LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING AN ONGOING THROTTLE PROBLEM WITH HIS 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD; INFORMATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA THAT MAY BE THE BASES OF A RECALL OF THE THUNDERBIRD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN EARLY AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, A YELLOW MECHANIC WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AT THE TIME OF START UP. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER.…
2005 ford Thunderbird cruise control problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$600
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND TWO COILS UNPLUGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
Sudden unintended acceleration on two occasions. Car only has 11,000 miles
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 ford Thunderbird?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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