2003 Ford Thunderbird Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 15%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, 15% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles.
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.
“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 miles“The contact stated while applying the brake pedal, there was a noise as though the wheel was going to come off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the driver side rear caliper, brake shoe and rotor needed to be replaced. Updated 12/12/2006 -”
NHTSA complaint #10173327, filed 2006-11, 14,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013401Nov 15, 2004Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1145 and/or c1155 stored in anti-lock brake system (abs) module.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 5 | 15% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 13% |
| 1996 | 46 | 20% |
| 1995 | 94 | 36% |
| 1994 | 76 | 25% |
| 1993 | 34 | 8% |
| 1992 | 29 | 16% |
| 1991 | 19 | 17% |
| 1990 | 34 | 24% |
| 1989 | 23 | 19% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 5 | 8% |
| 1985 | 2 | 14% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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