2005 Ford Thunderbird Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,118miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird, 19% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,118 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11620384, filed 2024-10, 33,118 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. While driving various speeds, the engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was cracked and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v113000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10855559, filed 2016-04, 24,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact smelled raw fuel in the vehicle. The contact noticed fuel leaked all over the garage at home and the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was leaking around the seam of the fuel tank cover. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 91,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10860518, filed 2016-04, 91,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the fuel system and a vapor fuel leak. As a result, the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v113000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 11,000. Updated 08/22/16 updated 08/30/16”
NHTSA complaint #10863376, filed 2016-05, 11,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was restarted, but completely shut down. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but the exact cause of the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The failure recurred and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the fuel pressure was replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear module and fuel pump were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10910504, filed 2016-09, 44,168 milesRelated recalls
- 05V113000Mar 18, 2005On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tank may have a localized thin wall section in the lower half of the tank. The fuel tank may crack creating a…Covers: Ford Thunderbird 2005, Lincoln LS 2005
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 13 | 8% |
| 1996 | 14 | 6% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 10 | 3% |
| 1993 | 16 | 4% |
| 1992 | 25 | 14% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 6 | 4% |
| 1989 | 6 | 5% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1986 | 2 | 9% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 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 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