2003 Ford Thunderbird Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 9%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,120miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, 9% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,120 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.
“Driving on a 1,850 mile trip. Car engine repeatedly shut off on light acceleration from complete stop. Motor light and wrench light illuminated. Put can in neutral and re-started. Wrench light de-illuminated, motor light stayed on. Acceleration could barely be attained to keep engine running up to 45 MPH. After that speed, can ran somewhat normally,. Entering an expressway at very low speed with minimum acceleration became the only way to continue the trip. Very dangerous. Went to a Ford dealer on route. Because I was from out of state he agreed to work me in for service that day. …”
NHTSA complaint #10430381, filed 2011-10, 54,240 miles“Dt: while driving at 55-60 MPH the engine started to bog down and slowly died. Had been to dealer numerous times concerning this problem and a transmission. Vehicle had been checked diagnosticians, and was unable to find anything wrong. Dealer had never indicated what was wrong. No repairs were made other than a rebuild of the transmission when first purchased. Problem with the engine dying was intermittent. No repairs were made because they were unable to determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10130105, filed 2005-08, 6,000 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 2006-07Related service bulletins
- 10026402May 20, 2008Ford/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…
- 10023293Jul 3, 2007Certain 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…
- 10017917May 1, 2005Unusual engine noise or engine knock concerns due to regular fuel.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 15% |
| 2003 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 24 | 26% |
| 1997 | 54 | 32% |
| 1996 | 65 | 28% |
| 1995 | 49 | 19% |
| 1994 | 61 | 20% |
| 1993 | 171 | 40% |
| 1992 | 27 | 15% |
| 1991 | 14 | 13% |
| 1990 | 11 | 8% |
| 1989 | 13 | 10% |
| 1988 | 7 | 8% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1986 | 7 | 30% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 6 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 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 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