Model year record

1989 Ford Thunderbird

4 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 147 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

Component
Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
7,900,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-04-25
Owners notified
1996-06-07

Defect description

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Recall campaignNHTSA 89V081000

Service brakes, air: disc: caliper

Component
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
113,200
Reported to NHTSA
1989-05-19
Owners notified
1989-06-09

Defect description

DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, THERE MAY BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL FOLLOWING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS.

Safety risk

THIS COULD CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCETHAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

INSTALL ACORN TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT NUTS TO ELIMINATE STABILIZER BAR TO BRAKE CALIPER CONTACT.

Recall campaignNHTSA 89V080000

Suspension: rear: springs

Component
Suspension: rear: springs
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
10,600
Reported to NHTSA
1989-05-19
Owners notified
1989-06-09

Defect description

IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE AT THEAFFECTED WHEEL WITH AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE KNUCKLES THAT HAVE THE AFFECTED LOT CODES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 88V165000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
124
Reported to NHTSA
1988-10-18
Owners notified
1988-10-07

Defect description

PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.

Safety risk

FUEL OR VAPOR COULD LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEFIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE FUEL TANK.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Vehicle speed control1986,899 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip11
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood9
Seat belts960,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline8
Electrical system: ignition: switch6
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly6
Engine and engine cooling: engine5
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor4
Tires: tread/belt4
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal4
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator3
Electrical system: ignition3
Power train: automatic transmission3
Seat belts: front: retractor3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2
Seats: front assembly: power adjust2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2
Unknown or other2
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs2
Electrical system1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1
Engine and engine cooling1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Exterior lighting: fog lights1
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Power train1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Seat belts: front1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Steering1
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: rack and pinion1
Structure: body: door1
Suspension: front1
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1
Suspension: rear: springs: air suspension system: lines and fittings1
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1
Visibility: power window devices and controls1
Wheels1

The 1988 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1990 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.