1990 Ford Thunderbird: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 140 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2020
“[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”Owner report · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · Jun 2014
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2005
“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”Owner report · Tires · May 2004
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2003
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2001
“Ignition fails to shut vehicle off and engine continues to run. Dealership has not examined vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2000
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2000
“Ford has ceased manufacture of needed part and has colluded with aftermarket manufacturer to remove all similar parts from independent parts suppliers. This is a recall situation needing immediate attention. It is already the subject of a court action in california where a judge of the alameda county superior court is about to rule on a recall of this particular ignition module. Ford's dealers claim the part will not be available until early 2001!!! This situation is preposterous and has already cost me in excess of $1500 in rental car bills. Your immediate help with this ,please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Thunderbird by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
NHTSA has 140 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Ford Thunderbird. The most complained-about area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Ford Thunderbird problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 87,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Ford Thunderbird have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.