← Back to Search

2004 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe

The 2004 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe is a 280-hp 3.9-liter V8 with a 5-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $38,040 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 286 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Thunderbird measures 186.3 inches long on a 107.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,780 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$38,040 ($65,447 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.9L Jaguar AJ35 DOHC V8
Displacement3.9 L
Horsepower280 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque286 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
Injection TypeSequential multi-port fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed automatic (SelectShift manual-shift mode optional)
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway21 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tank Capacity18 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17"
Wheels Rear17"
Tires FrontP235/50R17
Tires RearP235/50R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length186.3 in
Width72 in
Height52.1 in
Wheelbase107.2 in
Curb Weight3,780 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.2 in
Legroom Front42.7 in
Shoulder Room Front57.3 in
Hip Room Front53.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2004 Ford Thunderbird 2-DR Convertible w/SAB

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jul 8, 2004 · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence: THE SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

NHTSA campaign 04V330000

34 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2004 Ford THUNDERBIRD

Owner Complaints

34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford THUNDERBIRD (5 mention a crash, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Vehicle Speed Control9
Engine7
Power Train7
Engine And Engine Cooling5
Electrical System4
Air Bags3
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 27, 2021 · Engine
“The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact approached a stop sign and the vehicle stopped as needed; however, after the contact…”
Oct 14, 2020 · Vehicle Speed Control
“HAVE REPLACED VIA FORD DEALER THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR TWICE. FIRST REPAIR 2007. SECOND REPAIR 2014, AND NOW IN 2020. I AM FACING SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY THE CONTROL SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE. THE…”
Aug 26, 2020 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL ODOR APPEARED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN…”
May 4, 2017 · Engine
“2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS CAUSES ENGINE TO MIS-FIRE, DEALERSHIP REPLACED DEFECTIVE COILS UNDER EXTENDED ONE-TIME WARRANTY REPAIR. CONSUMER STATES…”
Jan 20, 2017 · Engine
“VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY LOST POWER UPON MILD ACCELERATION ON A CITY STREET AND DEVELOPED A ROUGH, SKIPPING AND HESITANT IDLE UPON WARM UP. WE IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR EVALUATION AT THE SARAT…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search