2003 Ford Thunderbird: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (16% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
33
owner complaints
0
fire reports
35,479
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Thunderbird years (#11 of 12 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems reported early (median 35,479 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)16% · 5 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)16% · 5 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)16% · 5 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)13% · 4 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)6% · 2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)6% · 2 complaints
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2016
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2015
“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!”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2014
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2014
“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”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2013
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2012
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2011
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2010
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2003 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird. The most complained-about area is power train (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Thunderbird problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 35,479 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.