Model year
2005 Ford Thunderbird
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 27 complaints for the 2005 Ford Thunderbird (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5), ENGINE (4), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 18 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
05V113000 · Mar 18, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
Complaints
27 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird · 3.9L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| Thunderbird · 3.9L · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2005 Ford Thunderbird at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.