1997 Ford Thunderbird Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%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 7 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford Thunderbird, 4% of the 169 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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“They replaced the manifold and then the radiator malfunctioned, 18.000 miles later the heater core failed, was replaced in the last 6 months since aug 4 times. Ford does not have a clue and the dealer is trying to fix it each time at leaks.the brakes/rotors have been a cronic problem since the car was new. The calipers have been resurfaced 3 times and finally replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #757325, filed 2002-01“Consumer applied rain-x to windshield and side view mirrors, a few months later consumer started noticing a haze, similar to water spots, all over windshield and mirrors, consumer tried several cleaners and also a product bon-ami which the manufacturer of rain-x stated would remove any trace of the product, however none removed the product.”
NHTSA complaint #559800, filed 2001-02Visibility (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 1997 Ford Thunderbird
54 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
9 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