1994 Ford Thunderbird LX from North America - Comments

Constant transmission problems. Been serviced twice. Apparently not uncommon. Always shift rather late and abruptly.

Head Gasket problem (known "recall" from Ford).

3 starters in the past three years.

2 Start switches.

A/C looses coolant every other season (been doing this since purchase). Been inspected several times by several different shops, with no explanation as to where the coolant is going (suspected it is leaking somewhere past the firewall, but huge $ to find exactly where).

Second set of rotors. Numerous pads.

Rubber window seals rotten, causing difficulty rolling down window and sealing when up.

Like many of my associates writing their opinions, I am more disappointed with Ford's customer service than the car itself.

I was never informed of the "recall" related to the head gasket until it failed. This was, no joke, less than 2 days out of Ford's "extended warranty". But this was the final insult, the "recall" extended coverage to 7 years or 100,000 miles. My car had 98,000 miles, but it was December 2000. Ford informed me that this vehicle had a build date of November 1993, and was therefore out of their "recall". I of course argued that it should be base on, at the minimum, actual manufacture date, if not in service date, but excellent customer service prevail, and I got nothing. $1200 later (because I had the mechanic do both), I was back on the road.

It has been riddle with small problems aside from this. Starters, switches, pumps, leaks, squeaks, and odd electrical glitches. A/C is rather annoying, having to add coolant every other season (expect to fill again this summer).

Car shifts hard from first to second, and any gear if you have to get on it, but have gotten the impression from other Ford owners of the same engine and transmission type, that this is common. This has been happening for 70,000 miles, however, I have a queasy feeling it will fail here shortly.

The car also tends to roll down the road, not much transmission braking, so when you take you foot of the gas, be ready to brake. I think this is why rotors/brakes tend to go quickly.

To give some positive feedback, this car is the most comfortable car I have driven. I have taken many long trips in it, and have never been uncomfortable.

It has also never left me stranded, but attest that to diligent mechanical attentiveness and care.

I am third generation Ford family, and I too, will never buy a Ford again. With all of the problems Ford is having with quality and customer service, It amazes me anyone would!

I own a 94 T-bird and have had it since 1997, a very nice car with 125,000 miles.

Yes, the transmission was shuddering when shifting, the dealer shop said that a service document was put out. The fix? Change fluid and filter, cost me 78.00

Head gasket problem? A problem on the v-6s not the 8s.

A/C problems, rotors, pads rotten window seals? Spray your seals with 100% silicone keeps them pretty and pliable. Multiple starters? Dude!! Sounds like you are being taken to the cleaners by your dealer or your backyard shop. FIND A NEW SHOP!

I also own a 1994 Ford Thunderbird and I was a little surprised to find out that other people were experiencing similar problems. I bought my T-bird in 1995 right off the lot with 4 miles on the odometer. The car now has over 198,000 miles on it and I am damn proud of it.

Yes, I have experienced many if not all of the symptoms mentioned above. I had the head gaskets replaced at 105,000 miles (shop found coolant on the plugs and caught it just in time!) The one problem I am experiencing now is the transmission issue. It drops out of overdrive all of a sudden. This has been happening frequently lately. It started about 3 years ago and usually only occurs during the warmer months (between June and August). Then it strangely disappears. I have the tranny fluid changed every 30,000 miles (I put 110 miles on the car a day for work). I have had Ford install tranny "packs" as they call them, twice.

My question is, is there a defined problem here?? Does anyone know of a solution?? The car actually runs perfectly, and still gets 26 miles to the gallon (V6 3.8L LX model) except for the transmission nuisance.

Thanks. Kevin.

Almost identical experience.

1994 with November in-service date. My head gaskets (V6) also blew right after recall dates (was still under miles and years if you went by in-service date). Had to replace front gaskets at my expense. Thanks Ford for ignoring that quality control problem for 5 years.

Until recently, I was randomly losing a lot of coolant somewhere, seemed to stop as weather warmed up. (I fear another gasket problem). Maybe inside firewall? All I can do is add more coolant at this point.

I've had transmission annoyances from beginning. Dealer replace ECM due to poor shifting points. Transmission got more and more sluggish until stopped going when fairly new. Turned out it was some plastic linkage (?) Currently 110k mileage and still having sluggish transmission which I am assuming tranny will just stop one day. I am contemplating a new filter and fluid change.. Maybe reverse pressure fluid flush? Not sure what these "packs" are by dealer. I have noticed on long trips and warm weather the "drop-out" you described. Hasn't happened as much lately, but was quite regular for awhile. I have the most sluggish crappy tranny ever (and the sluggish Ford car computer on top of that) plus Automatic.. Let's just say I'm in it for the comfort now, not the g-forces.

Tons of little Ford (tm) broken things like blower motor ticking (bearings), window seals, windshield rubber, yellowing of headlamp. Most plastic trim parts are broken or loose in the interior. Constant battle with warped rotors. Probably turned or replaced 4 times total. My theory is the rear drums don't actually do anything.

Broken spring and cracked one, one of the struts going bad.

I also have always had random problem with speed sensitive steering. Of course the dealer never found anything or reproduced problem.. Or really worried that my power steering quit while on the highway. At least the Ford Dealers have always been consistent. I still haven't been able to track down the problem. I assume it is the electronics in the speed-sensistive steering that the dealer thought was too expensive to replace :) On certain parallel parking spots or certain sharp banks on the freeway the power assist will just not engage. Then if you back off on it and try again, the hydraulics kick in.

I also have had problems with the plastic shroud around the air intake (prior to air filter). I have had rocks or twigs or pebbles work down to bottom of plastic inner wall which then clogs and rain water running down front fender/edge of hood will fill up the mysterious plastic void (why is this space there?) which is semi-connected to the air filter intake. Needless to say I've opened up my air filter to see a pond and assume my car was basically bubbling air though this water. (Have to then poke around under the bumper to poke into plastic, to drain the mystery plastic void.

I have the alum wheels and have notice slow steady leaks in tires (oxidation?)

3rd generation of Ford owners. I will never buy a Ford again. I laugh every time I see ad campaign "Look Again". Hey Ford, look at this!