The Triumph Thunderbird spans 1994–2023 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Triumph Thunderbird — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Triumph Thunderbird is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1994 to 2023 across multiple generations.
How to read a Triumph Thunderbird VIN — every digit explained
Every Triumph Thunderbird carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Triumph and the country it was built in (real Triumph codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Thunderbird.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- UKSAT · SMT
- Brazil97N
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Thunderbird, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Triumph Thunderbird have?
The Triumph Thunderbird has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2023. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Triumph Thunderbird
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Triumph Thunderbird — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Triumph Thunderbird problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Triumph Thunderbird — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Triumph Thunderbird specifications & dimensions
The 2023 Triumph Thunderbird. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Triumph Thunderbird window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Triumph Thunderbird cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Thunderbird holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Triumph Thunderbird tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Triumph Thunderbird get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Triumph Thunderbird have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Triumph Thunderbird cost to own?
A Triumph Thunderbird depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Thunderbird is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Thunderbird loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Thunderbird ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Triumph Thunderbird safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Thunderbird yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Triumph Thunderbird last?
A well-maintained Triumph Thunderbird typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Triumph Thunderbird’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Thunderbird’s VIN free →All Triumph Thunderbird model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Triumph Thunderbird — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2022 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2018 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2017 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2015 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2014 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2013 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2012 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2011 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2003 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2002 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 Thunderbird | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Thunderbird?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Triumph Thunderbird.
How many recalls does the Thunderbird have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2023. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Thunderbird last?
A well-maintained Thunderbird typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Thunderbird reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Triumph Thunderbird — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Triumph Thunderbird warranty?
New Triumph models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Triumph dealer.
Where is the Triumph Thunderbird made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Thunderbird's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Triumph may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Thunderbird have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.