1996 Ford Thunderbird Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 20%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,125miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 20% of the 233 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,125 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Oil in my engine poured out and engine locked up would not keep oil in it. Had to replace brakes twice I one year because of brake fluid leakage then finally it got so bad had to replace the rotors on front end, my temperature gauge for the outside just happen to start going crazy one day as I was driving along on a trip to the beach and has been in correct ever since. And by the way I am still making payments on this vehicle. I has been more trouble than a joy.”
NHTSA complaint #720179, filed 2000-03“The contact stated, while traveling at 30 MPH the brakes failed while pressure was applied to the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, where a leak was found on the driver's side front hydraulic brake line. The line was corroded two inches from either side of a clip holding the brake line. No other corrosion was found on the remaining brake lines.”
NHTSA complaint #10161682, filed 2006-07, 135,125 miles“While driving 30mph & applying the brakes to avoid hitting a vehicle that stopped. However, vehicle had no brake lights, and it rearended vehicle in front due to no brakes. Vehicle towed to dealership & mechanic indicated brakes were gone. Pin in the brakes had broken which caused the brakes to be inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #866739, filed 2000-08“Consumer experienced a number of braking problems. When applying the brakes the steering wheel virbrates. When taken to the dealership the brakes pads and shoes replaced several different times. The rotors were replaced at least twice. The entire front brake system was replaced a month ago. The problem with the brakes continues.”
NHTSA complaint #823611, filed 1998-05“This failure was front and rear disk brakes vibrating,,scaping noise in front left brake, and long stopping distance, dealer solution was to turn all four rotors,, car is in shop again now for same problem,, the solution again is to turn rotors again,I am tring to get them to replace rotors,but they will not”
NHTSA complaint #710464, filed 1999-08Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 5 | 15% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 13% |
| 1996 | 46 | 20% |
| 1995 | 94 | 36% |
| 1994 | 76 | 25% |
| 1993 | 34 | 8% |
| 1992 | 29 | 16% |
| 1991 | 19 | 17% |
| 1990 | 34 | 24% |
| 1989 | 23 | 19% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 5 | 8% |
| 1985 | 2 | 14% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
65 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsTires
13 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology