Third brake light assembly keeps melting. October 2000 26,000 miles first noticed my third brake light had melted the entire assembly including the light sockets, was told then that it was a known problem, after much arguing and writing the BBB Ford finally agreed to replace it at no cost to me. Now 2003 at 32,800 miles assembly is melted again, again I was informed that Ford will not replace it the cost is mine. I said then and I still believe this a product defect on Ford part. I do not believe I should have to pay for a defective part, apart which is the same part that is in there now and will melt again in a year or two and I will have to replace it again. The link below shows pictures of a Ford Thunderbirds third brake light damage after the assembly and wire harrness has melted. This seems to be a fire hazard.w.mn12performance.com/mn12howto/3rd_brake_light/3rd_brakelight.html.

- Akron, OH, USA

The assembly for the third brake light has melted and now you cannot get the bulbs out. The dealership said the whole assembly has to be replaced (@ $100) not coverd under the ex-warrenty, talked with another Ford machanic at another dealership, I was told that this is a known problem with that assembly on the Thunderbird and Ford doesnot intend to do anything about it. Customers problem. Doesn't seem right to me.

- Akron, OH, USA

While driving 30mph & applying the brakes to avoid hitting a vehicle that stopped. However, vehicle had no brake lights, and it rearended vehicle in front due to no brakes. Vehicle towed to dealership & mechanic indicated brakes were gone. Pin in the brakes had broken which caused the brakes to be inoperative.

- Worthington, OH, USA