1997 Ford Thunderbird Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 169 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Ford Thunderbird, 7% of the 169 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 miles. 4 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 reversing out of the garage vehicle suddenly accelerated to the maximum speed. Consumer's foot was depressed on the brake pedal when this occurred. Consumer immediately turned the ignition off, and removed the key from the ignition. Vehicle stopped and rolled into the gate. The garage had a 33 feet long skid mark on the ground. Dealership has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10075958, filed 2004-07, 81,000 miles“1. Plastic intake manifold failure - covered by general recall 97m91, although similar plastic engineering is applied to both valve covers but is not is not covered by recall. The Ford service rep informed me that the heater core will blow soon too. 2. The brakes/rotors have been a chronic problem - this is my 2nd Thunderbird - both cars had the same type problems. I have replaced rotors, brake pads repeatedly without solving the problem. The car has severe front end vibration which is makes the car unenjoyable and dangerous. I have changed tire sizes and brands 4 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #754545, filed 2001-11“As consumer started to pull out and accelerate to pass a slow moving vehicle, when all of a sudden the gas pedal went to the floor with no power, consumer then engage the cruise control at 40 MPH which got him to an auto parts store, where a mechanic showed concumer the accelerator cable break about 4-6 inches from the connector in the engine compartment within the protective conduit.”
NHTSA complaint #785481, filed 2001-08“Dt: the consumer stated a year ago wa sinvolved in 2 rear end collisions while driving 3 MPH. This happened with foot on the brake in bumper to bumper traffic. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, but it was not looked at, they instead tried to sell consumer another vehicle. Planned to have the vehicle inspected at consumer's own expense at another mechanic. Dealership stated they knew that the problem existed. . The manufacturer told he would have to have the problem diagnosed, but the dealership would not look at the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10131043, filed 2005-08“Driver was in the process of parking vehicle and had come to a stop in the parking spot when it suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb, and crashed into a metal bench.”
NHTSA complaint #757179, filed 2002-01Vehicle 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird
54 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
13 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 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