1985 Ford Thunderbird problems
The Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company from model years 1955 to 2005 (with a 1997–2002 hiatus), across 11 generations. Introduced as a two-seat convertible, the Thunderbird was offered variously as a four-seat hardtop coupe, four-seat convertible, five-seat convertible and hardtop, four-door pillared hardtop sedan, six-passenger hardtop coupe, and five-passenger pillared coupe, with the final generation designed again as a two-seat convertible.
Ford targeted the two-seat Thunderbird as an upscale model, but the 1958 model year design introduced a rear seat and arguably marked the expansion of a market segment eventually known as personal luxury cars, positioned to emphasize comfort and convenience over handling and high-speed performance.
Overview
The Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car. Ford positioned the Thunderbird as an upscale model and it is credited in developing a new market segment, the personal luxury car. For 1958, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a second row of seats. Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. Sales were good until the 1990s when large two-door coupes became unpopular. Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005.
From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.
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Common 1985 Ford Thunderbird problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1985 Ford Thunderbird, the common problems reported are as follows:
- Fuel System Issues:
Owners have reported problems related to the fuel system. This could encompass issues with fuel delivery, fuel lines, fuel pumps, or fuel injectors. Such problems can lead to poor engine performance, stalling, or difficulty starting the vehicle. - Lighting Problems:
Complaints regarding lighting issues have been noted. This may involve problems with headlights, taillights, turn signals, or interior lighting. Faulty lighting components can compromise visibility and safety while driving. - Seats Concerns:
Owners have raised complaints about seat-related problems. This could include issues with seat adjustment mechanisms, seat comfort, or seat material wear and tear. Malfunctioning seats can affect the driver's comfort and safety. - Electrical Troubles:
Electrical issues have been reported by Thunderbird owners. These problems may involve issues with the vehicle's electrical system, such as faulty wiring, battery problems, or issues with electrical components like power windows or the stereo system. - Steering Difficulties:
Complaints related to steering problems have been highlighted. Steering issues can encompass problems with the power steering system, steering responsiveness, or steering components. Faulty steering can compromise the vehicle's handling and safety. - Transmission Challenges:
Owners have reported transmission-related problems. This could involve issues with gear shifting, transmission fluid leaks, or transmission failure. Transmission problems can lead to drivability issues and potential safety hazards. - Braking Concerns:
Complaints regarding brake issues have been noted. This may include problems with the brake system, such as brake pad wear, brake fluid leaks, or brake component malfunctions. Brake problems can compromise the vehicle's stopping power and safety. - Engine Troubles:
Some owners have reported engine-related problems. This could involve issues with engine performance, engine overheating, or engine component failures. Engine problems can lead to poor vehicle performance and potential breakdowns.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Ford Thunderbird highlight a range of issues that can affect the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Addressing these problems promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.
What is the most valuable year Thunderbird?
A: The highest recorded sale was $495,000 for a 1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE on Jan 27 2023.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Ford Thunderbird have?
By 1985, Ford increased the engine's output to 155 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. If you're so inclined, the stout, all-iron four banger can take a lot more boost.
Is the Ford Thunderbird collectible?
The Ford Thunderbird holds a particular spot in the hearts of collectors and devotees. Its verifiable importance, notable plan, and memorable varieties have made it a profoundly sought-after exemplary vehicle.
What is the most valuable year Thunderbird?
A: The highest recorded sale was $495,000 for a 1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE on Jan 27 2023.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Ford Thunderbird have?
By 1985, Ford increased the engine's output to 155 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. If you're so inclined, the stout, all-iron four banger can take a lot more boost.
How long did the Ford Thunderbird last?
Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005. From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.
Why did Ford stop making the Thunderbird?
It wasn't a terrible car, but a sad interior combined with divisive styling meant that the Thunderbird's best days were behind it. According to Hagerty, sales dropped off in 2003, with under 15,000 Thunderbirds leaving the dealership lot. Its last model year was 2005.
1985 Ford Thunderbird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Thunderbird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
- Other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Ford Thunderbird complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford Thunderbird.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
- VIN: 1FABP46F0FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON TURNING ON THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH A KEY, I BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL. I TURNED OFF IGNITION AND INSPECTED THE SOURCE WHICH SEEM TO COME FROM STEERING COLUMN. AFTER REMOVING THE STEERING WHEEL COVER, I NOTICE THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH UNIT HAD BLACK BURNT LOOKING PLACES ON IT. I DECIDED TO REMOVE THE UNIT AND REPLACE IT. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY OF OUR HOME. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
- VIN: 1FABP46F3FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY FIRST COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WHILE ATEMPTING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY DIED AS IF I HAD TURNED OFF THE KEY. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND JUST BARELY AVOIDED BEING HIT. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART UNLESS I JIGGLED THE KEY. I CALLED A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT THE TOLD ME HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE SWITCH AND THE CAR IS RUNNING FINE NOW. HOWEVER IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO REMOVE THE SWITCH DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HAD MELTED TO THE WIRING HARNESS. I STILL HAVE THE PART IN MY POSSESSION. MY OTHER COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE STATOR PICK-UP ASSEMBLY UNDER THE BASE OF THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP. NOT ONCE BUT TWICE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS ASSEMBLY DUE THE FACT THAT IT HAD MELTED AND FELL APART. IN THIS INSTANCE MY FAMILY WAS WITH ME AT A VERY DANGEROUS INTERSECTION WHERE IT TOOK ME ROUGHLY 20 MINUTES TO GET THE CAR TO REFIRE ENOUGH TO MOVE IT OUT OF HARMS WAY. ALL THE CAR WOULD DO IS START UP RUN ENOUGH TO ROLL IT A LITTLE MORE FORWARD. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE CAR BUT BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC I GAVE UP RATHER THAN BEING STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AGAIN I CALLED FORD AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR PART. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IF THERE IS SOME ORGANIZATION THAT MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP ME OR PERHAPS YOU COULD PROVIDE ME WITH INFORMATION AS TO WHAT LEGAL GROUP I MIGHT BE ABLE TO CONTACT.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GABP46F9FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE SHUT OFF OF GASOLINE FLOW IMMEDIATELY WITH NO CHANCE OF RESTART. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GABP46F9FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE SHUT OFF OF GASOLINE FLOW IMMEDIATELY WITH NO CHANCE OF RESTART. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY FAILS AND BLOWS FUSES.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: GAS LINE LEAKS AT THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK. *YC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FABP46F6H2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HAD PARKED VEHICLE & LEFT FOR AWHILE. RETURNED TO VEHICLE & ENTERED. STARTED VEHICLE & WAS MOVING WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & TOOK OFF FOR NO REASON. FOOT ON BRAKES AT TIME. VEHICLE HIT 2 PARKED VEHICLES & A FENCE. DRIVER WAS INJURED. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP46FH14
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEATBACK FAILED DUE TO A BOLT DISCONNECTING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP4634FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP4638FH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED, ALL THE WIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: 1FABP4635FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED, SMELLED OF WIRING BURNING FOR A PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-08-10
- VIN: 1FABP46F0FH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED TWICE, PRIOR TO RECALL. (85V025000) *DSH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-01-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES DON'T HOLD. *DSH
1985 Ford Thunderbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Ford Thunderbird.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY ANODIZED INTERNAL SURFACES CAUSING ACCELERATED WEAR OF A PISTON SEAL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ONE PORTION OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD BECOME INEFFECTIVE RESULTING IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER WOULD BE WARNED BY INCREASED PEDAL TRAVEL AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT.
- Remedy: MASTER CYLINDERS BUILT ON JANUARY 9, 1985 WILL BE REPLACED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Ford Thunderbird problems:
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Jun 9, 2009 ... yes it could, they don't give any resistance values anywhere for it, it's just a common problem I though I'd pass on to you. The part is cheap.
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