2003 Ford Thunderbird Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, 6% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 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.
“One of the 4 bolts that hold the rear suspension to the vehicle fell out of the car. The bolt failed due to corrosion and possibly over torquing at the factory. Severe corrosion inside the pocket that houses this bolt. Ford dealer says it is not covered and is at least 10 hours labor and is concerned the remaining 3 bolts may be corroded as well. They are also concerned that the frame rail on the body may be affected. This has been a south florida car its entire life and has been garaged its whole life. …”
NHTSA complaint #10640755, filed 2014-10, 52,000 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
- 10017925Jun 7, 2005Water/moisture in cop wells - dtc p0301-p0308 - 3.9l engine - vehicles built through 5/1/2004.
- 10014703Mar 1, 2005Moisture in storage compartment.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 4% |
| 1995 | 10 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 10 | 2% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 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