2005 Ford Thunderbird Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,673miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,673 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.
“On nov 24,2009, the throttle body motor failed and caused my 2005 Ford Thunderbird to cut off in traffic. I took the car to metro Ford for repair. They said the part would take several weeks. Metro said I could drive my car until they repair my car because Ford could not provide me with a loaner. I later found out that there are others with the same problem since july 2009. After several promises to no avail, I decided to write several executives. I have not heard from anyone yet. Two days ago, I was almost rear-ended when the car off in traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10314167, filed 2010-02, 35,471 miles“My temperature gauge has risen to hot three times while driving with no prior warning. The first was 12/29/2008. They replaced the motor radiator cooling fan. My mileage at the time was 35673.the 2nd time was 3/17/2009 and they replaced the tank assy-radiator, seal, cap asy radiator, thermostat asy - spo. My mileage this time was 38000.the 3rd time was 9/21/2009, this time they replaced the heater control valve assy. My mileage this time was 42921. Each time this occurred, it was shortly after I had my car in for its usual maintenance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10284904, filed 2009-09, 35,673 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH when the engine stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred twice. The approximate failure mileage was 36,476.”
NHTSA complaint #10369511, filed 2010-12, 36,476 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
- 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…
- 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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