1996 Ford Thunderbird Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,210miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 3% of the 233 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,210 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Intake manifold is cracked and leaking engine coolant. I have not had the vehicle repaired due to the cost. I searched the internet for recalls on this and found the TSB# 97m91. I called Ford and spoke with philomena, id #3157 and was told this was an extended warranty and that they had notified me in writing in february 98. Found the letter on the internet in a pdf file dated may 1998. So, according to Ford, they notified me a few months before they were notified????? I never received any recall notice or any information on this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070546, filed 2004-01, 66,421 miles“Car has apparently had a recall on the plastic intake manifold for 7 years. I have owned the car for over 2 years, but have never received any information on this defect. While driving the care apx. 60 miles from my home, my daughter and I were left stranded when the intake manifold started fountaining water and antifreeze all over my engine. The crack is big enough that no liquid would stay in the car, and I could not baby it home. It took an entire day stranded in a strange city to find someone who would haul the car all the way to my home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10067851, filed 2004-04, 90,000 miles“Engine check light on, dealer replaced mass air flow sensor. Returned to dealer 4 times for gas mileage down 10-20%, low idle and stalls, poor driveability - Ford and dealer state car is normal - all data from purchase date available - clearly shows negative change at time of part replacement”
NHTSA complaint #711190, filed 2000-04“Engine check light was illuminating on dashboard. Contacted dealer, dealer has determined that head gasket was leaking fluids onto oxygen sensor, causing engine check light to illuminate. Also, note head gasket needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #887444, filed 2001-05“Driving vehicle when it started leaking coolant. No overheating. Vehicle towed home. Next day at dealer & intake manifold repaired due to a crack. Vehicle started to get worse. Vehicle died. Engine check light came on. Moisture on spark plugs & ignition wires.”
NHTSA complaint #826540, filed 1998-08Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 13 | 4% |
| 1993 | 10 | 2% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
65 complaintsBrakes
46 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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