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1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
98,604 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Thunderbird cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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1997 Ford Thunderbird Owner Comments

problem #6

Sep 132007

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 203,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Plastic intake manifold failure.

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #5

Apr 062006

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,950 miles
Intake manifold split causing coolant leakage.

- Mount Holly, NC, USA

problem #4

May 262004

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,811 miles
Vehicle would not hold any radiator fluid, causing the temperature gauge to rise. Tried to refill the radiator fluid, but 5 minutes later it ran out. Could not drive vehicle. Took the vehicle to my mechanic, who told me that the intake manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. He replaced the intake manifold, so the I would be able to drive the vehicle.

- Casco, MI, USA

problem #3

Dec 122004

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,090 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine front cover gasket failed in line with recall 99B29. Ford does not include my car built 04/97 in recall campaign 99B29 indicating the original recall has been inadequate.

- Florham Park, NJ, USA

problem #2

Feb 032004

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,275 miles
I had to replace the coolant inlet manifold on my 1997 Ford Thunderbird. This should have been covered by Ford recall #97M91 but for some reason Ford has excluded my VIN no. From the recall. This problem was clearly caused by a defective part and was replaced with an "upgraded" part.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #1

Aug 012003

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles
Fatigue crack in intake manifold of 4.6 L engine that that caused loose of coolant and the engine to over heat. My 1997 Ford Thunderbird is not part of the recall even thought it has the same engine and defective manifold. Repair cost is $600. Ford already has a recall and the follow was coped from source: Ford Motor Company documents Ford Motor Company will extend the recall (01M02) on 4.6L V8 equipped vehicles with plastic intake manifolds. Some of the composite intake manifolds used on 4.6L SOHC engines may develop fatigue cracks at the coolant crossover duct. This condition could result in engine coolant leakage which, if not serviced, may cause engine overheating. Complete loss of coolant may result in engine damage or engine failure. The updated recall now includes: " certain 1996 through 2001 model year Crown Victoria police interceptor " certain 1998 through 2001 model year Crown Victoria with taxi " certain 1998 through 2001 Lincoln town car limousine and livery prep package " certain 1996-2001 Crown Victoria taxis, police cars and Lincoln town car limousine and livery cars. " certain 1996 through 1997 Crown Victoria police interceptor vehicles with 4.6L SOHC engines built at the St. Thomas assembly plant from the beginning of production for the 1996 model year through January 28, 1997. " certain 1998 through 2001 Crown Victoria police interceptor vehicles with 4.6L SOHC engines built at the St. Thomas assembly plant from November 22, 1997 through December 15, 2000. " certain 1998 through 2001 Crown Victoria taxi vehicles with 4.6L SOHC engines built at the St. Thomas assembly plant from November 22, 1997 through December 15, 2000. " certain 1998 through 2001 Lincoln town car limousine prep package and livery vehicles with 4.6L SOHC engines built at the Wixom assembly plant from November 22, 1997 through December 15, 2000.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

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