1996 Ford Thunderbird Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 9% of the 233 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Shift interlock engaged - total loss of use. Shift interlock requires bypass by turning ignition to just before acc comes on, shifting to netrual, and starting car. If you shift to park requires you start process again. Loss of high mount brake lamp and both tail lights. High mount bulbs replaced, as well as the tail lamp lights, to no avail.”
NHTSA complaint #747710, filed 2001-07“Consumer was standing outside pumping gas with the engine running. After a few seconds vehicle began to roll backwards, consumer ran behind car jumped into driver's side and began trying to applying brakes, vehicle rolled into a light pole.”
NHTSA complaint #835897, filed 1999-03“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 2000-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 7% |
| 2004 | 7 | 21% |
| 2003 | 6 | 18% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 17 | 10% |
| 1996 | 21 | 9% |
| 1995 | 41 | 16% |
| 1994 | 92 | 31% |
| 1993 | 12 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 5% |
| 1991 | 4 | 4% |
| 1990 | 8 | 6% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
65 complaintsBrakes
46 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