Three problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 1996 Ford Thunderbird. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
3. 8 cylinder head failure.
While driving at any speed or at an idle the vehicle experienced a power serge or loss of power (TSB 870197). Rpms jumped from 500 to 1100 at idle.
Consumer started vehicle while parked in garage. Placed gear in reverse with foot applied to brake and car suddenly accelerated, in reverse, crashing into closed garage door. Consumer turned off ignition, restarted car and placed gear in drive to move forward. Vehicle suddenly accelerated again crashing into forward wall of garage. Incident caused over $7000 in damage to vehicle and $4000 damage to consumer's home. Vehicle's engine had previously surged without warning while driving. Dealer inspected was not able to determine cause. Ts.