Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
985A603/18/1998601004Some vehicles may cycle when brakes are applied on rough roads or on an incline while making a sharp turn. *yc12/14/2000
9521210/01/199546478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. if petroleum-based grease is used to lubricate any par04/25/1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
985A1803/18/1998601018Some vehicles may exhibit brake roughness (brake pedal pulsation, steering wheel shake and / or nibble) under light brake applications from 105 to 0 km/h (65 to 0 mph). *yc12/08/2000
9919409/20/19996090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt03/06/2000
985A1103/18/1998601009Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums. *yc06/17/1998
9622210/21/199650941Brakes - elimination of sanding rotors and drums - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
985A1303/18/1998601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable. *yc06/17/1998
956203/01/199539900Roughness concern during brake application. *tw11/01/1995
BC889995040104/01/19953010700Unknown11/01/1995
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
981401/19/1998605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *tt07/09/1999
985A503/18/1998601003Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use. *yc06/17/1998
9423511/01/199437731Front disc brake noise while braking. *tw01/06/1995
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
0217609/02/200210008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj08/05/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
07/30/1998208/15/1995
 Brake malfunction due to warped brake rotors.
305/27/1995
 Rotor cause vehicle to vibrate when brakes are applied.
07/10/1995
 Rotors and pads that clamp onto disc warp. this occurs when condinsation and dust particals contact surface area. documented incidents: six. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
05/31/19972400
 Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford thunderbird. the contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the brakes were depressed and his foot slipped from the pedal due to the brake cover fracturing.the contact crashed into another vehicle. there were no injuries. the front end of both vehicles was damaged and a police report was filed. the contact stated that the brake cover was not secured properly and he believed the pedal should have had more rubber to prevent slippage. he no longer owned the vehicle and the vin was not available. the failure mileage was approximately 2,400. the current mileage was approximately 50,000.
05/31/19972400
 Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford thunderbird. the contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the brakes were depressed and his foot slipped from the pedal due to the brake cover fracturing. there were no injuries. the front end of both vehicles was damaged and a police report was filed. the contact stated that the brake cover was not secured properly and he believed the pedal should have had more rubber to prevent slippage. he no longer owned the vehicle and the vin was not available. the failure mileage was approximately 2,400. the current mileage was approximately 50,000.
05/31/19972400
 Tl-the contact owns a 1995 ford thunderbird. while driving approximately 35 mph. he crashed into a vehicle when his foot slipped off of the pedal since the brake cover was not secured properly. the pedal cover should have had more rubber to keep it from slipping off of the pedal. the contact was not injured. the front end of both vehicles were damaged. a police report was filed. the contact no longer owns the vehicle. the failure mileage was approximately 2,400. the current mileage was approximately 50,000.
502/22/1995
 Power steering has frozen momentarily on several occassions and there is also a problem with the brakes shuddering/vibrating when stopping.
02/11/1997412/31/1995
 Brake failure usually at hard breaking.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
11/04/20032
 Consumer stated that she took vehicle to dealer for brake problems. while the mechanic was checking the brakes, he told her that transmission was malfunctioning. consumer stated that when stepping on the gas pedal vehicle hesitated and shook. then, made a funny noise. vehicle had been doing this for a long time. consumer was told by the mechanic that there was a recall on transmission. *ak
12/26/2000304/01/1995
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
105/17/1996
 Vehicle slides on snow while using brakes.
08/01/1998307/01/1998
 I have replaced brakes and rotors twice since owning and need to do it again.the brakes i had put on 6 months ago are now chipping. the brake system on this thunderbisd feels inadequate.seeing the amount of complaints about the brake system on the 95 thunderbird.why isn't something being done about it?
03/15/1999510/01/1995
 I have replaced the front brake pads, however car still has no power brakes and stalls after brakes are depressed. extremely disappointed in paint job!
01/09/1999104/01/1996
 Torque converter piston failure. tourque converter and piston replaced
06/15/1998
 Consumer complaining of brake rotors having to be replaced every 4000 to 5000 miles . this problem has been ongoing. vehicle has been in/out of dealer's shop. warrnty is now expired. dealer will not repair without cost to the consumer.something needs to be done about this problem. *ak
05/14/19982
 Stop & go traffic. vehicle in hit brakes hard. t-bird applied brakes, but brake pedal went to floor, causing vehicle to rearend another. took vehicle to dealer & representative said brakes were out of warranty. *ak
09/12/1997807/01/1995
 Abs brake system failed. also replaced front brake rotors and pads.
09/25/1996106/29/1996
 Abs brakes vibrate and cause vehicle to shake while driving at 35-40 mph. *ak
405/01/1995
 When applying the abs brakes, the vehicle steering wheel started shaking. .*ak
01/17/1996
 Consumer states that when the road is wet the anti-lock brake system does not stop the vehicle, it feels as though the vehicle is sliding on ice, like the vehicle is on roller skates.*ak
 While driving experienced intermittent malfunctioning of the abs brakes, when made attemtpting to slow/stop brake went to far down to stop vehicle, causing extened stopping distance. *ak
03/01/19951
 Anti-lock brakes locked up, ruining all 4 tires. *dsh
07/24/19954
 Abs brake failed, causing accident. *tt
08/01/1995
 Abs, loss of brake effectiveness intermittently when pedal goes to the floor. tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
10/15/19951
 On two occasions in heavy traffic vehicle suddenly lurched forward. dealer was notified. *ak engine roars, consumer would tap the accelerator and would go to the floor, feels as if vehicle is put in neutral. dealer replaced transmission gear shift switch assembly. check engine light came on intermittently. dealer replace 2 o2 sensors and maf sensor. vehicle pulls to right. wheel alignment performed. steering wheel shimmy when applying brakes. prformed front disc/ rear drum brake service. replaced front rotors after brake job due to pulsation. steering column had to be replaced. at times, vehicle will not shutt off. right door lock inoperative. dealer can not duplicate. customer states fluid leak at rear end. right axle seal replaced. passenger head rest rattles over bumps. dealer could not duplicate. consumer states noise from seat when no one is sitting there, dealer states this is normal. seat track covers mising one laying in the rear floor. seat track cover reinstalled. consumer stats there is a pinging noise upon acceleration. dealer suggested higher fuel octane. customer states brake pedal seems low. brakes ok. front end shimmies at 50 to 60 mph. 4 tires balanced. dome light will not come on when driver outside door handle pulled up. temperature and speedomoter light burned was inoperative. dealer replaced instrument cluster bulbs. coolant leak under car and warning light is on. dealer found no leaks and coolant level low. consumer states motor will roar and shift into gear. driver side headlamp burnt out. headlamp replaced. transmission slips when not in overdrive. dealer replaced transmission oil pan and gasket. *tt
 When applying the brakes the car slows down,but will not stop. dealer can't duplicate the problem. *ak
08/17/1995308/18/1995
 A severe vibration occurs while applying the brakes. cannot align the front end to ford motor company specifications. all attemps (27 contacts) to get the manufacturer/dealer to repair, replace, or admitt there is a problem while applying the brakes has been to no avail.. the problem still exist. the car continuous pulls to the right.
06/04/1996410/14/1995
 Brakes and steering problems
07/17/1996508/01/1995
 Vehicle pulls to the left upon braking. also, makes loud popping noises. *ak
07/07/1995
 When brakes are applied the response is too slow. manufacturer has been contacted. car was repaired by dealership before, problems stiil exists. *ak
02/05/1996403/01/1995
 Continuous brake problems, causing rotors, shoes and pads to crack.
05/14/19961
 Upon applying the brakes there was a vibration and brakes failed, vehicle lost control/ went to the left, the person that was driving died. information was given by police officer that took the report . *ak
1
 When applying the brakes, car shakes and there is some popping noise .*ak *jb
09/05/1995107/31/1995
 Brakes vibrate/make noise upon application.
10/01/19950
 During operation, when the brakes are applied, the vehicle slows down, then a sudden acceleration is experienced. this problem has occurred 3 times, this only has taking place when the vehicle slows down. *ak
12/29/1995
 When trying to stop vehicle, brakes feel like an washboard and not even. *ak
04/16/19966
 Brakes failed. *sd
02/14/19964
 Front brakes vibrate. *sd
11/27/1995
 Brakes are grabbing while braking, experienced total loss of braking. tt
 Brake makes noise had the whole system replace . tt
 No warning, applied brakes pedal descended partially then completely. tow mechanic poured brake fluid in with no increase in pressure. please describe detail.
 Brakes are grinding and popping noise-has been in shop 6 times since purchase. tt
06/07/19951
 Braking system had to be replaced twice because it crystalized. would vibrate and was difficult to stop. tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
09/10/1996607/01/1995
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/30/1995104/01/1995
 Car would vibrate when changing gears or trying to change gears, particularly from 3rd-4th gears. vibrated violently at high speed when excelerating for decelerating. braking at high speed caused the car front to shake and steering wheel to vibrate cause the car to uncontrollable. sudden braking caused the car to pull strongly to the right. failure of the engine cooling fan module caused the fan not to shut off when ingnition was turned off.*ak
05/01/1996211/01/1995
 Brakes shutter on application first time dealer cut the rotors and told us they where a poor composite. why have they not been recalled and why will ford not replace them? i've looked at the complaints we are not the only ones
04/21/1998103/01/1998
 Blower motor sticks on high or fails to work when auto is selected on the switch -- ref. 1996 t-bird recall.; when brakes are applied when moving forward a popping sound is heard. no obvious brake problems exist.
09/12/1997807/01/1995
 Abs brake system failed. also replaced front brake rotors and pads.
506/07/1995
 Front disc brakes failed 5 times. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
05/15/1996111/17/1995
 Brake calipers failed.
02/11/1997412/31/1995
 Right front calipers/rotors failed.
09/28/1995
 Brake system: brakes start making a noise, and when applying the brakes, driver has to push the brakes completely to the floor in order to stop. had to have brake shoes put on 6 times, calipers 0ne time and rotors replaced and machined three times. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
06/30/2001209/01/1995
 Vehicle will stall without prior warning. when at stop light consumer would put vehicle in neutral. dealership was aware of the problem.*ak dealer stated ignition system had shorted out resulting in spark plugs being burned, dealer replaced the ignition switch and spark plugs, consumer states there are still problems and now the engine is misfiring, consumer stated there was a recall regarding the ignition switch problems, however dealer informed that this vin is not included. fan belt replaced. front and rear brake pads replaced. *slc
07/23/1998102/20/1996
 Brake pads failed.
04/29/19963
 Brake pad material not mating to respective surfaces causing the rotors to warp and damage resulting in extreme vibration.
03/12/1997
 When driving the vehicle the brakes are making a lot of noise, and consumer can smell a little of smoke burning from the brakes. consumer has to replace the pads on the brakes and that ford has to replace the brakes. *ak
2
 Brake pads failed.
07/10/1995
 Rotors and pads that clamp onto disc warp. this occurs when condinsation and dust particals contact surface area. documented incidents: six. *ak
09/28/1995
 Brake system: brakes start making a noise, and when applying the brakes, driver has to push the brakes completely to the floor in order to stop. had to have brake shoes put on 6 times, calipers 0ne time and rotors replaced and machined three times. *ak
07/01/1996104/29/1996
 Brake calipers/pads replaced.
 After three days of having the car the rotors needed to be replaced, three month afterwards brake pads needed to be replaced . please describe . *ak
11/01/1996302/17/1996
 Replaced front warped brake rotors; also, replaced worn out pads. *ak
08/29/1996601/13/1995
 Brake rotors warp/brake pads wear irregularly, causing vehicle to shimmy.
06/12/1996508/14/1995
 Every (3,255) miles vehicle requires a new brake job. warped rotors, causing brakes to vibrate, also replaced worn pads/shoes. *ak
08/16/1996609/01/1995
 When the brakes are applied. noise/ pulling and vibration is experienced. rotors and pads have been replaced.*ak
4
 Replaced brake pads. ak
09/04/19953
 Steering wheel shimmies and the brakes grind when you apply the brakes. replaced rotors, drums and brake pads (3) times. *ak
 The brake pads are melting, when stopping the steering shakes and pulls to the side . tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
02/02/19983
 The brake rotors in two years have been replaced 3 times, however continues to have bad vibration and shaking on braking, due to possible design defect (thunderbirds). *et
509/01/1995
 Had to replace front rotors on this vehicle 5 times - should have done it more - i just put up with the shaking/vibrations. *ak
08/01/1995307/01/1995
 Rotors warped replaced 3 times in 50000 and bad again /extended stopping distance . is there a fix for this trouble ford dealers are no help thanks. *ak
04/29/1999202/04/1998
 Brake rotors failure, makes roaring noise. yh
01/01/19964
 While driving at 65 mph, the vehicle jumped out of overdrive and went into drive. also, when applying the brakes, the front of the vehicle is shaking and vibrating due to warped rotors. consumer had rotors replaced four times, and the dealer can't determine the problem. *ak
03/19/1997302/20/1996
 Brake rotors needed turning several times however continued to experience problems, due to warping.
04/01/1996
 Brake rotors warped and needed to be replaced about 4 times, causing serious vibration and extended stopping distance. please provide further information and vin#. *ak
09/28/199802/15/1998
 Brake rotors / drums failed, causing extreme vibration/pulsation.
1
 Brake rotors warped at time of delivery.
03/25/1997403/22/1997
 Front end shakes and knocking or grinding sound is heard during application of brakes. rotors have been turned and replaced. problem has returned after each repair. front rotors seem to be inadequate for weight of car.
06/15/1998
 Consumer complaining of brake rotors having to be replaced every 4000 to 5000 miles . this problem has been ongoing. vehicle has been in/out of dealer's shop. warrnty is now expired. dealer will not repair without cost to the consumer.something needs to be done about this problem. *ak
10/31/1994
 Warped brake rotors, causing brakes to shimmy. *ak
3
 Front brake rotors continue to warp, causing vehicle to shimmy. *ak
610/18/1996
 Brakes squeal and car shimmies when brakes are applied due to out of round rotors.
03/28/1996111/17/1995
 Brake rotors failed.
08/31/1994
 Front brake rotors warped because they did not meet the specification requirements regarding minimum thickness. *ak
12/18/1995
 Brakes rotors/disc drums have been replaced five times since purchasing the vehicle in oct of 95. took to dealer and was told that they are having lots of problems with the 95 thunderbird, and they can't fix the problem. *ak
04/01/1997207/03/1996
 Warped front end rotors, causing front end to vibrate at highway speeds when brakes are applied. *ak
07/10/1995
 Rotors and pads that clamp onto disc warp. this occurs when condinsation and dust particals contact surface area. documented incidents: six. *ak
09/16/1995
 Brakes: when driving the brakes vibrate, and the vehicle pulls left or right erratically. vehicle has been to dealer seven times and they say it's the rotors. *ak
02/11/1997412/31/1995
 Right front calipers/rotors failed.
09/28/1995
 Brake system: brakes start making a noise, and when applying the brakes, driver has to push the brakes completely to the floor in order to stop. had to have brake shoes put on 6 times, calipers 0ne time and rotors replaced and machined three times. *ak
 Owner states that he is having problems with his brakes, his brakes shimmy when they are used and that there is a constant needto replace brake rotors. *ak
08/01/1996104/29/1996
 Brake rotors replaced.
01/15/19965
 When applying brakes, pedal goes to floor, causing extended stopping distances; also, dealer replaced rotors/brake shoes and master cylinder, still an intermittent problem. vehicle available for inspection. *ak
 After three days of having the car the rotors needed to be replaced, three month afterwards brake pads needed to be replaced . please describe . *ak
11/01/1996302/17/1996
 Replaced front warped brake rotors; also, replaced worn out pads. *ak
 Rotors warped and locked up, taken car to dealer on eight different ocassions. please describe . *ak
06/12/1996508/14/1995
 Every (3,255) miles vehicle requires a new brake job. warped rotors, causing brakes to vibrate, also replaced worn pads/shoes. *ak
08/29/1996601/13/1995
 Brake rotors warp/brake pads wear irregularly, causing vehicle to shimmy.
08/16/1996609/01/1995
 When the brakes are applied. noise/ pulling and vibration is experienced. rotors and pads have been replaced.*ak
106/20/1995
 Warped front brake rotors, causing brakes to vibrate when applied. *ak
09/04/19953
 Steering wheel shimmies and the brakes grind when you apply the brakes. replaced rotors, drums and brake pads (3) times. *ak
5
 Replaced brake rotors. *ak
04/26/1996
 Rotors has been replaced twice already.please describe. *ak
08/21/19951
 Warped brake rotors, causing shimmy upon braking. *ak
08/02/19952
 Brake rotors failed. *ak
08/04/1995
 The rotors have been turned twice. the steering wheel vibrates when the brakes are going out. please describe. tt
06/23/1995
 When brakes applied, vehicle vibrates uncontrollable, second dealer said the rotors are warped, 1st dealer said let us turn them, the vehicle is 2weeks old.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
10/15/2005148890110/01/2005
 Dt: the contact stated while backing out of driveway the rear brakes squeaked. there was an intense grinding noise. at 40 mph the steering wheel shook. the contact has not taken the vehicle to a dealer for inspection . no repairs have been made at this time. *ak updated 1/4/2006 - the tries just needed to ne balanced and rotated. the rear brake drums would grind when the brakes were pressed. *nm
11/23/1995310/01/1995
 The brakes have been repaired several times by the dealer but they continued to warp and finally my warrenty and my patience ended. you can only lose so much time from work to repair a car. in its first four months the dealer had the car as much as i did.
12/29/1997210/01/1996
 This vehicle has recieved major service requiring in excess of 60 days of shop time, five times alone for the transmission .
05/31/1996111/17/1995
 Drums failed.
03/14/1996107/31/1995
 Brake drums replaced.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM
09/28/199802/15/1998
 Brake rotors / drums failed, causing extreme vibration/pulsation.
12/18/1995
 Brakes rotors/disc drums have been replaced five times since purchasing the vehicle in oct of 95. took to dealer and was told that they are having lots of problems with the 95 thunderbird, and they can't fix the problem. *ak
10/05/19953
 Drum brakes; when the rear brakes are applied the brakes do not work and theres not much resistance with the pedal. *ak intermitten loss of brake pedal, rear brakes do not engage no total loss of brakes, service response never examined master cylinder system, when first noticed the brake pedal traveled further towards fire wall and made a distinctive clicking noise, dealer said no problem, found as brake pedal does not always go to floor ,rear brake assemblies have always had grabing , clunking sound and have had parts replaced.*jb
09/04/19953
 Steering wheel shimmies and the brakes grind when you apply the brakes. replaced rotors, drums and brake pads (3) times. *ak
08/22/19952
 Brake drums failed, causing brakes to grind upon braking. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
01/15/19965
 When applying brakes, pedal goes to floor, causing extended stopping distances; also, dealer replaced rotors/brake shoes and master cylinder, still an intermittent problem. vehicle available for inspection. *ak
06/12/1996508/14/1995
 Every (3,255) miles vehicle requires a new brake job. warped rotors, causing brakes to vibrate, also replaced worn pads/shoes. *ak
4
 Replaced brake pads. ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
11/25/1996112/17/1994
 Master cylinder replaced.
01/15/19965
 When applying brakes, pedal goes to floor, causing extended stopping distances; also, dealer replaced rotors/brake shoes and master cylinder, still an intermittent problem. vehicle available for inspection. *ak