1996 Ford Thunderbird Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 3% of the 233 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 3 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 the highway vehicle suddenly accelerated. Vehicle revved even while the consumer had both feet on the brake. Consumer pulled over to the side, went through a guard rail, and finally stopped when the vehicle hit a tree. Vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10098954, filed 2004-11, 113,000 miles“Pulled up to a gas station pump and almost caming to a complete stop, and vehicle suddenly accelerated. Rear wheels were spinning when brakes were applied. In order to stop vehicle from revving, consumer put transmission in neutral and pumped the accelerator pedal. Contactedthe dealer, and dealer couldn't find the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #862366, filed 2000-05“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“Consumer states vehicle suffered sudden acceleration when shifted from park into drive, vehicle collides with garage door. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10004156, filed 2003-01Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 26% |
| 2003 | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 | 11 | 12% |
| 1997 | 11 | 7% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 23 | 8% |
| 1993 | 14 | 3% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 17 | 12% |
| 1989 | 26 | 21% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 7 | 11% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 2 | 8% |
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 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