1997 Ford Thunderbird Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 11%of 169 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,568miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Ford Thunderbird, 11% of the 169 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,568 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“To whom it may concern! My 1997 Ford Thunderbird is not listed why? I have a lot of problems with the smog stuff every year I pay a lot of money. When temperatures are hot outside over 90 the engine light comes on and says service engine, or when I go up a long hill and my car overheats the engine light comes on and says service engine and it is always about an oxygen sensor or other smog related items that always cost $300 to $650 I am going b broke being on a fixed income. Ford can't fix my front end vibration I had all alignments done wheel balancing 4 times nothing helps. …”
NHTSA complaint #10130641, filed 2005-07, 33,573 miles“While driving 40 MPH, the front lower ball joint snapped, causing the consumer to lose steering control. The consumer managed to pull over. The incident occurred without warning while in motion. The repair department suggested that the consumer should expect this at 70k miles. Ford had not responded to the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10040248, filed 2003-01, 79,000 miles“This occurred while driving in the parking lot of a shopping plaza. I was only going about 10 - 15 MPH and never even hit a bump or pot hole. The front end made a load poping noise and I thought the tires went flat. But the lower control arm snapped and the car frame rested on the tires. West herr claims they had people from Ford come in and look at it. The ball joint popped out of the socket . If I was driving on the thruway I wouldn't be writing this letter today, I would be dead. They replaced both sides at my request.”
NHTSA complaint #718036, filed 2000-01“Both incidents could have caused serious injury or death. This is now the second time this part has been replaced. On the first occasion I was in a parking lot and the whole front end of the car collapsed. From what the dealer say Ford engineers looked at it and couldn't believe the ball jouint popped out of the socket. Again this is the second time they had to replace it within 10 months. Feel free to contact me for further information and let me know if I can take further action with regards to the safety of this car. Thanks , tom.”
NHTSA complaint #736254, filed 2000-11“The contact stated while performing general maintenance on the vehicle, it was determined the plastic seals on all four upper and lower ball joints as well as the seals on the stabilizer bar were fractured and deteriorating. The manufacturer was alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10170731, filed 2006-10, 58,000 milesSuspension: 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird
54 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
9 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