NHTSA Complaint #10549141 — 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD

LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING AN ONGOING THROTTLE PROBLEM WITH HIS 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD; INFORMATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA THAT MAY BE THE BASES OF A RECALL OF THE THUNDERBIRD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN EARLY AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, A YELLOW MECHANIC WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AT THE TIME OF START UP. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER. AFTER A COMPLETE CHECK-UP, THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FAILED TO REVEAL ANYTHING WRONG. THE NEXT DAY, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHILE PASSING A SLOW MOVING TRUCK, THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE SAFE MODE AND IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONCE THE CONSUMER MADE IT TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT RUNNING, SO THE MECHANIC COULD DO A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. IT WAS DETERMINED AFTER TESTING, THE THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WERE DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $964.27. UPDATED 03/31/14