1977 Ford Thunderbird recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
What could happen: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN…
The fix: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 THUNDERBIRD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08E019000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO INTERCONTINENTAL AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL INLET TUBE TO THE CARBURETOR FILTER. THIS LEAKAGE CONDITION IS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT INSERTION OF THE FUEL TUBE INTO THE HOSE OR IMPROPER POSITIONING OF THE HOSE CLAMP, CAUSING THE CLAMP TO BE CRIMPED DIRECTLY OVER THE FUEL TUBE BEAD.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FUEL HOSE CLAMP WITH A SPRING-TYPE CLAMP AT THE HOSE-TO-FUEL INLET TUBE CONNECTION, AND ADJUST THE CONNECTION WHERE NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 THUNDERBIRD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 77V141000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL INLET TUBE TO THE CARBURETOR FILTER. THIS LEAKAGE CONDITION IS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT INSERTION OF THE FUEL TUBE INTO THE HOSE OR IMPROPER POSITIONING OF THE HOSE CLAMP, CAUSING THE CLAMP TO BE CRIMPED DIRECTLY OVER THE FUEL TUBE BEAD.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FUEL HOSE CLAMP WITH A SPRING-TYPE CLAMP AT THE HOSE-TO-FUEL INLET TUBE CONNECTION, AND ADJUST THE CONNECTION WHERE NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 351 OR 400 CIDENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL HOSE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD LEAD TO AN UNDERHOOD FIRE ANDINJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS FROM BURNS AND SMOKE INHALATION.NOTE: GASOLINE ODORS MAY INDICATE A FUEL LEAK IS PERSENT.
3. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE FITTED WITH TILT STEERING COLUMNS CONTAINING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INSERTS INTENDED FOR TRUCKS RATHER THAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POINTER TO BE MISALIGNED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF STARTING THE ENGINE WHEN THE SELECTOR IS BETWEEN THE NEUTRAL (N) AND DRIVE (D) DETENTS AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL INSERT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 THUNDERBIRD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 77V140000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE FITTED WITH TILT STEERING COLUMNS CONTAINING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INSERTS INTENDED FOR TRUCKS RATHER THAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POINTER TO BE MISALIGNED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF STARTING THE ENGINE WHEN THE SELECTOR IS BETWEEN THE NEUTRAL (N) AND DRIVE (D) DETENTS AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL INSERT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TILT STEERING COLUMNS ANDAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION CONTROL INSERTS, STEERING COLUMN.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: SHOULD THE ENGINE START WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE,THE VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE FORWARD AND AN ACCIDENT AND PERSONAL INJURYCOULD RESULT.NOTE: PRIOR TO CORRECTIVE ACTION, DRIVER SHOULD BE CAREFUL TO START THE ENGINEONLY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES PARK (P).
4. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. SOME OF THE FLEXIBLE FIVE-BLADE ENGINE COOLING FANS MAY BE SUBJECT TO HIGH BLADE STRESSES THAT CAN RESULT FROM RESONANT VIBRATION INPUTS OCCURRING DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THIS CAN LEAD TO FATIGUE CRACKING OF THE BLADES. PORTIONS OF THE BLADE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FAN ASSEMBLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE FAN WITH AN IMPROVED FIVE-BLADED VERSION WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 THUNDERBIRD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V144000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: SOME OF THE FLEXIBLE FIVE-BLADE ENGINE COOLING FANS MAY BE SUBJECT TO HIGH BLADE STRESSES THAT CAN RESULT FROM RESONANT VIBRATION INPUTS OCCURRING DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THIS CAN LEAD TO FATIGUE CRACKING OF THE BLADES. PORTIONS OF THE BLADE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FAN ASSEMBLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE FAN WITH AN IMPROVED FIVE-BLADED VERSION WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 351 CID ENGINES AND AIRCONDITIONING.SYSTEM: ENGINE COOLING; FAN.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: BLADE FRAGMENTS PROPELLED FROM A ROTATING FAN MAY CAUSEDAMAGE TO UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS AND PERSONAL INJURY TO BYSTANDERS IF THE HOOD ISOPEN.
5. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. BLADES MAY CRACK AND MAY, OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, LOOSEN FROM FAN ASSEMBLY.
What could happen:
The fix: FAN ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 THUNDERBIRD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V078000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: BLADES MAY CRACK AND MAY, OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, LOOSEN FROM FAN ASSEMBLY.
Consequence:
Remedy: FAN ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 250, 302, 351 OR 400 CIDENGINES AND AIR CONDITIONING.SYSTEM: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FANS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: BLADE PIECES MAY DAMAGE COMPONENTS UNDER THE HOOD. IFHOOD IS OPENED WHILE ENGINE IS OPERATING, PERSONS STANDING NEARBY MAY BEINJURED IF THE FAN BREAKS.NOTE: IMPENDING BLADE FAILURE MAY BE EVIDENCED BY RATTLING OR VIBRATION.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1977 Ford Thunderbird owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
09/05/2000 · Wheels / tires
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH FIRESTONE 500 TIRES, AT LESS THAN 4000 MILES A RECALL WAS MADE AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH NEW FIRESTONE 721'S. CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM PARENTS WITH LESS THAN 15000 MILES, THE CAR IS STORED AND ONLY DRIVEN ONCE EVERY 3 MONTHS. ON A RETURN TRIP THE TREAD CAME OFF THE LEFT REAR TIRE, CONSUMER LOST TEMPORARY CONTRO…