Model year guide

2004 Ford Thunderbird

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Ford Thunderbird is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 28 on record.

2004 Ford Thunderbird — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Ford Thunderbird at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints34
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$13,255

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2004 Ford Thunderbird recalls 1

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #04V330000 · 08/07/2004

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

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2004 Ford Thunderbird common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2004 Ford Thunderbird safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Ford Thunderbird 2-DR Convertible w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Ford Thunderbird MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,550

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2004 Ford Thunderbird worth?

Low
$8,500
Typical price
$13,255
High
$18,000

From 28 comparable 2004 Ford Thunderbird listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Ford Thunderbird costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,750
Fuel only$22,750
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Ford Thunderbird trims & engines on record

Trims
Premium · Deluxe
Engines
3.9L 8-cyl 280 hp

2004 Ford Thunderbird vehicles on record

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Other Ford Thunderbird model years

2005 2003 2002 1997 1996 1995 1994 1984

2004 Ford Thunderbird — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Ford Thunderbird have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2004 Ford Thunderbird. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Thunderbird?

Across all 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, engine, power train.

What is the 2004 Ford Thunderbird safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Ford Thunderbird crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Ford Thunderbird get?

The 2004 Ford Thunderbird has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (15 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2004 Ford Thunderbird worth?

Comparable 2004 Ford Thunderbird listings run roughly $8,500–$18,000, typically around $13,255 (from 28 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.