1996 Ford Thunderbird power train problems
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1996 Ford Thunderbird — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The 1996 ford thunderbird's head gasket blew and transmission is slipping. It has been using water since we bought it from the dealer. *la”
filed Oct 8, 2003
“Shift interlock engaged - total loss of use. Shift interlock requires bypass by turning ignition to just before acc comes on, shifting to netrual, and starting car. If you shift to park requires you start process again. Loss of high mount brake lamp and both tail lights. High mount bulbs replaced…”
filed Jul 9, 2001
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip. *tt
03261 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 5, 2003Brake shift interlock.*jb
01181 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 17, 2001
Power Train problems in other Thunderbird years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Thunderbird | 2 | 7% |
| 2004 Thunderbird | 7 | 21% |
| 2003 Thunderbird | 6 | 18% |
| 2002 Thunderbird | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 Thunderbird | 17 | 10% |
| 1995 Thunderbird | 41 | 16% |
| 1994 Thunderbird | 92 | 31% |
| 1993 Thunderbird | 12 | 3% |
| 1992 Thunderbird | 10 | 5% |
| 1991 Thunderbird | 4 | 4% |
| 1990 Thunderbird | 8 | 6% |
| 1989 Thunderbird | 4 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.