1997 Ford Thunderbird Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 169 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 steering of the 1997 Ford Thunderbird, 5% of the 169 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, 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.
“My wife drove her 1997 Ford Thunderbird to work today. She parked her car in the company garage and walked into work. The car then began to burn and totaled the car. After having it towed to a local garage, based upon the knowledge of the mechanic, to whom, I have used to service my vehicles for over 10 years, told me that the intensity of the fire was near the steering column, and and power steering switches. Upon researching the above facts, found the recall about the various Ford trucks and this similar problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202844, filed 2007-09“While driving down the road steering was stiff and then loosened up noticeably. Problem when making a right or left hand turn. Car would hesitate after turning. Would hear a grinding or popping noise while making turns. Contacted dealer and manufacturer, not able to help.”
NHTSA complaint #859618, filed 2000-04“Had to replace tires twice due to the car causing a tire separation on the front, right side. I've again, replaced the tires 5000 miles ago and they are severely feathered to the point where it is visible to the eye. The car is with-in the alignment specs but it still pulls to the right - the faster the speed, the harder the pull. Have had 4 or more front end brake jobs (rotors & pads) in under 40,000 miles. The steering wheel shakes at 40 MPH and the tires have been balanced. …”
NHTSA complaint #712596, filed 1999-09“The shudder in the steering is bad when braking from higher speeds and causes loss of directional control, the replacement of the pre-load spring in the rack as per Ford's TSB did not work to correct the shuddering.”
NHTSA complaint #783796, filed 1999-11“Consumer states his power steering motor failed while he was backing out of driveway. He had his auto towed to a dealer, who replaced the power steering pump.”
NHTSA complaint #8018005, filed 2002-09Steering: 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird
54 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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