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2005 Ford Thunderbird Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Ford Thunderbird, most often about the engine (26% of complaints, typically around 36,000 miles). It is 4th of 4 Thunderbird model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2005 Ford Thunderbird problems
Engine
7 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 36,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine.
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…
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.
Electrical
5 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 30,000 miles.
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…
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…
Fuel system
5 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles.
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 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…
Air bags
4 complaints · 15%Parts named most often: side/window.
While driving to work at approx. 65 MPH, my drivers side, side airbag deployed. Thankfully I didn't lose control of my vehicle. I pulled to the side of the road and exited my vehicle. I checked my car, although I knew I didn't hit anything or run over anything. There were no signs of impact and nothing in the road…
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…
Speed control
4 complaints · 15%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…
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…
Wheels and tires
3 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: rim.
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.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2005 Ford Thunderbird recalls
Fuel system: storage
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2005 Ford Thunderbird
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (7 complaints, typically around 36,000 miles); electrical (5 complaints, typically around 30,000 miles); fuel system (5 complaints, typically around 33,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Thunderbird have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 18, 2005 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2005 a bad year for the Ford Thunderbird?
- It is 4th of 4 Thunderbird model years by number of complaints, with 27 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.