MYRModel Year Report

2004 Ford Thunderbird

▲ Better than typical
2004 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:07.145Z

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
34
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Vehicle speed control

26% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 34 complaints 2004 34 2005: 27 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 26 complaints 1984 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 34 complaints 2004 34 2005: 27 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1984 1985: 14 complaints 1985 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1987 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1991 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1993 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 34 complaints 2004 34 2005: 27 complaints 2005

2004: 34 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19810
19820
19833
198426
198514
198623
198763
198892
1989125
1990141
1991112
1992186
1993425
1994315
1995261
1996233
1997169
19983
19992
200293
200333
200434
200527

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Vehicle speed control

26% · 9 reports
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, 2014-06-07

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, 2005-10-24

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, 2020-10-14

Engine

21% · 7 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-27

Power train

21% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2015-10-18

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Electrical system

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2005-07-08

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2004-07-20Seats04V330000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V330000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.