1997 Ford Thunderbird Problems & Complaints

1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE VIN# NOT LISTED ON DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS/ROTORS RECALL NOTICE. *SMD

I SMELL GAS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 60 AND ABOVE ON FREEWAY MOSTLY. ONCE IN A WHILE I CAN SMELL IT WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS OF 25 -30MPH. I USED TO THINK THAT I HAD SPILLED GAS ON THE OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW A YEAR LATER, I STILL SMELL GAS AND I DO SMOKE IN MY CAR, BUT WHEN I SMELL THE GAS, I WILL PUT THE CIGARETTE OUT. IS THERE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT CAN REPAIR IT. I HAVE PUT $4000.00 INTO RESTORING THE CAR AND I AND PUTTING ANOTHER $800.00 INTO IT NEXT WEEK, NOVEMBER 2013, TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BELTS AROUND THE ENGINE. I HAVE ALREADY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR $1800.00 AT AAMCO, AND PUT A $2200.00 PAINT JOB ON IT, BEFORE I KNEW OF THE GAS SMELL. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. AM I FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE WITH THIS CAR? *TR

IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST I SMELT GAS WHEN I DROVE. AND THE SMELL HAS BECOME STRONGER AND STRONGER. TODAY (10/10/2011) I WENT TO A VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE LEAKING IS ON THE TOP OF FUEL TANK AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED IN THE SHOP. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS VERY DANGEROUS LEAK. PLEASE CLICK THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T872_DS478881. THIS CAR MUST BE RECALLED FOR FUEL LEAKING. *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD CRACKED SPILLING OUT ALL MY COOLANT AND CAUSING MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT SHOULD BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THIS HAPPEND WHILE DRIVING DOWN GRATIOT AVE. IN ROSEVILLE MI AT 40 MILES PER HOUR WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING, THIS FAILURE HAPPEND 7/3/2011 SATURDAY OVER THE FORTH OF JULY WEEKEND, WHERE I COULDN'T GET IT TO A OPEN FORD DEALERSHIP, NOW I CONNOT USE MY VEHICAL FOR WORK MONDAY 7/4/2011. WILL THIS REPAIR BE COVERD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY? *TR

I WAS CURIOUS ABOUT HOW TO GET THE THUNDERBIRD (1994-1997) TRANSMISSION RECALLED? PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ONLY AFFECTS THE 4.6 V8 THUNDERBIRDS AND NOT THE V6. THIS CAN RESULT OF CONTROL LOSS OF THE AUTOMOBILE AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH. FOR WHATEVER THE REASON MAY BE, MY 97 THUNDERBIRD TRANSMISSION IS "SHUTTERING" AS IT SHIFTS BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR AND I HAVE USED THE CORRECT FLUID AND HAD IT SERVICED. THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, HOWEVER IT CONTINUES TO SHUTTER. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND IT SEEMS THAT MANY OF THE 4.6 V8 ARE AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE. WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO FIX THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE? I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THAT YOU AND FORD WORK TOGETHER. *TR

I HAVE A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD THAT HAS A MANIFOLD PROBLEM. I AM BEING TOLD BY FORD THAT IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL FROM 2005 BECAUSE IT WASN'T BUILT IN THE RIGHT PLANT. I HAVE READ A LOT OF INFORMATION THAT ALL OF THE 1997 T-BIRD HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND NEED TO BE FIXED. NOT ONLY IS DOES MY CAR NOT RUN RIGHT, BUT I ALSO AM NOT FACING REPLACING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AS WELL DUE TO THE LEAKAGE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT $1700 IN REPAIR. *TR

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, A YEAR AGO, IT RAN GREAT. ONE DAY AS I AS COMING UP A HILL, MY CAR STARTED SHAKING. IT WAS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD, THAT OF WHICH FORD WAS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2005. WHICH COVERED A "SELECT FEW" OF THUNDERBIRDS. HOWEVER NOW THAT MY MANIFOLD CRACKED, THERE "NOT AT FAULT." WE HAD THE CAR FIXED, ONLY TO LEARN AFTERWARDS THAT FORD HAD SEVERAL ISSUES ABOUT THE FAULTY INTAKE. *TR

ENGINE IDLE RACING. CAN'T STOP UNLESS PLACED IN NEUTRAL, WHERE CAR WOULD RUN OVER 2000 RPM. DEALER REPLACED IDLE AIR CONTROL AND POWER CONTROL MODULE. DEALER STATED THAT IDLE AIR CONTROL BURNS OUT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULES ON MANY V-6 FORD ENGINES. CAR HAD ONLY 34,518 MILES CHECKED OTHER SURGES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE OF RACING ENGINES IN ACCIDENTS OF V-6 MOTORS AND FORD REFUSING ANY RECALLS FOR POSSIBLE FIRE OF IDLE AIR CONTROL AND THE BURNING OUT OF POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. *TR

1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH SHIFTING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SHIFTER LEVER AFTER PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RELEASE SHIFTER HANDLE. HE HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT/RELEASE SWITCH REPLACED AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *KB THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE SHIFTER OUT OF PARK.

PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. *JB

MY WIFE DROVE HER 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO WORK TODAY. SHE PARKED HER CAR IN THE COMPANY GARAGE AND WALKED INTO WORK. THE CAR THEN BEGAN TO BURN AND TOTALED THE CAR. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE, BASED UPON THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MECHANIC, TO WHOM, I HAVE USED TO SERVICE MY VEHICLES FOR OVER 10 YEARS, TOLD ME THAT THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE WAS NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN, AND AND POWER STEERING SWITCHES. UPON RESEARCHING THE ABOVE FACTS, FOUND THE RECALL ABOUT THE VARIOUS FORD TRUCKS AND THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. WE HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THIS CAR, AND NOW WE HAVE LOST THE CAR TO NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. ARE THERE OTHER FORD CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM?

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDLE SHIFTED TO THE HOT INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,500. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07

TL*THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING. HER DAUGHTER NOTICED A CRACK ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH SHE BELIEVED MAY BE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AS OF AUGUST 31, 2007, THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

INCIDENT LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BLOW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE AND TROUBLE FREE WHEN A POP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP ; WHO IN TURN CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE REPLY WAS THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. MY LOCAL SERVICE TECH SAID THE REPAIR KIT ALONE WOULD COST $1,000,00. TO REPAIR IT HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ONLY USED 3 THREADS IN THE HEAD THAT FAILED, BUT ARE NOW REPLACING THEM WITH A 7 THREAD HEAD., THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ARE WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY.. I GUESS THE SCARY PART ABOUT THAT IS I STILL HAVE 4 MORE 3 THREAD SPARK PLUG HOLES TO WORRY ABOUT BLOWING OUT,.I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO BUY IT'S TRUCKS. DAMAGE RESULTING IT WILL COST ME AS LITTLE AS $2,500.00 TO REPAIR THE CURRENT PROBLEM ( AND NO GUARANTY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN). OR UP TO $5,500.00 TO REPLACE THE BUILT TOUGH 5.4 TRITON ENGINE. *TR

MY MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH MY AUTOMOBILE THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. ALL THE BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY. HE SAYS THE EXCESSIVE WEAR IS A RESULT OF THE DUST SEALS DISINTEGRATING ALLOWING DIRT AND WATER TO ENTER THE BALL JOINTS. HE INDICATED THAT THIS IS PROBABLY A RESULT OF THE USE OF INAPPROPRIATE OR DEFECTIVE MATERIALS FOR THE SEALS. I AM GOING TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED. I WILL ASK THE MECHANIC TO KEEP THE OLD PARTS FOR ME. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC SEALS ON ALL FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS THE SEALS ON THE STABILIZER BAR WERE FRACTURED AND DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

INTAKE MANIFOLD SPLIT CAUSING COOLANT LEAKAGE. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FLOOR SHIFTER WAS STICKING IN PARK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. IT TOOK FIVE TO TEN MINUTES TO MOVE THE SHIFTER INTO OTHER GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER SAID THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A JUNK YARD TO LOCATE ANOTHER SHIFTER. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK

1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD MOTOR DIED WHILE DRIVING.*MR ***NOT IN REPOSITORY. *NM

I PURCHASED THIS 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD LX SPORT AS A USED VEHICLE IN OCT. 2002. I NOTICED THAT DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LEAK A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF COOLANT ONTO MY DRIVEWAY BUT I COULD NEVER SEE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. SOMETIMES IT WOULD GO FOR DAYS WITHOUT LEAKING AND THEN ONE DAY THERE WOULD BE OVER A QUART OF COOLANT ON THE DRIVEWAY. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO A SHOP THAT PUT THE CAR ON A LIFT TO LOOK FOR THE LEAK BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ONE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR AND ADD COOLANT EVERY TIME THE "LOW COOLANT" LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH PANEL. IN MAY 2005 I WAS ON THE 91 FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING THE "LOW COOLANT" LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TEMP CAME UP QUICKLY SO I TRIED TO CHANGE LANES TO THE RIGHT TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AND THE BACK OF THE CAR BROKE LOOSE AND I ALMOST TURNED SIDEWAYS. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THE REAR TIRES AND WHEEL WELLS WERE SOAKED IN COOLANT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT I FOUND OUT THAT MY INTERMITTENT LEAK THAT NO ONE COULD FIND WAS MY INTAKE MANIFOLD AT THE BASE OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. I WENT TO RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA FORD AND ASKED ABOUT RECALLS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD EXPIRED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. THE CAR NOW SITS PARKED UNREPAIRED. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY ALMOST TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS TO CORRECT FORDS ENGINEERING BLUNDER. *JB

INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK OUT. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT PENDING. FORD AGREED TO REPLACE ON VEHICLES 7 YEARS OLD OR LESS. MY VEH IS 8 YEARS OLD WITH 26000 MILES. BAD DESIGN FOR INTAKE. *NM

DT: 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD LX V8 4.6 LITERS. 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD LX HAD A COOLANT LEAK. THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD OVERHEATED. COULD SMELL ANTIFREEZE WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE. THE ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING IN THREE PLACES. VEHICLE HAD THE ORIGINAL PARTS. THE CONSUMER WAS THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. DID HAVE SOMEONE LOOK AT VEHICLE , WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS PLASTIC AND VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE, AND THAT THE O RINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS WAS SENT OUT ON FEBRUARY 2, 2002 DISCUSSING THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. *AK

UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 4.6 L THUNDERBIRD CRACKED AND BLEW ALL THE COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAD TO PAY FORD TO REPLACE THE UPPER INTAKE AND THE PLUGS THAT WERE FOULED OUT. THEY REFUSED ANY RESPONSIBILITY EVEN WITH A FORMAL WRITTEN COMPLAINT TO THEIR HOME OFFICE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF THEIR 4.6 L ENGINES IN A VARIETY OF VEHICLES.*JB

HEADLIGHT LENSES ON 1997 THUNDERBIRD CLOUD OVER DUE TO WEATHERING AND LIMIT AMOUNT OF LIGHT EMITTED. NIGHT VISION AND OBJECT ILLUMINATION IS SERIOUSLY COMPROMISED. VIGOROUS POLISHING TEMPORARILY REMOVES HAZE, BUT IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT THE CONDITION RETURNS MORE QUICKLY. I RECENTLY HAD TO SWERVE INTO A LARGE POT HOLE TO AVOID A CITY RECYCLE CAN THAT HAD OVERTURNED AND, BEING DARK GREEN, IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. I DAMAGED MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL. *AK

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED A YEAR AGO WA SINVOLVED IN 2 REAR END COLLISIONS WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IT WAS NOT LOOKED AT, THEY INSTEAD TRIED TO SELL CONSUMER ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT CONSUMER'S OWN EXPENSE AT ANOTHER MECHANIC. DEALERSHIP STATED THEY KNEW THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED. . THE MANUFACTURER TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED,IT WOULD DRAG BETWEEN GEARS. IN THE LAST YEAR, NOTICED SURGING. HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO STOP, AND ANOTHER TIMEHAD TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKEON. THERE WERE NO POLICE REPORTS TAKEN, THERE WASNO DAMAGE OR INJURIES.*AK

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN! MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD IS NOT LISTED WHY? I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE SMOG STUFF EVERY YEAR I PAY A LOT OF MONEY. WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE HOT OUTSIDE OVER 90 THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND SAYS SERVICE ENGINE, OR WHEN I GO UP A LONG HILL AND MY CAR OVERHEATS THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND SAYS SERVICE ENGINE AND IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT AN OXYGEN SENSOR OR OTHER SMOG RELATED ITEMS THAT ALWAYS COST $300 TO $650 I AM GOING B BROKE BEING ON A FIXED INCOME. FORD CAN'T FIX MY FRONT END VIBRATION I HAD ALL ALIGNMENTS DONE WHEEL BALANCING 4 TIMES NOTHING HELPS. MY STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES ALSO. PLEASE HELP! MANFRED GAUER . *JB

DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, THEN WATER SPILLED FROM THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. *AK

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR WHILE DRIVING, AND THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER. VEHICLE FLIPPED INTO A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A HOSPITAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED ANDS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.*AK THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE FRONT WHILE PARKED OFF THE ROAD. UPDATED 02/28/06

VEHICLE WOULD NOT HOLD ANY RADIATOR FLUID,CAUSING THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO RISE. TRIED TO REFILL THE RADIATOR FLUID, BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT RAN OUT. COULD NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC,WHO TOLD ME THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD,SO THE I WOULD BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY CAR BUILT 04/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. *AK

1997 EXPEDITION SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY 45 MINUTES AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE CAME AND PUT OUT WHAT WAS ALMOST A CATASTROPHIC HOUSE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TO REPLACE IT WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE WE BOUGHT A 99 EXPEDITION. WE WERE OUT $8000 IN THE TRADE. THE OLDER EXPEDITION HAD ONE CAR PAYMENT LEFT ON IT BEFORE THE FIRE. NOW I AM HORRIFIED THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER ON IN THE DRIVEWAY.*AK

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, LOSS OF ALL ANTIFREEZE AND VEHICLE BEING TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON. THE LETTER FROM FORD TO REPLACE THIS EXPIRED IN MAY 2004! I HAD COMPLAINED TO MY DEALERSHIP ABOUT LOSS OF ANTIFREEZE, GAS, THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS. OF COURSE, NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE ENTIRE REPAIR. EVEN THOUGH I SEE THAT MANY T-BIRD OWNERS ARE HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MANDATORY RECALL FROM FORD. BECAUSE EXISTING PROBLEMS ARE BEING REPORTED!*AK

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE. ALL OF THE COOLANT LEAKED AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER STATED THE DEFECT WAS OUTSIDE OF THE SEVEN YEARS OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. *JB

CRACKED INTAKE ON MY 97 T BIRD. *JB

ENGINE MANIFOLD CRACKED ALLOWING ANTIFREEZE TO ESCAPE. TOOK CAR FOR REPAIR. LEARNED LATER THAT REPAIR WAS A RECALL. ASKED FORD FOR REIMBURSEMENT. REIMBURSMENT DENIED.*AK

INQUIRY REGARDING LATCH LOCKING IN THE DRIVER AND BACK SEAT OF 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD.*MR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT LATCH WILL NOT REMAIN LOCKED WHEN THE SEAT WAS IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTING WRONG WITH SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION SPECIALIST WHO WELDED THE RECLINER AND INSIDE SEAT TRACK PIVOT TO KEEP THE SEAT BACK IN THE POSITION THE CUSTOMER REQUESTED. *NM

WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE GARAGE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO THE MAXIMUM SPEED. CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. VEHICLE STOPPED AND ROLLED INTO THE GATE. THE GARAGE HAD A 33 FEET LONG SKID MARK ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *LA

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1997 FORD THUNDER BIRD WITH THE 4.6 ENGINE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS CRACKED . I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THIS IS A RECALLED PART ON SOME CARS BUT IT SEEMS MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE ORIGINAL REPAIR PART IS NOT AVAILABLE ANY LONG DO TO THE FLAW. SINCE THIS IS THE CASE IT WOUD SEEM TO ME ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS INTAKE MANIFOLD WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO PAY THE POWER BILL. I HAD MADE A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN TURNED LEFT UP THE ROAD ABOUT 4/10'S OF A MILE WHEN I PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPACE I NOTICED WHITE STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I OPENED THE HOOD A THE ENGINE WAS COVERED IN ANTIFREEZE. I CALLED FOR A TOW HOPING IT WAS A BLOWN HOSE OR AT WORST A HEAD GASKET. SO I DIDN'T DRIVE IT FURTHER TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKS AT IT AND SAYS IT IS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHICH LEADS TO A $1135 BILL FOR PARTS AND LABOR. SOME ONLINE RESEARCH BROUGHT A CONCERN...IS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLASTIC? IF SO, WHY!? *NM

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE MANIFOLD WOULD ONLY BE REPLACED UPON FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN LOSING ANTIFREEZE. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, HE WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE MANIFOLD FINALLY FAILED AND WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE OPEN RECALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT DUE TO A BAD SENSOR. *SC *JB

INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS. CONSUMER HAS TO PUT COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE EVERY 2 TO 3 DAYS. *AK

INTAKE MONIFOLD FAILED TO CONTAIN 220 DEGREE F ENGINE COOLANT. *AK

I HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT INLET MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY FORD RECALL #97M91 BUT FOR SOME REASON FORD HAS EXCLUDED MY VIN NO. FROM THE RECALL. THIS PROBLEM WAS CLEARLY CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PART AND WAS REPLACED WITH AN "UPGRADED" PART.*AK

1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH A 4.6 LITER OHC ENGINE THAT HAS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE ENGINE HAS 81,000 MILES AND THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LEAKED ANTIFREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE REPLACEMENT PART COSTS $541.00 FROM THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, AND THE LABOR TO REPLACE WILL COST AROUND $550. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC EXCEPT FOR THE PART THAT IS CRACKED (THERMOSTAT HOUSING) WHICH IS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUM. FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND HAS HAD A RECALL ON ON CERTAIN MODEL 4.6L ENGINES. UNFORTUNATELY, I WAS INFORMED BY FORD TODAY THAT MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH A 4.6L ENGINE IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE THE ENGINEERS AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE NOT INCLUDED THE SERIAL NUMBER (VIN) FOR MY THUNDERBIRD IN THEIR RECALLS. SURPRISINGLY, THE PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE IN MY CAR AND WILL COST OVER $1000 TO REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR RECALL/WARRANTY PROGRAM. THIS PART IS THE EXACT SAME PART THAT IS INSTALLED IN ALL OF THE OTHER VEHICLES THAT ARE ALLOWED A REPLACEMENT/RECALL. DUE TO MY ROTTEN LUCK, MY CAR'S VIN HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED UNFORTUNATELY. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT PART HAS REPLACED THE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT HOUSING WITH ALUMINUM, IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT SOMEONE AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECOGNIZES A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING A RESOURCE TO EXPOSE THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS. WES HARDIN. *AK

WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES GOT STIFF. WHEN MAKING A TURN, THE TIE RODS SNAPPED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHICH FOUND A CRACK IN THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE MASTER CYLINDER ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH

A LEAKING FUEL LINE ON MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD, (V6 ENGINE), WITH 113000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER WHO SUGGESTED REPLACING COMPLETELY BOTH FUEL LINES, BECAUSE THERE SEEMED TO BE CORROSION, SO THAT WAS DONE AT A COST TO ME OF $548. AS FAR AS I KNOW THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, ALTHOUGH I BOUGHT THE CAR USED A FEW YEARS AGO. LUCKILY I NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE, AND THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED BY AAA TO THE FORD DEALER. SO NO FIRE OCCURRED. THE CAR BEING JUST 6 YEARS OLD, I AM SURPRISED THAT THERE WOULD BE A LEAKING FUEL LINE. APPARENTLY CORROSION RESULTED IN THE FUEL LINE LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE CAR NEAR THE GAS TANK. *AK

THE HOOD OF MY CAR INADVERTENTLY COMES OPENS. IT DOES NOT COME COMPLETELY OPEN BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY LATCH. I AM VERY CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE IT IS SECURELY CLOSED AFTER I OPEN IT. I BELIEVE THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THE HOOD SHOULD COME ALL THE WAY UP WHILE I AM DRIVING. *LA

PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER. *PH THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION SHUDDER OR A PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *NLM

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO MISFIRE AND STALL. INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LEAKED ANTI FREEZE WHICH CAUSED THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAD AN OWNER NOTIFICATION ON THIS ISSUE TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD, BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT COVERED FOR TWO MONTHS DUE TO VIN. *AK

ENGINE DEVELOPED A COOLANT LEAK DUE TO A SPLIT IN THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. RECALL 97M91 WHICH IS ONLY GOOD FOR 7 YEARS FROM THE START OF THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY WAS UP 2 DAYS PRIOR TO INCIDENT. FOMOCO AND DEALER WOULDN'T COVER, TO BAD FOR ME. RECALL DOESN'T COVER REPLACEMENT UNLESS IT IS LEAKING WITHIN THAT 7 YEARS. DESIGN HAS BEEN CHANGED TO AN ALUMINUM CROSSOVER THAT HOPEFULLY WONT SPLIT AND COSTS APPROX $800 TO FIX. *JB

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING FUEL LINE PROBLEMS. THE FUEL LINE THAT COMES OUT OF THE GAS TANK AND RUBS AGAINST THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE LEAKS GAS UNDER THE VEHICLE GOING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ENGINE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REMOVING THE WHOLE FUEL LINE SYSTEM AND REPLACING IT.*AK

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE STREET IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT OF A FOOD STORE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO FIRE. *SCC *JB

FATIGUE CRACK IN INTAKE MANIFOLD OF 4.6 L ENGINE THAT THAT CAUSED LOOSE OF COOLANT AND THE ENGINE TO OVER HEAT. MY 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGHT IT HAS THE SAME ENGINE AND DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD. REPAIR COST IS $600.00. FORD ALREADY HAS A RECALL AND THE FOLLOW WAS COPED FROM SOURCE: FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOCUMENTS FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL EXTEND THE RECALL (01M02) ON 4.6L V8 EQUIPPED VEHICLES WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS. SOME OF THE COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLDS USED ON 4.6L SOHC ENGINES MAY DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS AT THE COOLANT CROSSOVER DUCT. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE WHICH, IF NOT SERVICED, MAY CAUSE ENGINE OVERHEATING. COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT MAY RESULT IN ENGINE DAMAGE OR ENGINE FAILURE. THE UPDATED RECALL NOW INCLUDES: " CERTAIN 1996 THROUGH 2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR " CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA WITH TAXI " CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE AND LIVERY PREP PACKAGE " CERTAIN 1996-2001 CROWN VICTORIA TAXIS, POLICE CARS AND LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE AND LIVERY CARS. " CERTAIN 1996 THROUGH 1997 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES WITH 4.6L SOHC ENGINES BUILT AT THE ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM THE BEGINNING OF PRODUCTION FOR THE 1996 MODEL YEAR THROUGH JANUARY 28, 1997. " CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2001 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES WITH 4.6L SOHC ENGINES BUILT AT THE ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM NOVEMBER 22, 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 15, 2000. " CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2001 CROWN VICTORIA TAXI VEHICLES WITH 4.6L SOHC ENGINES BUILT AT THE ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM NOVEMBER 22, 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 15, 2000. " CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE PREP PACKAGE AND LIVERY VEHICLES WITH 4.6L SOHC ENGINES BUILT AT THE WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM NOVEMBER 22, 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 15, 2000.

PER CONSUMER VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD COOLANT LEAK # .97M91, BUT VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE.*AK

PROBLEMS WITH RUBBER HOSE, RUST AND CORROSION TO THE METALLIC BRAKE LINES.*MR *CB

THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT HAVE THE ALR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT FEATURE IS OPTIONAL FOR THAT YEAR. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THE VEHICLE MUST HAVE ALR TO PROPERLY SECURE A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *AK

INTAKE MANIFOLD IS LEAKING COOLANT ONTO THE ENGINE. THID COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.*AK

THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. *JB

I BOUGHT MY 1997 THUNDERBIRD 4-15-2003 W/70000 MILES, AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS PAGE I CAN ONLY RELATE TO 2 OF THEM, THE VIBERATION IN THE TRANSMISSION ON UPSHIFT,AND THE FRONT END SHAKING ABOVE 50 MPH.BUT I'M SO GLAD. *AK I BOUGHT A 2 YR.EXTENTED WARRENTY,BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE I'M IN FOR SOME PROBLENS. I CAN BE CONTACTED AT TBIRD97@INTERGATE.COM

FUEL FILTER LEAKS GAS DUE TO CORROSION FROM ROAD SALTS. FILTER LASTS ONLY 1-2 YEARS. *TT

THE CONSUMER COULD SMELL ANTI-FREEZE IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED IN TWO SPOTS. *NLM

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. *JB *TS

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT SNAPPED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING CONTROL. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. *AK THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN MOTION. THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD EXPECT THIS AT 70K MILES. FORD HAD NOT RESPONDED TO THE CONSUMER. *SC *JB

VEHICLE IS EQUIP WITH A PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHILE DRIVING THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LEAK COOLANT ONTO THE ENGINE. WHICH COULD OF RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. MR

WHILE IN SHOP FOR UNRELATED REPAIR, MECHANIC NOTICED THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING COOLANT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A PRETTY STRONG GAS SMELL ON THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR

ENGINE REPLACEMENT/ I HAVE BEEN A FIRM BELIEVER IN FORD PRODUCTS AND STILL BELIEVE THAT FORD MAKES A GOOD PRODUCT...I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE POSITION I WAS PLACED IN LAST WEEK...I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED MY FORD TRUCK THE BEST THAT I COULD AND NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH IT FOR THE 6 YRS I HAVE OWNED MY TRUCK...I HAVE EXPERIENCED A FEW STALL OUTS A FEW TIMES BUT NOTHING THAT I TOOK TO SERIOUS, I FIGURED MAYBE A SPARK PLUG PROBLEM...THE FACT THAT MY ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT AT 86000 IS BEYOND ME. LOOKING INTO THE COMPLAIANCE INVETIGATIONS SUMMARY I REALIZED THAT I AM IN COMPANY WITH MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT...I FEEL THAT THIS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURES ENGINE AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT ENGINE. MR

VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER AT 45-50 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 7000.00. THIS WAS THE SECOND ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NLM

INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS RECALLED ON VEHICLE, BUT OWNER WAS NOT INFORMED WHEN VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP. EIGHT DAYS LATER, VEHICLE SHUTDOWN ON HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING DUE TO LOSS OF COOLANT FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKING. *AK *JB

CONSUMER STATES HIS POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED WHILE HE WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. HE HAD HIS AUTO TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP.*JB

FIRST PROBLEM: CAR DOOR INDICATOR LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF EVEN WHEN THE DOORS OR TIGHTLY SHUT. SECOND PROBLEM: LEFT TURNING SIGNAL LIGHT BLINKS VERY FAST AND THE RIGHT SIGNAL LIGHT BLINKS REGULARLY. THIRD PROBLEM: PASSENGER SELT BELT KEEPS GETTING STUCK EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE RED BUTTON TO RELEASE. FOURTH PROBLEM: THE SQUEAKING AND SHAKING VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING A SPEED OF 50 OR MORE MPH AND YOU BEGIN PRESSING THE BRAKES IS WHEN THE SOUNDS AND THE VIBRATIONS BEGINS. FIFTH PROBLEM: THE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD IT CHECK TO THE FORD PLACE THEY STATED IT WAS A DEFECT IN A BOX THE SITS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE ( I WANT TO SAY IT HOLDS THE COMPUTER CHIP) IS GOING BAD. AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME I DID NOT ASK THEM TO DO A RECALL LIST FOR ME. I REALLY NEED ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS VEHICLE.

WHILE DRIVING AT 5-10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK

INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE WITH COOLANT LEAK TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT.. CAR WAS SUBJECT TO A FORD SERVICE BULLETIN RECALL IN 1998 FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT TO PREVENT FUTURE FAILURE. UNFORTUNEATELY, THE REPLACEMENT INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AT THE SAME GLUED SEAM THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR THE RECALL BY FORD.*AK

ACCORDING TO HOLMAN FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN, THE FORD THUNDERBIRD INTAKE MANIFOLD WILL CRACK AT THE SEAM NEXT TO ENGINE TOP, CAUSING A COOLING FLUID LOSS. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

I AM GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AFTER MARKET STEERING EXTENSION DEVICE PUT ON ALOT OF HANDICAPPED VEHICLES, THIS PART IS PUT ON THESE CARS AND TRUCKS TO HELP ASSIST THE DRIVER IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL . THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PART IS THAT IS NOT SAFE . WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF OF THE SPLINED SHAFT THE NEW PIECE IS PUT ON AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SPLINED CENTER TO FIT TIGHT ON THE SHAFT AND THE ONLY OTHER THING TO HOLD IT TIGHT IS 2 SET SCREWS. IF ONE OF THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOSE OR IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE TURNED TO HARD THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT THE WHEELS WOULDN'T , OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND . I HAVE TALKED TO A AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST ALONG WITH THE HEAD MECHANIC SUPERVISOR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH MEN SAID THAT THIS PART IS NOT VERY SAFE AND THEY WOULD NT WANT IT ON THEIR CAR OR TRUCK , I ALSO TALKED TO THE PERSON WHO INSTALLED THIS PART HE NO LONGER USES THIS ALUMINUM PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF STRESS THAT A STEERING WHEEL GOES THROUGH . I HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THESE PARTS REPLACED BY THE COMPANIES SO THAT NO ONE WITH A MODIFIED HANDICAPPED STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION DOES NOT GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE , I WAS LUCKY TO FIND IT EARLY BUT MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE WON'T BE. THANK YOU SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, CONSUMER BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BRAKING EFFECTS CAUSED BY WARPED ROTORS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM AT NO COST, HOWEVER 12 MONTHS LATER ROTORS WERE WARPED AGAIN, CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING WARPED ROTOR PROBLEMS. *JG

NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, CONSUMER BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BRAKING EFFECTS CAUSED BY WARPED ROTORS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM AT NO COST, HOWEVER 12 MONTHS LATER ROTORS WERE WARPED AGAIN, CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING WARPED ROTOR PROBLEMS. *JG

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 TO 70 MPH, ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY LOST POWER AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. INDEPENDENT GARAGE EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED, AND WAS REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER STATES BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER FAILURES THE ENGINE WAS RUINED AND ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *JB

HEAD GASKET BLEW. ENGINE RUINED. VEHICLE LOST POWER. SMOKE POURED FROM ENGINE. THERE WAS NO FIRE. I SAW NO INDICATION OF PROBLRM ON PANEL. NOTIFICATIO ON PANEL LIT UP AS VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO SERVICE ENGINE. *AK

THEY REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND THEN THE RADIATOR MALFUNCTIONED, 18.000 MILES LATER THE HEATER CORE FAILED, WAS REPLACED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS SINCE AUG 4 TIMES. FORD DOES NOT HAVE A CLUE AND THE DEALER IS TRYING TO FIX IT EACH TIME AT LEAKS.THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN A CRONIC PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THE CALIPERS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED 3 TIMES AND FINALLY REPLACED.*AK

DRIVER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING VEHICLE AND HAD COME TO A STOP IN THE PARKING SPOT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB, AND CRASHED INTO A METAL BENCH.*AK

THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY BOOKLET THAT CAME WITH CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT STATED THAT EMISSION SENSORS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR 7 YEARS OR 70,000 MILES UNDER CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS WHICH I HAVE ON MY CAR...WHEN CATALYTIC SENSOR MONITOR FAILED FORD REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WAS FORCED TO PAY $269.TO HAVE REPAIR DONE BY DEALERSHIP...FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH SAFETY AND EMISION STANDARDS..*AK

DUE TO THE LOCATION OF CUP HOLDERS SPILLAGE FROM CUPS GET INTO GEAR SHIFT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT DUE TO DESIGN AND LOCATION OF THE CUP HOLDER ANY SPILL OF LIQUIDS GETS INTO THE GEAR SHIFT AREA CAUSING THE GEAR SHIFT TO GET HARD AND ALSO, HARD TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN PARK. ENGINE LEAKS OIL DUE TO ROCKER ARM COVER FAILURE. *YH

I FIXED THIS ONCE WITH GLUE AND REPLACED. THE ACTUATOR BROKE THE DOOR AGAIN. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM CONSIDERING IF WILL MAKE WINDOW DEFROSTER NON FUNCTIONAL. *AK

ABS BRAKE LIGHT GO ON AND OFF WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING A FLASHING OF THE LIGHTS. *AK

1. PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE - COVERED BY GENERAL RECALL 97M91, ALTHOUGH SIMILAR PLASTIC ENGINEERING IS APPLIED TO BOTH VALVE COVERS BUT IS NOT IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. THE FORD SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT THE HEATER CORE WILL BLOW SOON TOO. 2. THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN A CHRONIC PROBLEM - THIS IS MY 2ND THUNDERBIRD - BOTH CARS HAD THE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS. I HAVE REPLACED ROTORS, BRAKE PADS REPEATEDLY WITHOUT SOLVING THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS SEVERE FRONT END VIBRATION WHICH IS MAKES THE CAR UNENJOYABLE AND DANGEROUS. I HAVE CHANGED TIRE SIZES AND BRANDS 4 TIMES. THE CONSUMER REPORTS RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE ON THIS CAR CAUSES ME TO BE AFRAID OF IT. 3. THE CRUISE CONTROL DEFECT WAS ALSO DANGEROUTS, BUT IT WAS REPAIRED SATISFACTORY.*AK

VEHICLE WAS GOING 20MPH AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL BENT, AND BALL JOINT CAME APART, DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK

AS CONSUMER STARTED TO PULL OUT AND ACCELERATE TO PASS A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO POWER, CONSUMER THEN ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AT 40 MPH WHICH GOT HIM TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE, WHERE A MECHANIC SHOWED CONCUMER THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BREAK ABOUT 4-6 INCHES FROM THE CONNECTOR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHIN THE PROTECTIVE CONDUIT.*JB

ENGINE PINGING AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHTCONSTANTLY REAPPEARS. SOURCE OF PROBLEM IS MAF SENSOR. *AK

I EXPERIENCE DIZZINESS, NASEA, AND HEADACHES AFTER DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE 1-75 FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OPEN ALL THE WINDOWS. AFTER 10 MINUTES MY HEAD CLEARED ENOUGH TO DRIVE TO THE NEXT EXIT AND GET OFF. THIS IS THE FOURTH OR FIFTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I AM AFRAID NOW TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH THE WINDOWS UP. *AK

NO ACCIDENTS, 1-TREAD PEALED FROM TIRE, 1-TREAD STARTED TO SEPARATE. *AK (TIRESIZE: R215/70/15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: R215/70/15 )

CRUISE CONTROL TOOK OVER VEHICLE,AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK

ORIGINAL FIRESTONE FR680 TIRES, SIZE P21570R15 97TMTS, ALL 4 TIRES' STEEL BELTS HAVE SEPARATED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHIMMY, AND WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY BLOWN OUT.*AK CONSUMER REPLACED TIRES. *SLC

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY, CLIMBING UP A HILL AND GOING UP A MOUNTAIN, AND WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GASOLINE STATION, AND MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD IN ENGINE WAS MADE FROM PLASTIC AND CAUSING THE PROBLEM. INTAKE MANIFOLD SPLIT OPEN. *AK *SLC

LOSS OF COOLANT AND WHITE SMOKE;VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, AND INFORMED CONSUMER OF A OF A HEAD GASKET FAILURE. NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

CONSUMER APPLIED RAIN-X TO WINDSHIELD AND SIDE VIEW MIRRORS, A FEW MONTHS LATER CONSUMER STARTED NOTICING A HAZE, SIMILAR TO WATER SPOTS, ALL OVER WINDSHIELD AND MIRRORS, CONSUMER TRIED SEVERAL CLEANERS AND ALSO A PRODUCT BON-AMI WHICH THE MANUFACTURER OF RAIN-X STATED WOULD REMOVE ANY TRACE OF THE PRODUCT, HOWEVER NONE REMOVED THE PRODUCT. *SLC

MAJOR SHUDDER IN DRIVE BETWEEN 30-40MPH BEFORE IT SHIFTS TO OVERDRIVE AT WHILE INCREASING AT A SLOW SPEED. TSB#97106 EXPLAINS. DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER. DROP OFF CAR AGAIN. *AK

TREAD SEPARATION ON DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LOWER QUARTER PANEL, TRIM ON THE PANEL AND AROUND THE WHEEL, FIRESTONE 721 P22575R15, TEN YEARS AGO THE FRONT TIRES REPLACED BECAUSE OF TREAD SEPARATION. *CJ

TWO OUT OF FOUR FIRESTONE TIRES (P215/70R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEED. HAD NOTICED AN UNUSAL SOUND BEGINNING THE PREVIOUS DAY, BUT COULDN'T DETERMINE WHAT IT WAS. THE NOISE DISSAPEARED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILED TIRE WAS CHANGED, WHICH WOULD SEEM TO INDICATE A DEFECT MORE LIKELY THAN A ROAD HAZARD. FAILURE INDICATED BY CATASPROHIC OUTTER SIDEWALL RUPTURE ADJACENT TO TREAD EDGE. TREAD SHOWED SEPARATION IN VICINITY RUNNING ABOUT TEN INCHES ALONG CIRCUMFERENCE. WILL KEEP TIRE ON HAND FOR ANYONE WHO MIGHT WANT TO SEE IT AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2M3IPN237 TIRESIZE: P21570R15)

THE FIRESTONE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER IS BEING DENIED RECALL (00T-005). *MJS

FRONT BALL JOINT POPPED OUT OF SOCKET WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS REPLACED CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT TWICE, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRED.*AK THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED COMPLETLY AND THE REAR LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE. TENSION ARM BUSHING AND LOWER CONTROL ARM ON RIGHT SIDE FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THE LEFT FRONT SWAYBAR FAILED. THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED. *YH

BOTH INCIDENTS COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THIS IS NOW THE SECOND TIME THIS PART HAS BEEN REPLACED. ON THE FIRST OCCASION I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE CAR COLLAPSED. FROM WHAT THE DEALER SAY FORD ENGINEERS LOOKED AT IT AND COULDN'T BELIEVE THE BALL JOUINT POPPED OUT OF THE SOCKET. AGAIN THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT WITHIN 10 MONTHS. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND LET ME KNOW IF I CAN TAKE FURTHER ACTION WITH REGARDS TO THE SAFETY OF THIS CAR. THANKS , TOM. *AK

TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE WHILE DRIVING @ 70 MPH, 2ND TIRE HAS TREAD STARTING TO SEPARATE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2M3 TIRESIZE: P215/70R15)

I READ AN ARTICLE IN THE ROCKY MTN NEWS ON RECALLS ON SOME IGNITIONS ON 29 FORD MODELS I JUST PAID $325.41 TO GET IT REPLACED AND IN THE PROCESS ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT. *AK

I READ AN ARTICLE IN THE ROCKY MTN NEWS ON RECALLS ON SOME IGNITIONS ON 29 FORD MODELS I JUST PAID $325.41 TO GET IT REPLACED AND IN THE PROCESS ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT. *AK

DOOR HINGES FAILING BOTH DOORS. DEALER SAYS DOORS TOO HEAVY FOR HINGES BUT WILL NOT REPLACE/REPAIR.*AK

UNSAFE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION/STEERING SHAKES CONSISTANTLY. *AK

IDLE CONTROLLER CAUSE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE TO 20MPH ON ITS OWN WITHOUT DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR, HAVE TO PRESS BRAKE HARD TO KEEP VEHICLE STILL, HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE VEHICLE

THIS IS THE SECOND FIRESTONE TIRE IN A WEEK THAT HAS HAD THE TREAD COME OFF. WE HAVE OVER ONE HUNDRED OF THESE TIRES ON OUR FLEET AND NEED TO DECIDE IF WE SHOULD REMOVE THEM.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT225/75R1 )

THE TIRE EXPLODED AT 65MPH. WE REPLACED THE REMAINING TIRES.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R15 )

THE TIRE EXPLODED AT 65MPH. WE REPLACED THE REMAINING TIRES.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R15 )

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, SHE TURNIED INTO DRIVEWAY WHEN VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WHY AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF. *AK

TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDE OF WALL @ 60 MPH. TREAD FLEW OF AND PUT 7 INCH HASH IN SIDE OF BUMPER ON THE PASSENGER DIE BUMPER WHEN REAR TIE BLEW( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R15 )

TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDE OF WALL @ 60 MPH. TREAD FLEW OF AND PUT 7 INCH HASH IN SIDE OF BUMPER ON THE PASSENGER DIE BUMPER WHEN REAR TIE BLEW( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R15 )

NO SUMMARY

NO SUMMARY

TIRE SEPARATION CAUSES EXTREME SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE AT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE TIRE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 215/70/R15 )

PE00 020;VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE,AND PULLED TO LEFT/ RIGHT INTERMITTENTLY. TOOKVEHICLE TO THE THE DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT TIRES WERE SEPARATED. SHE HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED AT HER EXPENSE. TIRES WERE FIRESTONE 205/70R15 FR710. *AK

TREAD SEPARATED ON 2 TIRES AND BLEW OUT. FIRST TIRE WAS AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND LESS THEN 20000 MILES, 2ND TIRE WAS AT 50 MPH AND 30000 MILES. I REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES, IN FEAR OF MY SAFETY.( DOT NUMBER: W2M3 TIRE SIZE: P215/70R15 )

WHILE DRIVING HEARD A NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR TIRE. THEN, WHEN GOING HOME FOUND OUT THAT TIRE HAD ALREADY SEPARATED, AND LEFT REAR TIRE WAS STARTING TO SEPARATE. THEY WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES, SIZE P275/70R15. *AK

3.8 LITER V6 FORD ENGINE HEAD GASKET DEFECT 1997. *AK

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED CONSUMER NOTICED VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHICH CAUSED POOR STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD STEERING WAS STIFF AND THEN LOOSENED UP NOTICEABLY. PROBLEM WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURN. CAR WOULD HESITATE AFTER TURNING. WOULD HEAR A GRINDING OR POPPING NOISE WHILE MAKING TURNS. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, NOT ABLE TO HELP. *AK

TOLD BY LEITH FORD'S SERVICE MANAGER THAT PROBLEM WAS INTERNAL TO THE TRANSMISSION AND NOT CAUSED BY MISUSE, NEGLECT, ETC. *AK

THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT OF A SHOPPING PLAZA. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 10 - 15 MPH AND NEVER EVEN HIT A BUMP OR POT HOLE. THE FRONT END MADE A LOAD POPING NOISE AND I THOUGHT THE TIRES WENT FLAT. BUT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED AND THE CAR FRAME RESTED ON THE TIRES. WEST HERR CLAIMS THEY HAD PEOPLE FROM FORD COME IN AND LOOK AT IT. THE BALL JOINT POPPED OUT OF THE SOCKET . IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE THRUWAY I WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS LETTER TODAY, I WOULD BE DEAD. THEY REPLACED BOTH SIDES AT MY REQUEST. *AK

STEERING SHUDDERS, DEALER AND FORD ENGINEER CAN'T FIX AFTER 7 ATTEMPTS. FORD SHOULD BE SLAPPED FOR THIS. THEY HAVE STOPPED TRYING TO FIX IT AND WILL NOT REFUND MY MONEY FOR THIS PIECE OF IGNORANTLY DESIGNED JUNK. *AK

THE SHUDDER IN THE STEERING IS BAD WHEN BRAKING FROM HIGHER SPEEDS AND CAUSES LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRE-LOAD SPRING IN THE RACK AS PER FORD'S TSB DID NOT WORK TO CORRECT THE SHUDDERING.*ET

NO SUMMARY

RADIATOR BEGAN LEAKING COOLANT. CAR RUN HOT. PREVIOUSLY ENGINE MANIFOLD CRACKED. AT THAT TIME(OCTOBER 99), ENGINE RAN HOT AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. THEY REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND THEN THE RADIATOR MALFUNCTIONED. THE ENGINE IS NOW RUNNING HARDER AND THE NOISE LEVEL IS HIGHER. I FEAR THAT WITH THE CAR OVERHEATING SO MANY TIMES PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE ENGINE HEADS. THE CAR IS ALMOST OUT OF WARRANTY AND I FEAR I MAY GET STUCK WITH AN ENGINE REPAIR JOB AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF FRONT DISK PADS AND ROTORS, AND FAILURE TO CHECK BACK BRAKES WHICH COST ME $361.00 TO HAVE REPAIRED. ALSO, CONSTANT LEAKS IN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM THAT THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIX. *AK

RIGHT REAR CALIPER LOCKED UP, TEARING UP THE ROTOR. THE LEFT SIDE WAS ALSO EXCESSIVELY WORN AS A RESULT OF TRYING TO COMPENSATE FOR THE RIGHT SIDE. CAR HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE CALIPER AND ROTOR ON THE RIGHT REAR, AS WELL AS BOTH SET OF BRAKE PADS. THE LEFT ROTOR TURNED BECAUSE IT WAS WARPED, BUT STILL WITH IN TOLERANCE.

HAD TO REPLACE TIRES TWICE DUE TO THE CAR CAUSING A TIRE SEPARATION ON THE FRONT, RIGHT SIDE. I'VE AGAIN, REPLACED THE TIRES 5000 MILES AGO AND THEY ARE SEVERELY FEATHERED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS VISIBLE TO THE EYE. THE CAR IS WITH-IN THE ALIGNMENT SPECS BUT IT STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT - THE FASTER THE SPEED, THE HARDER THE PULL. HAVE HAD 4 OR MORE FRONT END BRAKE JOBS (ROTORS & PADS) IN UNDER 40,000 MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT 40 MPH AND THE TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R15 )

WHILE DRIVING HEAVY SMOKE BEGIN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR REGISTERED HOT AND STARTED TO MAKE CLICKING SOUND. IMMEDIATEDLY CRUISE OUT OF TRAFFIC. TOLD I HAD A CRACKED MANIFOLD AND ALL FLUIDS HAD SPILLED ON THE ENGINE. I AM CONCERNED SEVER DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE TO THE ENGINE WHEN ALL IS BEING REPAIRED IS THE MANIFOLD. IN THE FUTURE I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO PAY FOE A NEW ENGINE WHEN A DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD CAUSED THE PROBLEM.

THIS TBIRD IS A RARE BIRD THAT WAS ORDERED AND DELIVERED WITHOUT A LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL. TBIRDS HAVE 4 WHEEL INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION AND WHEN DRIVEN ON SLOPED STREETS WILL EASILY LIFT ONE DRIVE WHEEL HIGH ENOUGH TO LOSE TRACTION WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED INTO ANOTHER STREET OR DRIVEWAY THAT HAS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT PLANE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE. THE FIRST TIME I WAS MAKING A U TURN ON A SLOPED STREET AND DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH ROOM TO COMPLETE THE TURN. I STOPPED, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, STEPPED ON THE GAS AND PROMPTLY RAN INTO A LARGE BUSH ABOU 3' IN FRONT OF ME. I THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED SO I CALLED AAA. THE TOW DRIVER MOVED THE CAR A FEW FEET AND EVERYTHING WORKED FINE. I CALLED THE SAN DIEGO DEALER THAT DOES MY SERVICE AND THE EXPERIENCED SERVICE WRITER WAS SURPRISED - NEITHER OF US HAD EVER SEEN A TBIRD WITHOUT LIMITED SLIP SO WE ASSUMED LIMITED SLIP DIDN'T WORK IN REVERSE. THE NEXT TIME I WAS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY TO BACK UP AND TURN AROUND ON A HILLLY STREET AND I LOST TRACTION AND STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. BOTH TIMES I HEARD A WHINING NOISE THAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE DRIVE WHEEL THAT WAS BARELY TOUCHING THE STREET SURFACE. SO I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT DID NOT HAVE A LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL. THEY COULDN'T GET OFF THEIR PREMISES FAST ENOUGH EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD NOT SOLD ME THE CAR. FRIENDLY FORD HAS SIMPLY STONEWALLED ME. FORD MOTORS REPEATEDLY HAS STATED IT IS NOT A DEFECT AND THE DEALER ORDERED THE CAR WITHOUT THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL AND I SHOULD LOOK TO HIM FOR SATISFACTION. THE FACTORY PERSON DID INDICATE THAT A TBIRD WITHOUT THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL WAS VERY RARE. APPARENTLY THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN WIDELY KNOWN AT FORD SINCE THIS PLATFORM WAS USED FOR SO MANY YEARS. BOTH TIMES THE CAR MOVED SEVERAL FEET AFTER LOSING TRACTION AND DID NOT REGAIN TRACTION UNTIL THE SURFACE PLANES CHANGED.

MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER CRACKED AND LEAKS FLUID.

FRONT END VIBRATES WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED. DEALER CUT ROTORS THEN REPLACED ROTORS. PROBLEM RETURNED AGAIN.R

TAILGATE DOOR LATCH GOT STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE DOOR TO SHUT.ALSO, ONCE IT WAS SHUT, DOOR LATCH BECAME STUCK AGAIN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL ANYTHING THAT WAS POWER ASSISTED BY THE ENGINE WOULD DIE OUT, INCLUDING THE ENGINE. DEALER SAID THE AIR SENSOR VALVE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *AK *ML

BRAKES GET VERY SOFT...SEVERE FRONT END SHAKE UPON BRAKING...SERVICED 5 TIMES IN 45K MILES...REPLACES PADS 2 TIMES...ROTORS WARPED...TURNED 3 TIMES...REPLACED ONE TIME...DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEED

BRAKE ROTORS WARPING, NEW REPLACEMENTS WARPING ALSO. STEERING BOX WAS REPAIRED BUT FRONT END STILL SHUDDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS BY DEALER TO CORRECT.

NO SUMMER LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

CAR WAS INVOLVED IN COLLISION AND WHEN BRAKES WHERE APPLIED ALL WHEELS LOCKED UP AND WAS UNABLE TO STEER DOING ABOUT 40 MPH BUT CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS SYSTEM - THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON TWICE IN 2 YEARS BOTH BY FORD DEALERS. SHOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED WITH ABS. ALSO NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE FRONT END THAT HAS SUFFERED DAMAGE (DON'T KNOW COST YET) FRONT BUMPER, HOOD, HEAD LIGHT, DRIVER SIDE FRONT QUARTER PANEL AND DRIVER DOOR ARE ALL DAMAGED. NOT ONLY DID THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOY, BUT AFTER ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH FLASHED ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY, AND ALONG WITH THIS THE SHOULDER HARNESSES ON SEATS DID TIGHTEN, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO HOLD PEOPLE BACK TO WHERE ONE PASSENGER IN THE BACK HIT THEIR FACE ON THE BACK OF THE FRONT SEAT. LUCKILY THERE WERE NOT INJURIES. *AK

NO SUMMARY

PRIOR TO FAILURE, CAR PULL TO THE LEFT DURING BRAKING, AND STEERING DID NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER LEFT OR RIGHT TURN.

FIRESTONE FR 350 P21570R15 TIRES FAILED.

TURN SIGNAL AND TAIL LIGHT BULB FAILED.

4-WHEEL DRIVE HUBS/ AXLE FAILURE. *YC

FRONT BRAKES EXPERIENCING A "GROANING" NOISE. *YC

DESIGN OF FRONT END SUSPENSION IS VERY LOW WHICH CAUSES THE FRONT END TO SCAPE THE CURB WHEN PARKING. *YC

TIRE BLOWOUT-(FIRESTONE P215/70R1597 TMTS FR680). *YC

BRAKE ROTOR AND CALIPER FAILED. MJS

PROBLEM WITH BRAKE LININGS AND ROTORS. MGM

VEHICLE PERFORMING SLUGGISHLY. NLM

GOODYEAR TIRES NOISY AND DO NOT PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE RIDE. NLM

FUSE THAT OPERATES THE ODOMETER WAS MISSING AT TIME OF DELIVERY, IT WAS REPLACED. *YC

DRIVER SIDE AIR VENTILATION IS NOT WORKING. YH

BACK WINDOW WATER LEAK. YH

HEAD LIGHT SWITCH SHORT, BLEW FUSE, CAUSING NO LIGHTS. YH

WINDOW ELECTRICAL MOTOR FAILED. YH

FRONT BRAKE PAD FAILED. YH

REAR END CARRIER BEARING IS NOISY. YH

RIVETS FAILED CAUSED OIL PAN COVER DROPPED. YH

HEAT INDICATOR ON DASH BOARD FAILED. YH

THE ANTI THEFT FAILED. YH

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE VIBRATES. ALSO, UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES AND COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES REAL BADLY AND JERKS/LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK

WIFE HAD A COLLISION W/NISSEN PICKUP, DOING 40 MPH, ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRONT END DAMAGE BUT THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE NISSEN PICK DESTROYED. I'M ATTACKING FORD FOR THIS. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW CANN'T MOVE HIS NECK DUE TO HE HIT THE WINDSHEILD, HIS SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD HIM AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE.

WINDSHIELD WASHER SPRAYS TO THE REAR WINDOW, FORD DEALERS CAN'T FIX. *ML

WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO FORCE VEHICLE IN PARK AND AVOID A CRASH. DEALER UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. *AK *ML

REAR TIRE LOSES CONTACT WITH ROAD SURFACE WHEN PARKING CAR IN CERTAIN AREAS, ALSO WILL ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY IF WHEEL IS OFF ROAD AND MAKES CONTACT W/CURB.

UNSPECIFIED.

CROSS BARS ON LUGGAGED RACK CAME LOOSE AND THE FRONT FASTENERS FELL OUT, CAUSING OBJECTS TO FALL ONTO ROADWAY.

BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED, DAMAGING DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM.

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

DRIVER HAS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IN RAIN, THE REAR END FISHTAILS UNLESS WEIGHT IS PLACED INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE.

VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

PULLED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF A GAS STATION, PUT IT IN PARK AND LEFT IT RUNNING, DRIVER WENT INSIDE, AND WITHIN A MINUTE VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARDS. TURNED APPROXIMATELY 180 DEGREES AND STRUCK A TRUCK. AFTER IT STOPPED, IT WAS IN REVERSE.

EACH TIME CAR IS PUT INTO PARK IT DRIFTS SIX TO EIGHT INCHES FORWARD

FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLDS MAY RESULT IN AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK ON 4.6L SOHC ENGINES.

WATER LEAKING INTO PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR DUE TO PLUG AROUND WIRING HARNESS NOT IN PLACE.

CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE FRONT BRAKE SHOES AND PADS, CONSUMER ALSO STATE WHEN TRAVELING THERE IS A BURNING SMELL DUE TO THE RAKE OVERHEATING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKES.

SUSPENSION FAILED RESULTING IN TIRE WEAR.

REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED. MJS

SEATS DO NOT LATCH. PROBLEM FOUND PREVALENT ON MOST 1997 THUNDERBIRDS. *AK

THERE IS AN EXTREME GLARE MIRRORED ON THE WINDSHIELD, CAUSED BY THE MATERIAL THE FORWARD PART OF THE DASH IS MADE OF. THE DEFROSTER VENTS FROM THE DASHBOARD ARE ALSO PRESENT CREATING BLACK SPOTS IN THE LINE OF SIGHT.

TRANSMISSION LEAK.

CALIPER MOVING IN BRACKET.

THE HEADREST DOES NOT RAISE TO THE LEVEL OF THE OCCUPANTS HEAD, IT ONLY COMES UP TO THE BACK OF THE NECK.

FRONT END OF VEHICLE SHAKES, HAS BEEN LOOKED OVER BY DEALER AND HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT IT. *AK

POSSIBLE UNDER DASH HARNESS MAY HAVE CAUSED FIRE TO FORM AROUND THE ASHTRAY RESULTING IN BURN FINGER TO DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT FLAMES OUT. NLM

DESIGN OF EXHAUST PIPE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUCK THROWS EXHAUST GAS INTO THE FACE OF PERSON STOPPED NEXT TO.*SD