 12/29/2008. THEY REPLACED THE MOTOR RADIATOR COOLING FAN. MY MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS 35673.THE 2ND TIME WAS 3/17/2009 AND THEY REPLACED THE TANK ASSY-RADIATOR, SEAL, CAP ASY RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT ASY - SPO. MY MILEAGE THIS TIME WAS 38000.THE 3RD TIME WAS 9/21/2009, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE ASSY. MY MILEAGE THIS TIME WAS 42921. EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED, IT WAS SHORTLY AFTER I HAD MY CAR IN FOR ITS USUAL MAINTENANCE. OF COURSE THE DEALER DENIES THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY TEMP GAUGE RISING TO HOT WITHIN WEEKS AFTER THEY SERVICE THE CAR AND THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN.*TR
2009-02-26
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-25
- VIN: 1FAHP60A85Y
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 1. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION AND THE "WRENCH ICON" CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT ON :"LIMP MODE". 2. HAS OCCURRED TWICE, ONCE, A WEEK AFTER THEY INSTALLED A NEW ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. 3. I AM AFRAID THE THROTTLE COULD JAM ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAY THAT I TRAVEL EVERYDAY TO WORK. 4. I DID A SEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND SO FAR I HAVE COUNTED 20 COMPLAINTS AND I STOPPED SEARCHING. 5. THIS HAPPEN ON A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD THAT I JUST PURCHASED. *TR
2006-09-21
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-06
- VIN: 1FAHP60A55Y
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 WHILE TRAVELING ON AN 8-LANE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG ON MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD DEPLOYED WITH A VERY LOUD NOISE AND CONSIDERABLE FORCE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR ACCIDENT INVOLVED WITH THIS INCIDENT. THE AIR BAG SIMPLY DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE CONTROLLED AND PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO DARLING FORD IN BANGOR MAINE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2005 WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND TO HAVE NO SIGNS OF ANY RECENT IMPACT EITHER ON THE EXTERIOR OR THE UNDERBODY. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW ON FEBRUARY 14TH 2005 AND HAS GONE APPROXIMATELY 16,000 MILES. THIS IS WELL WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER TOLD US THE CAR WOULD LIKELY HAVE TO BE INSPECTED BY FORD PERSONNEL TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND TO AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIRS. THE DEALER LATER CONTACTED US ON SEPTEMBER 18TH WHO TOLD HIM THAT FORD HAD DECIDED NOT TO COVER ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS INCIDENT EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF ANY IMPACT. THIS DECISION WAS MADE WITHOUT ANY FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THIS INCIDENT WAS CLEARLY A FAULT OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, AND SINCE WE CANNOT FIND ANY EXCLUSION OF THE FORD WARRANTY REGARDING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WE ARE SEEKING AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIRS TO THIS VEHICLE. IT IS VERY FORTUNATE NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO THE FAULTY OPERATION OF THIS DEVICE. FURTHER, THE DEALER TELLS US THAT THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG NOW DISABLES ALL OF THE AIR BAGS LEAVING THE DRIVER AND ANY PASSENGERS IN A VERY VULNERABLE SITUATION. *JB
2005 Ford Thunderbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird.
2005-03-18
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
- Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
Positive 2005 Ford Thunderbird car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Ford Thunderbird problems:
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The 2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Edition; the Best ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQD0qKD-Meg
Aug 21, 2023 ... 21:48 · Go to channel · Ford Thunderbird BUYER'S GUIDE (Review, Values, Common Problems, Yearly Changes 2002-2005). Retro Cars Forever•28K views.
Other years of Ford Thunderbird
Are you having problems with your 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
Jose Quigley 2025-01-04
It's great looking and fun to drive! However, it seems like there are some rattles after only two weeks. Have you tried contacting Ford about it?
Dawson Prosacco 2024-10-29
There are so many things about this car that I find exciting! I'm sure it will turn many heads and become a sought-after vehicle as time goes by.
Sedrick Reilly 2024-10-18
I've owned Ferraris, Vettes, XKEs, RX7s, as well as Cadillacs, Lexuses, and Infinitis. But I have to say, this car is truly great. It may not be the sexiest, fastest, or most luxurious, but overall it's excellent. The price is reasonable and, like all Fords I've owned, it's reliable. Whether it's a Mark or a Ford Explorer Sport, it'll spoil you.
Keon Connelly 2024-10-15
I'm so glad to hear that you're having a great time with the TBird! It's always nice to receive compliments on your car, and it sounds like you're getting a lot of them. The convertible top is also a great feature, and it's wonderful to hear that it raises and lowers quickly. With a high-performance V-8 engine that boasts 390 HP, all for a price in the low $30's, it's hard to beat the value you're getting. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
Darrick Ebert 2024-10-14
Fun to drive, they really nailed it! This car is fantastic. It's well-appointed and I absolutely love it. I've owned over 50 automobiles, including a '66 Corvette and a '56 T-bird, both of which were great. But this car is simply a blast to drive and a great value. Even used, they're relatively affordable and will only increase in value over time. How many cars can you say that about?