10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,470
Average Mileage:
113,000 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace with transmission from wreck (2 reports)
  2. install transmission oil cooler (1 reports)
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problem #3

Aug 011997

Thunderbird LX 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I love this car, but it went through 4 transmissions. The first one lasted 75,000 miles, a purchased rebuilt transmission lasted 50,000 miles, a repair to that transmission lasted about 30,000 miles, and then finally a good quality Jasper aftermarket transmission lasted the longest.

Until I got smart and installed the transmission, I was throwing money away ($1,200 to $2,000 for each repair.) Somewhere along the way I realized that if I changed the fluid according to a severe service schedule (either every 7,500 miles or once a year) it would last longer. Also installed an aftermarket transmission oil cooler.

This was a Ford engineering/design problem.

- northernsand, Bowling Green, OH, US

problem #2

Jan 102005

Thunderbird LX 4.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

second time changing transmission, then engine computer started acting up

- John S., Cape Coral, FL, US

problem #1

Aug 272001

(reported on)

Thunderbird

  • 107,000 miles

[ LX model ] Apparently Ford has had nothing but tranny problems with this model transmissino (4R70W) I believe -- in 1993-1997 TBirds/Cougars, 93-98 Lincoln Mark VIII, various 90's Mustangs & Crown Vics.... It's VERY COMMON to have tranny problems with ANY of these models -- be careful if buying this car -- there are TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins -- but no recalls.)

- Thomas H., East Concord, NY, US