2003 Ford Thunderbird Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 9%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,356miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, 9% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,356 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.
“Basically, all suspension rusted out, including both front suspensions, spindle rods, sway bar, outer tie rods, both rear tie rod links, rear lower and upper control arms , front upper control arms, rear shocks. All the work was performed by the local Ford dealer. I was told this was not a unique problem to this vehicle. Driving the vehicle made squeeky noises all the time!”
NHTSA complaint #11119267, filed 2018-08, 46,713 miles“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 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 18 | 11% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 12 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
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 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