1990 Ford Thunderbird
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Thunderbird › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Ford Thunderbird. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1990 Ford Thunderbird. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
The nuts which hold windshield wiper motor to the wiper module may not have been sufficiently tightened and may loosen or come off. This causes changed wiper patterns, or the wipers may jam if two of the three nuts come off.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Changes in the wiper pattern or jamming of the wiperswould result in reduced driver visibilty in inclement weather conditions.
Remedy
Apply torque retention material to wiper motor studs and nuts and retorque.
Battery to starter cables are longer than specified; excessive cable length could contact engine damper pulley.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Cable protective covering and insulation could wear through and cause a direct short to ground, resulting in overheating of the cable insulation and possibly a underhood fire.
Remedy
Replace battery to starter cable with correct length cable.
Owner complaints
140 complaints8 involved a crash19 involved a fire8 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
The contact owns a 1990 Ford Thunderbird equipped with Goodyear Tire, Tire Line: Viva 3 A/S, Tire Size: 250/70/R15, DOT Number: PJ34KB1R0219. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she became aware that the rear driver’s side tire was shaking abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to the…
The contact owns a 1990 Ford Thunderbird equipped with Goodyear Tire, Tire Line: Viva 3 A/S, Tire Size: 250/70/R15, DOT Number: PJ34KB1R0219. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she became aware that the rear driver’s side tire was shaking abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to the Walmart where the tires were purchased and was informed that there were blisters on each tire and the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility
[Xxx] need your help her car was stolen and not returned witness [xxx][xxx] and witness ABS order[xxx] location campus police fsu sba building 1(910)672-1726 more information robert hassell campus police car was parked and locked student[xxx] car was taken not returned asking for car recall [xxx]…
[Xxx] need your help her car was stolen and not returned witness [xxx][xxx] and witness ABS order[xxx] location campus police fsu sba building 1(910)672-1726 more information robert hassell campus police car was parked and locked student[xxx] car was taken not returned asking for car recall [xxx] [xxx] to start process victim[xxx] IS waiting for settlement at [xxx] or [xxx] thanks. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *js
- Electrical system › Ignition · Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 mph on dry flat road conditions, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. the brakes were applied and kept the vehicle from further accelerating. the vehicle pulled over without incident. the contact let the vehicle cool down for an hour, and then drove…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 mph on dry flat road conditions, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. the brakes were applied and kept the vehicle from further accelerating. the vehicle pulled over without incident. the contact let the vehicle cool down for an hour, and then drove to the residence. the contact noticed a nhtsa recall#96v071000 regarding electrical system: ignition on the nhtsa website. the service dealer was contacted and determined the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. the contact expressed that many fuses have blown out due to this ignition problem, and sometimes a clicking sound was heard coming from the steering column when making turns to either side.
- Electrical system › Ignition
1. Just suddenly started occurring. 2. Re: campaign ID # 96v071000, I have an ignition problem with my 1990 ford thunderbird but was told by ford my vin does not apply to recall. Although no fire, I believe there IS some sort of short circuit in my ignition switch. The automatic seat-belt will, at…
1. Just suddenly started occurring. 2. Re: campaign ID # 96v071000, I have an ignition problem with my 1990 ford thunderbird but was told by ford my vin does not apply to recall. Although no fire, I believe there IS some sort of short circuit in my ignition switch. The automatic seat-belt will, at unpredictable times, not move into position when ignition switch IS turned and at the same time the engine will turn over normally but will not start. "Every time" seat belt doesn't work, engine will not start. 3. Have not been able to make any repairs, yet. *jb
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables
Engine fire
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Fuel leak from fuel tank when full . Dangerous , could cause a fire . Auto IS parked in a garage inside of my house . Unable to fill tank because of condition . Ford will not repair . Around 45,000 miles , never in accident & fuel system never worked on . I think this IS very negligent on ford's part .*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Car was backed out of garage. while in reverse, the engine began racing wide open, went across 2 driveways and hit another vehicle. brakes would not stop it and would not go out of reverse. the only way to stop it was impact and turning the ignition off. this all took place in about 3 seconds.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire failure of a firestone fr410, p215/70r15 97S, dot hyme 41A 159. no road hazard. rf tire exploded. 32-35 psi checked 7 days prior. firestone investigation claims puncture caused failure. puncture occurred from tire material when stopping.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Your assistance IS required in resolving the following problem with a dangerous and claimed unrepairable braking system on this 1990 ford thunderbird super coupe vin#[xxx]. This vehicle was manufactured with an ABS braking system that IS dangerous upon failure. this ABS system upon failure results…
Your assistance IS required in resolving the following problem with a dangerous and claimed unrepairable braking system on this 1990 ford thunderbird super coupe vin#[xxx]. This vehicle was manufactured with an ABS braking system that IS dangerous upon failure. this ABS system upon failure results in the "complete" loss of braking on this vehicle and poses a serious threat of injury to unsuspecting occupants operating this vehicle. This vehicle IS equipped with the early tevis II anti-lock braking system which has been described by ford brake technicians as the "worst" braking system ever installed on a vehicle to repair. Unlike other ABS braking systems, which allow a vehicle's hydraulic braking system to continue to function with a failure in the ABS portion of the system, this vehicle's "entire brake system fails" with the loss of its ABS component. Ford was apparently aware of this defect and apparent danger, because this system was upgraded only after approximately 3-years of production. I have spent over $2,000.00 over the last 2 years on this braking system. I initially took it to a pearson's ford in san diego california in 2001 for brake system repair and upon receiving the vehicle from dealer, I experienced a problem with the ABS warning light coming on periodically while driving the vehicle. I returned it to the dealership on several occasions and the dealer stated that they could not find the problem. They suggested I continue to drive the vehicle. I continued to drive the vehicle upon pearson ford's recommendation until I experienced a full system failure. Theodore robbins ford of costa mesa california has attempted repairs and the system has failed after each repair. They still have the vehicle. Ford states they no longer support this brake system and did not see a need to issue any alerts or recalls on this system, which discontinued. your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Vehicle speed control
The vehicle experienced sudden acceleration when the vehicle was shifted from park to drive which caused the vehicle to drive through a garage smashing the wall. *nlm
- Seat belts
The automatic driver side seat belt did not retract and the consumer had to drive without a seat belt. *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When coming to a stop driver's side wheel will lock up when applying ABS brakes. Dealer notified.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring
Wires in steering wheel caught on fire.*ak during the fire the consumer son was injured. *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving engine overheated. vehicle was serviced. technician stated engine head gasket needed to be replaced. Please provide further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle will shut off without prior warning. stop and go in and out of traffic. dealership will pick it up.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Modual first failed sep 00. car lost power steering and brakes at 60 mph. car was parked from sep 00 to 26 july 01 while ford got part. new moduel was installed 26 july 01 and failed 8 aug 01 again at 60 mph without power steering or brakes. ford dealer IS now looking for a new one. part was listed at $100.00 at time of sep 00 failure. Modual obtained in jul 01 that failed in aug 01 cost $306.00
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition fails to shut vehicle off and engine continues to run. dealership has not examined vehicle. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Reporting a second reoccurring failure with brakr master cyinder, first failure occurred at 80,000 miles, and again currently. dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
You know my husband and his friend had no idea ont his car that the brakes went out, until they were getting off the interstate, and it was too late. wrecked into a semi-truck, that guy IS lucky- so IS my husband and his friend. I think this sghould be an issue of concern. thanks. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Replaced defective engine head gasket. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Brake module cost $1,400 should not have failed. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
I did not know who to contact about this; I have angered a vigilante group. the group, which I believe to be the klan, are driving their open bed pickup trucks in front of me with open containers of something, I suspect to be a cancer causing pesticide. it IS plugging up my air filters, which I…
I did not know who to contact about this; I have angered a vigilante group. the group, which I believe to be the klan, are driving their open bed pickup trucks in front of me with open containers of something, I suspect to be a cancer causing pesticide. it IS plugging up my air filters, which I have saved. I want you to take this complaint seriously and test the air filters to determine the agent that IS being used to accost me. it won't cost you very much and it could point out a problem that could save many lives. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle IS waiting for repairs to the ignition module, consumer IS waiting for the parts before the repair IS made. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
While traveling at any speed without any indicatin vehicle would stall. Please provide further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
No summary
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Faulty seatbelt buckles
There is no summary currently available
- Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
- Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
- Hood latches fail
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3010700Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 618546Subject regarding climate control - eatc - blower motor control service tips.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606451Information on "whining" / "buzzing" noise coming through entertainment or two-way radio speaker caused by the fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 46471A 'groaning' noise may come from the front power windows after the glass IS powered full up. This noise IS caused by improper lubrication on the window regulator mechanism sliding surfaces. The grease gets wiped off from sliding surfaces during normal operation. Apply teflon lubricant (d2az-19590-a) to the window regulator mechanism.
- 45934Temperature gauge - fluctuating and /or inaccurate high readings.
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39904Revised oil pan gasket.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39717Wiper motor replacement - upgraded service kits.
Every Ford Thunderbird model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.