CarRecallWatchThe 1996 Ford Thunderbird has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA, including 12 crashes, 4 fires, 18 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (68 reports).
1996 Ford Thunderbird recalls
Most common 1996 Ford Thunderbird problems
Problem areas named in the 233 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 68 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 55 |
| Power Train | 22 |
| Visibility | 21 |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 14 |
| Tires | 13 |
| Steering | 11 |
| Air Bags | 11 |
| Equipment | 10 |
What owners report
AIR BAG FLASHING CODE
WHEN DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCHESYSTEM STOPPED WORKING IN MOTION FAILURE OF THE CLOCK SPRING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED AN ABNORMALLY STRONG COOLANT ODOR. THE CONTACT THEN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE ANTIFREEZE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD FAILED. THE INTACT MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AND CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO SPILL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED THE FAN BLOWER STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN THE HEAT OR DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED. THE FUNCTIONS WOULD ALSO OPERATE ERRATICALLY CAUSING THE FAN BLOWER TO GO FROM HIGH TO LOW ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V007000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER) WAS RELATED BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 123,100.
OPENING DOORS FROM THE INSIDE, LITTLE BY LITTLE, BOTH DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, HAD TO LEAVE WINDOW OR WINDOWS OPEN TO STICK HAND OUT TO OPEN DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. FAILURE OF THESE DOORS TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AT SOME POINT IF BATTERY WOULD GIVE OUT WOULD LEAVE US LOCKED IN, BUT FORTUNATELY THAT DID NOT HAPPEN DUE TO US REMEMBERING TO LEAVE AT LEAST ONE WINDOW OPEN. AFTER SOME MINOR REPAIR, FOUND OUT PLASTIC PARTS WORE OUT AND ONLY ONE DOOR CAN BE UNLOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE. *TR
1996 Ford Thunderbird questions
Does the 1996 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1996 Ford Thunderbird: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Thunderbird?
Based on 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (68), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (55), Power Train (22).
How do I check if a recall on my 1996 Ford Thunderbird has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.