1996 Ford Thunderbird Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 9%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 9% of the 233 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Intake (plastic) cracks ;leaving family and I stranded on 30 mile stretch of highway with no houses or business. Towed to station and fixed recalled intake. Taxi cost home and back 2 days later to retrieve car soon started having heater coil leaks and overheating;antifreeze causing headaches. Almost $1000.00 to replace 30 dollar part(dash board and console removed and air condition unit disconnected and recharged) dealer took cost of next 2 replacement heater coils and it still needs 4th;no heat;still leaks antifreeze inside car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10196345, filed 2007-07, 20,000 miles“The climate control module failed. As a result, the defroster and defogger failed, causing impaired vision. Recall 96v007000) was issued, however this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10089966, filed 2004-08, 98,413 miles“The driver noticed that the blower was inoperative. The blower fails to turn on sometimes and it sticks on high at all times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10111718, filed 2005-02“Climate control module failed, as a result, defroster and defogger failed, causing impaired vision. The consumer's vehicle exhibited the same symptoms stated in recall 96v-007000, but is not include in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10096558, filed 2004-10Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% |
| 1996 | 20 | 9% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 8 | 3% |
| 1993 | 14 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 8 | 7% |
| 1990 | 3 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
65 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 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