4.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,715 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #11

Oct 052008

Thunderbird 8-cyl

  • 162,000 miles
I was curious about how to get the Thunderbird (1994-1997) transmission recalled" please note that this only affects the 4.6 V8 Thunderbirds and not the V6. This can result of control loss of the automobile and can result in a crash. For whatever the reason may be, my 97 Thunderbird transmission is "shuttering" as it shifts between 3rd and 4th gear and I have used the correct fluid and had it serviced. The mechanic said there was nothing wrong with it, however it continues to shutter. I have done some research and it seems that many of the 4.6 V8 are affected by this issue. What would you do to fix this potential safety issue" I have contacted Ford and they said that you and Ford work together.

- Fairmount, GA, USA

problem #10

Oct 012003

(reported on)

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,296 miles
Problem with the transmission or torque converter. The consumer was told that the vehicle was experiencing transmission shudder or a problem with the torque converter.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #9

May 102003

Thunderbird 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,568 miles
I bought my 1997 Thunderbird 4-15-2003 w/70000 miles, after reading all the complaints on this page I can only relate to 2 of them, the viberation in the transmission on upshift, and the front end shaking above 50 mph.but I'm so glad. I bought a 2 yr.extented warrenty, because it looks like I'm in for some problens. I can be contacted at tbird97@intergate.com

- Maceo, KY, USA

problem #8

Nov 172000

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Major shudder in drive between 30-40mph before it shifts to overdrive at while increasing at a slow speed. Tsb#97106 explains. Dealership couldn't find problem in November. Drop off car again.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #7

Mar 101998

Thunderbird

  • miles
No summary

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #6

Mar 101998

Thunderbird

  • miles
No summary

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #5

Feb 022000

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Told by leith Ford's service manager that problem was internal to the transmission and not caused by misuse, neglect, etc.

- Franklinton, NC, USA

problem #4

Nov 171999

Thunderbird

  • miles
No summary

- Antelope, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 051998

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summer listed for this vehicle.

- Camarillo, CA, USA

problem #2

Apr 211998

(reported on)

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Each time car is put into park it drifts six to eight inches forward

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #1

Jun 101997

Thunderbird

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission leak.

- Sacramento, CA, USA