1996 Ford Thunderbird Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 3% of the 233 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“While driving on any highway at different times in a corner or turn in road, the steering just goes away; it feels like the steering wheel is not connected to the linkage for a split second, but then it returns and it doesn't happen again. Brought vehicle to dealer several times. Dealer said that there wa snothing wrong with steering.”
NHTSA complaint #523464, filed 1997-11“Rack and pinion steering shaft/tie rod failed after right front tire glanced a standard street curb causing the driver to loose control as the vehicle skidded across five lanes of traffice before colliding with opposing traffic. Owner had rods tested, and tests show numerous impurities and metallic flaws.”
NHTSA complaint #540109, filed 1998-08“When making left/right turn, steering wheelcould turn, but nothing happened for a couple of seconds. Vehicle not turning but goes straight & then steering kicks in. Took to dealer & informed could not find problem. Happens intermittently.”
NHTSA complaint #814534, filed 1997-07“Coming around a curb going 25-30 MPH car started pulling to the right. Lost control of car and hit a mound of dirt and ABS light came on. Please describe detail”
NHTSA complaint #978439, filed 1996-01Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 9 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 13 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 2% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1984 | 1 | 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 28, 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