2004 Ford Thunderbird Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 21%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Thunderbird, 21% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 highway at 50mph coming to a town and a red light I removed my foot from the gas pedal and applied the brakes the car did not slow I applied more pressure on the brakes the car slowed some but the engine kept reving the transmission was not down shifting the car was not stopping I grabbed the shift lever and switched gears but to late and we hit the car in front of us stopped at the light.”
NHTSA complaint #10783172, filed 2015-10, 35,000 miles“As I was parking my car, it suddenly accelerated at a very high rate of speed. I was parking by a wooded area, and was propelled about 2 car lengths into the bushes in the woods (barely missing a tree) before I was able to stop the car. Not certain if the car stopped because of my braking, or because the thick bushes would not permit the car to travel any further. I had the car towed to the Ford dealership, but the service dept. Has not been able to find the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10650850, filed 2014-10, 83,000 miles“Coming off I-5 freeway in west washintong state. Stopped for red light and then moved into left turn lane but car kept picking up speed, applied brakes (hard) slowing down but auto not wanting to stop. Applied emergency brake, car slowed down more, could hear engine racing and feel it still wanting to go. Slipped car into neutral on the auto transmision, now forward progress slowing down greatly but still hit rear of car in front of me. Ford in body repair shop so have not been able to take to Ford to exam for any defect(s). …”
NHTSA complaint #10596855, filed 2014-06, 25,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the transmission would not shift correctly and exhibited a severe hesitation. The vehicle was driven to a nearby transmission center where the contact was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10505203, filed 2013-04, 55,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that the key was extremely difficult to turn over to start the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle stalled on numerous occasions without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and they replaced the filter, the rear module, the vapor management valve, the vent solenoid and the throttle body but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10712474, filed 2015-04, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022290Apr 19, 2007Automatic transmission solenoid emissions warranty extension. Sample consumer letter attached.
- 10013306May 27, 2005Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5r55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid…
- 10017898Apr 1, 2005Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004.
- 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird
9 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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