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Electrical systemPart report

2003 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
12%of 33 total for the year
Median mileage
33,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, 12% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 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.

“The car de-powers and will not go above 20-25 MPH. The anti lock brake lights come on. They will stay on for awhile and go off and on by themselves. This happens in traffic and is very dangerous. My daughter nearly got plowed over trying to get off the road. She called my scared to death. This happens intermittently. No wet or slick pavement, on a dry sunny day.”

NHTSA complaint #10325013, filed 2010-04, 65,000 miles

“A couple of months after the car was purchased the battery light comes on and when it does no other electrical parts will operate. For instance if you have a window down you can't roll it up or the heater won't work. This has been an ongoing problem since the car was purchased. We've had the car to the dealer 3 times and they have replaced the alternator as well as overlaying electrical wires and none of this has fixed the problem. On one occasion they had the car for a month, put approximately 200 miles on it and still couldn't find and fix the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10144228, filed 2005-12, 1,000 miles

“2003 Ford Thunderbird had spark plugs replaced four times. Vehicle slowed down to 5 MPH without warning and would not pick up speed, and numerous engine problems. Water leaked inside the vehicle, the dealer found cracks and a tear around the weather strip and seal. The A/C control head assembly was replaced. The radio had to be sent out for repairs. The alarm would sound on its own. The light located on the rear view mirror would not go out. The ignition coils were replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10164742, filed 2006-07

“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle drastically reduced speed and hesitated on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was not able to replicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who indicated that the vehicle was not included in two manufacturer recalls that expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.”

NHTSA complaint #10672401, filed 2015-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2005519%
2004412%
2003412%
20022123%
199742%
199683%
1995156%
1994248%
1993379%
19922715%
19911312%
19903827%
19892218%
19882932%
19872439%
1986522%
1985964%
19841038%

Other parts of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird

Engine
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Other 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 27, 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