The 2005 Ford Thunderbird has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 56 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
Consequence
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5
ENGINE
4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4
AIR BAGS
3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2
POWER TRAIN
2
WHEELS
2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
1
Total complaints35
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“The contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no…”
“Dash board cracked few places by windshield. It's really between windshield and dashboard. Any recalls or complaints? [xxx] thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).”
“While driving my car on the highway last evening, the left shoulder airbag was deployed. I immediately pulled the car to the side of the road. I noted that the left front tire was flat. My husband changed the tire. Upon removing the wheel we noted that the tire was completely normal, but the rim…”
“While driving my car on the highway last evening, the left shoulder airbag was deployed. I immediately pulled the car to the side of the road. I noted that the left front tire was flat. My husband changed the tire. Upon removing the wheel we noted that the tire was completely normal, but the rim…”
“While driving my car on the highway last evening, the left shoulder airbag was deployed. I immediately pulled the car to the side of the road. I noted that the left front tire was flat. My husband changed the tire. Upon removing the wheel we noted that the tire was completely normal, but the rim…”
“Sudden unintended acceleration on two occasions. Car only has 11,000 miles”
“Throttle body system failure causing inappropriate vehicle deceleration while driving. This condition happens without warning and can cause another vehicle to rear end you. I have already had one throttle body replaced due to this condition in 2013 and my vehicle is having the same problems again.…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford thunderbird. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle began to shift hesitantly without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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