1996 Ford Thunderbird Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%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 9 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 4% of the 233 complaints for this model year.
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.
“When driving the vehicle at highway speed the steering wheel vibrates, and it also vibrates at low speed when braking. On warm days, when starting and stopping in traffic one can smell raw gasoline inside and around the outside of the car, but there are no leaks in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #817148, filed 1998-04“While driving 50 MPH or greater the steering wheel vibrates and shakes vigorously, causing the vehicle to sway left to right. Been in the dealer 8 times. Dealer replaced 4 sets of tires/rotors. Problem still occurring. Dealer cannot determine problem.”
NHTSA complaint #823328, filed 1998-05“While driving at speeds between 65- 70 MPH vehicle will shake and vibrate . Driver can feel it in steering and accelerator pedal. Dealer cannot fix defect, and claims that is how vehicle is designed.”
NHTSA complaint #859748, filed 2000-04“While going 40mph, would experience a vibration in steering wheel. Had take vehicle to dealer & informed that its a problem that happens in thunderbirds sometimes. Cannot locate problem of vibration.”
NHTSA complaint #819947, filed 1997-11“4/97 vehicle pulls to right. Dealer aligned front end. 1/98 vehicle pulls to right and vibrates at highway speed. Dealer says it is a tire problem, one tire replaced. 5/99 vehicle still pulls to right and vibrates at highway speed and while braking. Front rotors warped and pads worn. Rotors turned and pads replaced by goodyear service center. 9/99 vehicle pulling to right and vibrating at speed and during braking. Front rotors warped and pads worn again. Dealer claims it is owners driving style. Rotors turned and pads replaced at owners expense. 10/00 vehicle pulls to right and vibrates. …”
NHTSA complaint #734656, filed 2000-10Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 18 | 11% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 12 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
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 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 31, 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