2004 Ford Thunderbird
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 26 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 63 |
| 1988 | 92 |
| 1989 | 125 |
| 1990 | 141 |
| 1991 | 112 |
| 1992 | 186 |
| 1993 | 425 |
| 1994 | 315 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 233 |
| 1997 | 169 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2002 | 93 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
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
21% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210927
21% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V330000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.