2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Ford Thunderbird
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird ▼
- Price Range: $15,800 - $22,500
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Ford Thunderbird
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Thunderbird includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Thunderbird .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air conditioning may not work properly on the driver's or passenger's vents on models with dual automatic temperature control due to a bad control head module. (2002)
Cold-starting problems:
The engine may flood when starting in cold (between 30-40 degrees F), damp weather requiring recalibration of the powertrain control module. (2002)
Engine fan:
The engine may overheat due to a malfunction of the hydraulic cooling fan motor on the 3.9L DOHC engine. (2002)
Oil leak:
Small oil leaks from the oil pan drain plug require the use of a drain plug sealing washer instead of the rubber O-ring. (2002)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $610 |
| Alternator | $705 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,550 |
| Brakes | $600 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,750 |
| Exhaust System | $560 |
| Radiator | $650 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,890 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,925 |








