Thunderbird
Ford Thunderbird: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditGenerations and technical specifications
Ford Thunderbird (eleventh generation)2001–2005
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | M205 |
| Production | June 2001 – July 2005 |
| Model years | 2002–2005 |
| Body styles | 2-door convertible |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Platform | Ford DEW98 |
| Engines | 3.9 L Jaguar AJ35 V8 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed Ford Bordeaux 5R44E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm |
| Length | 4,732 mm |
| Width | 1,829 mm |
| Height | 1,323 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,712 kg |
| Class | Personal luxury car |
| Assembly | United States: Wixom, Michigan (Wixom Assembly) |
| Designer | Jack Telnack (1997) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2005 | 3.9 L, 8 cyl | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2005 | 3.9 L, 8 cyl · 5-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 13.1–13.8 L/100 km | 14.7–15.7 L/100 km | 10.2–11.2 L/100 km |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Two-seater |
| Model years in EPA data | 2002–2005 |
| Powertrains | Petrol |
| Engine displacement | 3.9 L |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission types | Automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium) |
| Configurations listed | 7 |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 227 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 1,472 L |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2002–2005 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2002–2006, 2012 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 70 | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Electrical system | 47 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
| Speed control and cruise | 29 | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Airbags | 26 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 26 | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 15 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
| Brakes | 15 | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Steering | 7 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
| Body and structure | 7 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
| Wheels | 7 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2002–2005: 227 complaints, 12 with a crash and 2 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.