2003 Ford Thunderbird Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 18%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,262miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, 18% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,262 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.
“While making a u-turn in a culd-e-sac at 5 MPH, the wrench light came on. I can only reach a speed of 40 MPH now. I am afraid to turn the car off until I get home.”
NHTSA complaint #10575444, filed 2014-03, 37,000 miles“The vehicles rearend (differential) develops a howling noise, noticable at 40+ MPH. This same problem has occurred twice before. The dealership has replaced the rearend on two previous occassions. The noise is starting to occur again, if replaced this would be the fourth rearend.”
NHTSA complaint #10139735, filed 2005-10, 8,525 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022290Apr 19, 2007Automatic transmission solenoid emissions warranty extension. Sample consumer letter attached.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 7% |
| 2004 | 7 | 21% |
| 2003 | 6 | 18% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 17 | 10% |
| 1996 | 21 | 9% |
| 1995 | 41 | 16% |
| 1994 | 92 | 31% |
| 1993 | 12 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 5% |
| 1991 | 4 | 4% |
| 1990 | 8 | 6% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird
7 complaintsBrakes
5 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