1996 Ford Thunderbird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Ford Thunderbird: 2 recalls, 233 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #96V007000 · 1996 · 10,600 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain conditions, the climate control blower does not operate as intended. The blower could (1) stick on "high;" (2) operate erratically with blower output varying between no blower and maximum blower; or (3) not operate at all due to malfunction of the temperature control module.
Why it matters: Blower malfunctions limiting or stopping output can adversely affect windshield defrosting and defogging performance increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the semi-automatic temperature control modules with modules containing revised software.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #96V070000 · 1996 · 73,500 vehicles
What's wrong: When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches May open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in fmvss no. 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Why it matters: The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, May not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (65): the most common themes are leaks (13), stalls / loses power (11), fire / smoke (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (46): the most common themes are noise or vibration (13), brake failure / soft pedal (9).
- Transmission & drivetrain (21): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (7), noise or vibration (3).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (20): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Ford Thunderbird has 233 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 14 Thunderbird model years for complaints (1.6× the average Thunderbird year). Complaints peaked in 1997 (51 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 85,259 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (261 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (169 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Ford Thunderbird, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Ford Thunderbird problems?
Owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (65), brakes (hydraulic) (46), transmission & drivetrain (21).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Ford Thunderbird get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Ford Thunderbird repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.