1997 Ford Thunderbird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford Thunderbird: 0 recalls, 169 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
0 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.
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. 3 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (54): the most common themes are leaks (19), fire / smoke (9), overheating (6).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (22): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), leaks (3).
- Suspension (18): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), steering problems (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (17): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5), leaks (2).
The 1997 Ford Thunderbird has 169 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 14 Thunderbird model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 144). Complaints peaked in 1999 (35 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 71,084 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (233 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (3 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 | 16 | 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Ford Thunderbird, but 2 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Ford Thunderbird problems?
Owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (54), brakes (hydraulic) (22), suspension (18).
What gas mileage does the 1997 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 1997 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.