2004 Ford Thunderbird

▲ Better than typical

2004 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:32:18.690Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2004: 34 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	3
1981	0
1982	0
1983	3
1984	26
1985	14
1986	23
1987	61
1988	92
1989	124
1990	140
1991	112
1992	184
1993	423
1994	300
1995	261
1996	233
1997	169
1998	3
1999	2
2002	93
2003	33
2004	34
2005	27

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 26%

26% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

COMING OFF I-5 FREEWAY IN WEST WASHINTONG STATE. STOPPED FOR RED LIGHT AND THEN MOVED INTO LEFT TURN LANE BUT CAR KEPT PICKING UP SPEED, APPLIED BRAKES (HARD) SLOWING DOWN BUT AUTO NOT WANTING TO STOP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140607

ON AUGUST 19, 2004 I WAS PARKING MY 2004 T-BIRD IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20051024

HAVE REPLACED VIA FORD DEALER THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR TWICE. FIRST REPAIR 2007. SECOND REPAIR 2014, AND NOW IN 2020. I AM FACING SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY THE CONTROL SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20201014

ENGINE 21%

21% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210927

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 50MPH COMING TO A TOWN AND A RED LIGHT I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT SLOW I APPLIED MORE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES THE CAR SLOWED SOME BUT THE ENGINE KEPT REVING THE TRANSMISSION WAS...

NHTSA ODI report, 20151018

NHTSA ODI report, 20140607

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC IN DOWNTOWN BEVERLY HILLS. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN MY CAR JERKED AND RAPIDLY ACELERATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050708

AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING REAR PASSENGER 'S SIDE AIR BAG WENT OFF INADVERTENTLY PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS ON BOTH HANDS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040927

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040720 — seats

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Campaign 04V330000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 04V330000 (seats) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 1987 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1994 ■ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford Thunderbird is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Thunderbird?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Thunderbird have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.