Carlexica

1995 Ford Thunderbird: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 261 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (33% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009

1
recalls
261
owner complaints
11
fire reports
68,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

One of the most complained-about Thunderbird years (#3 of 12, age-adjusted)Weak spot: service brakes, hydraulic (33%)11 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 261 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)33% · 84 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)17% · 43 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)13% · 32 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)6% · 16 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)5% · 14 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)4% · 11 complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the battery and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.Owner report · Engine · May 2016
When making a left hand turn out of our neighborhood, the steering wheel locked up causing my 16 year old daughter to lose control and run head on into a parked car. *trOwner report · Steering · Oct 2011
Driver's side electric seat burst into flame. Driver(owner) sustained severe burns that characterize as life threatening, and required admission to the burn center at unc hospital. Pt was not smoking and can not identify any reason why there would have been a fire in his car. *trOwner report · Electrical System · Apr 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
The sun roof of my 1995 ford thunderbird blew off my car as I was driving down the highway, the brackets that held it up broke off and the glass went flying across traffic. *trOwner report · Visibility · Mar 2009
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated within minutes of being started. He noticed thick, white smoke coming from the tailpipe and the "low coolant" warning indicator light illuminated. The repair shop stated that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 69,000 and failure mileage was 68,000.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2007
Dt: the contact stated while backing out of driveway the rear brakes squeaked. There was an intense grinding noise. At 40 mph the steering wheel shook. The contact has not taken the vehicle to a dealer for inspection . No repairs have been made at this time. *ak updated 1/4/2006 - the tries just needed to ne balanced and rotated. The rear brake drums would grind when the brakes were pressed. *nmOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2005
Dt: 1995 ford thunderbird 3.8. The consumer complained about an engine problem on october 3, 2005. Took vehicle to a ford dealership, they wanted $4600 to put in a new engine. In december 2003 vehicle was leaking antifreeze from timing chain gasket. Had vehicle repaired immediately. Vehicle was not involved in any accident nor have there been any property damage. Police have never been notified. Vehicle has only 32,000 miles on it. The vehicle still has the original engine . The consumer called ford motor company, and they said the warranty expired. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2005
Dt: air bag light kept coming on and off. Took car to hertz, and they said it had a short to ground. Was told there was a blown fuse in the module. Dealer said it was not on recall. Manufacturer said to contact dealer.*ak consumer states that replacing the fuse in the module will not help for long unless wiring is replaced. *sb *nmOwner report · Air Bags · May 2005
Ford 1995 thunderbird caught on fire. It was parked early in the morning. No keys in the ignition. *ak the right front tire exploded from the flames shooting out from the right front wheel well. The fire spread to the inside passenger compartment. The power antenna motor had not worked properly for years. Ten days later before the fire, the power door locks failed and the fuse was replaced. The door lock power function was restored and the fuse was replaced. The fuse was being checked for being too hot to touch. *sc *jbOwner report · Electrical System · Apr 2005
During routine maintenances both front coil springs were found to be broken. Both springs were broken in the same manner and location. The car only has 45,000 miles on it! *nmOwner report · Suspension · Apr 2005

When filing, owners marked a crash in 25 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

EXTERIOR LIGHTING09E012000 · Apr 2009

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.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1995 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

NHTSA has 261 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1995 Ford Thunderbird. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (33% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1995 Ford Thunderbird problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,000 miles or less.

Does the 1995 Ford Thunderbird have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.