2005 Ford Thunderbird Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 7%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,081miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird, 7% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,081 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.
“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to shift hesitantly without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there were no recalls pertaining to the failure, and transferred the call to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. ..updated 06/27/17”
NHTSA complaint #10981724, filed 2017-05, 49,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated intermittently the vehicle would lose transmission power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,162.”
NHTSA complaint #10637483, filed 2014-09, 57,162 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022290Apr 19, 2007Automatic transmission solenoid emissions warranty extension. Sample consumer letter attached.
- 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
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