2003 Ford Thunderbird Problems
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles, 29 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.9L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird. The part named most often is engine, with 7 complaints (21% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (6) and brakes (5). 29 of the complaints include a mileage, and 79% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 27,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 15 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine7 21%
- Brakes5 15%
- Air bags4 12%
- Electrical system4 12%
- Engine cooling3 9.1%
- Fuel system3 9.1%
- Suspension3 9.1%
- Body and structure2 6.1%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “While making a u-turn in a culd-e-sac at 5 MPH, the wrench light came on. I can only reach a speed of 40 MPH now. I am afraid to turn the car off until I get home.”
NHTSA complaint #10575444, filed 2014-03, 37,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The vehicles rearend (differential) develops a howling noise, noticable at 40+ MPH. This same problem has occurred twice before. The dealership has replaced the rearend on two previous occassions. The noise is starting to occur again, if replaced this would be the fourth rearend.”
NHTSA complaint #10139735, filed 2005-10, 8,525 milesBrakes: “Complaint received via e-mail. Front right brake caliper came off and locked up wheel and slid my car sideways when brakes were applied. 2003, Ford, Thunderbird on the day of delivery with 300 miles on the car caliper bolt fell out, and when brakes applied the caliper turned up into the wheel, and jammed wheel. At 6:30 pm. Moved from left to right lane, and applied brakes to slow down approximately 25 MPH to turn into a parking lot. Original speed was between 35 and 40 MPH. Released brakes, and heard a clung under the car as if we ran over something. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106796, filed 2005-03, 300 milesAir bags: “Another vehicle turned left right in front of me, I was going aprox 50 MPH, I t-boned the other cars passenger side, my front end hit her and neither driver or pass air bag deployed. Police told me when both parties speeds factored in, it was like me hitting a brick wall at 100 MPH & that air bags should have deployed. I have contacted Ford and testing will be done after repairs are made to vehicle. Car may be totalled, damages getting close to 20,000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10088189, filed 2004-08, 6,300 milesMileage when problems were reported
79% of the 29 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,525 and 48,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird · C | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Ford Thunderbird version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird RWD | 3.9L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Thunderbird RWD | 3.9L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 15 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10048099Aug 1, 2012Electrical system, Engine. Ford/lincoln/mercury: may have sludge buildup in throttle body leading to less airflow or engine idling rpm fluctuation and hard starts or battery disconnect or dead battery after keep alive memory…
- 10026402May 20, 2008Electrical system, Engine cooling. Ford/lincoln mercury: certain 2003-2005 model year lincoln ls and ford thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9l engine with extended warranty coverage on ignition coil assemblies and on 2003 my…
- 10023293Jul 3, 2007Engine cooling. Certain 2003 model year lincoln ls and ford thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9l engine - extended warranty coverage on ignition coil assemblies and engine valve cover gaskets. Also have an…
- 10022290Apr 19, 2007Transmission and drivetrain. Automatic transmission solenoid emissions warranty extension. Sample consumer letter attached.
- 10017925Jun 7, 2005Body and structure. Water/moisture in cop wells - dtc p0301-p0308 - 3.9l engine - vehicles built through 5/1/2004.
- 10013371Jun 7, 2005Electrical system. Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) and electronic throttle control (etc) lamps on with both diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 and p2135.
- 10017917May 1, 2005Engine cooling. Unusual engine noise or engine knock concerns due to regular fuel.
- 10014703Mar 1, 2005Body and structure. Moisture in storage compartment.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014594Dec 1, 2004Steering. Vibration felt for a few miles of driving after parking.
Other model years of the Ford Thunderbird
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 27 | 38,132 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 34 | 25,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 33 | 27,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 93 | 35,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 169 | 71,084 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 233 | 85,259 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 261 | 68,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 300 | 80,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 423 | 97,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 184 | 113,150 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 112 | 83,750 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 140 | 87,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1989 | 124 | 73,450 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 92 | 230,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 61 | 63,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 23 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 14 | 134,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 26 | 111,948 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford Thunderbird model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Ford Thunderbird have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 7 complaints (21% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 6.
Has the 2003 Ford Thunderbird been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Thunderbird get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Ford Thunderbird (Thunderbird, 3.9L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Ford Thunderbird reported?
Among the 29 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 27,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,525 and 48,000 miles; 79% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.