1986 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1986 Ford Thunderbird, several common problems have been reported:
- Electrical System Issues:
- Complaints include problems with ignition, ignition modules, switches, and starters.
- Failures in these components can lead to issues like difficulty starting the car, erratic engine behavior, and electrical malfunctions.
- Engine and Engine Cooling Problems:
- Owners have reported various engine-related issues, including gasoline engine problems and exhaust system malfunctions.
- These problems can result in poor engine performance, increased emissions, and potential safety hazards due to exhaust leaks.
- Fuel System Concerns:
- Complaints have been made regarding the fuel delivery system and fuel injection system.
- Issues in the fuel system can lead to poor fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and overall performance issues.
- Transmission and Axle Troubles:
- Owners have experienced problems with the axle shaft seals and the vehicle's speed control system.
- Transmission issues can cause gear slipping, rough shifting, and difficulties maintaining speed, impacting the car's drivability.
- Seat Belt and Safety Concerns:
- Reports have highlighted problems with seat belt components like buckle assemblies and anchorages.
- Malfunctioning seat belts can compromise passenger safety in the event of a collision or sudden stop.
- Tire and Wheel Complaints:
- Complaints include issues related to tires, tread, and belts.
- Tire problems can affect the car's handling, braking, and overall safety on the road.
- Body and Structural Defects:
- Complaints have been made about door-related issues and glass problems.
- Structural defects can impact the car's integrity, leading to potential safety risks and reduced overall vehicle quality.
These reported problems with the 1986 Ford Thunderbird highlight a range of issues that owners have faced, affecting various aspects of the car's performance, safety, and reliability. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the continued functionality and safety 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.
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.
Why did Ford stop making Thunderbirds?
Kennedy would include 50 Thunderbirds in his 1961 inaugural procession, and the car had a starring role in a few classic films including “American Graffiti'' from 1973 and “Thelma and Louise'' from 1991. Sales of the Thunderbird began to drop in the 1990s and Ford ultimately decided to discontinue the car in 1997.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Ford Thunderbird Turbo have?
The 1986 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe seen here is a prime example. While a 140 horsepower, 5.0 liter Windsor V8 was available, the Turbo Coupe was the top performance model. Thanks to a turbocharger, the 2.3 liter four cylinder delivered 155 horsepower.
Is A Thunderbird a muscle car?
The Ford Thunderbird is one of the most iconic nameplates from the muscle car era. Given its plethora of film and TV appearances—including a feature at John F. Kennedy's inauguration—the Thunderbird is practically a celebrity in its own right.
Why was the Thunderbird popular?
Yet the vehicle left a legacy for its speed, agility and then later its luxury and comfort. The Thunderbird or T-Bird was referenced in pop culture regularly showing the cultural significance of the vehicle. The vehicle showed Ford Motor Company's ability to carve out its own niche and build something unique.
Is the Thunderbird fast?
The Super Coupe delivered the best overall performance, including a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 7.0 seconds and a completion of a quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 88.1 mph (141.8 km/h).
1986 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Ford Thunderbird
The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Ford Thunderbird. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Ford Thunderbird vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-04
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FABP4637GH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE THREE SEPARATE INCIDENCES. FIRST OCCURRING IN 1997 WHILE TAKING MY GRANDSON TO HIGH SCHOOL: WHILE COMPLETING THE TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT AT HIS SCHOOL, MY 1986 THUNDERBIRD SUDDENLY SURGED AS IF I HAD FULLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR. FORTUNATELY, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND NEITHER OF US WERE INJURED NOR WAS THERE ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE. INCEDENT#2- WHILE RETURNING HOME FROM SHOPPING, I WAS DRIVING IN THE LANE CLOSEST TO THE CURB ON A 4 LANE STREET WHEN SUDDENLY, AGAIN, MY CAR ACCELERATED AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHERE I JUST BARELY GLANCED OFF A SMALL STATIONERY POLL THAT WAS POSITIONED BASICALLY ON THE SIDEWALK. AGAIN, THANK GOD, NO ONE WAS HURT AND THERE WAS NO PROPERTY DAMAGE. FINAL INCEDENT #3: NOT SO LUCKY THIS TIME. I WAS GOING THROUGH THE MCDONALD'S DRIVE-THRU, AFTER PLACING MY ORDER, MY CAR SUDDENLY TAKES OFF AGAIN, VEERS RIGHT, AND MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE LITERALLY DRIVES UP ONE OF THE 5 VERY HEAVY-DUTY GUARD POLES SURROUNDING THE MAIN ELECTRICAL BOX THUS IMPAILING MY CAR AND SERIOUSLY BENDING THE POLE. IN RETROSPECT, I FEEL I WAS PRETTY BLESSED; NO ONE WAS EVER HURT...EXCEPT FOR ME, NOW, AFTER MORE THAN 45YEARS CLASSIFIED AS A "GOOD DRIVER" NOW IPAYING AN EXTRA$60.00 PER MONTH FOR MY AUTO INSURANCE FOR SOMETHING THAT I KNOW FOR SURE WAS NOT MY FAULT(PLUS THE FACT I HAD TO DISH OUT FOR A NEW CAR...AND ALL THIS COULD NOT HAVE COME AT A WORSE TIME.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING FROM THE DEALERSHIP FROM HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BLEW CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP DUE TO AN OIL LEAK, THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON THE DEALERS LOT FROM JUNE-NOVEMBER 1997 WHILE A DECISION WAS BEING MADE ABOUT WHO WAS GOING TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. MLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-14
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LEAK AT THE TRANSMISSION TAILSHAFT SEAL. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-05
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2 MOTOR MOUNTS BROKEN. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-05
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TFI MODULE, DISTRIBUTOR, STARTER AND DIRTY THROTTLE BODY CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL WHEN THE KEY WAS RELEASED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-05
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TWO CRACKED BELTS REPLACED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP46F7GH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOTH FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE BROKEN INTO, THE TORQUE OF THE ENGINE HAS CAUSED IT TO ROTATE CAUSING THE FAN TO CUT INTO THE RADIATOR SHROUD. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FABP46F3GH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-12
- VIN: 1FABP46W7GH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WAS DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN VEHICLE STALLED FOR NO REASON. VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST MECHANIC. INFORMED THAT DISTRIBUTOR MODULE WAS DESIGNED TO FAIL & WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-12
- VIN: 1FABP46F1GH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREADS HAVE COME OFF TWO OF MY TIRES IN THE LAST YEAR. I HAVE A THIRD TIRE WITH IT'S TREAD ALMOST COMING APART. BOTH TIMES WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY DOING 65. WILL THESE TIRES BE RECALLED. THE LAST TIME THE TREAD CAME OFF I SAVED THE TIRE AND TREAD. WE HAVE THREE KIDS AND WE DON'T FEEL SAVE DRIVING THEM IN THE CAR.( DOT NUMBER: W2HY TIRE SIZE: 215/70R/14 )
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-24
- VIN: 1FABP4632GH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH, EVERY MONTH, FOR THE LAST YEAR I WOULD GO OUT AND GET IN THE VEHICLE TO START IT UP. WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGNITION THE MOTOR WOULD CRANK AND CRANK BUT IT WOULD NEVER FIRE. I WOULD LET THE VEHICLE SET A FEW MINUTES THEN TRY AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULTS. IF I LET THE VEHICLE SIT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY IT WOULD FINALLY START. THE VEHICLE AGAIN DUMP ME A PARKING LOT IN PORTMOUTHS, VA WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO JOHN KOOL LINCOLN/MERCURY. THE VEHICLE STARTED FOR THEM THE NEXT DAY AND AGAIN AFTER MANY TRYS. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM AT THIS TIME SO I CAME TO PICK THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE THEN WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT FIRE. THE DEALER SERVICE TECH. THEN RAN A FEW MANUAL & EQUIP. TEST AND DETERMINED THE IGNITION MODULE AND DISTRIBUTOR STATOR ASSY. HAVE A INTERNAL SHORT. THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AND RE TESTED TO VERIFY OPERATION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-24
- VIN: 1FABP4632GH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH, EVERY MONTH, FOR THE LAST YEAR I WOULD GO OUT AND GET IN THE VEHICLE TO START IT UP. WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGNITION THE MOTOR WOULD CRANK AND CRANK BUT IT WOULD NEVER FIRE. I WOULD LET THE VEHICLE SET A FEW MINUTES THEN TRY AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULTS. IF I LET THE VEHICLE SIT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY IT WOULD FINALLY START. THE VEHICLE AGAIN DUMP ME A PARKING LOT IN PORTMOUTHS, VA WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO JOHN KOOL LINCOLN/MERCURY. THE VEHICLE STARTED FOR THEM THE NEXT DAY AND AGAIN AFTER MANY TRYS. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM AT THIS TIME SO I CAME TO PICK THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE THEN WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT FIRE. THE DEALER SERVICE TECH. THEN RAN A FEW MANUAL & EQUIP. TEST AND DETERMINED THE IGNITION MODULE AND DISTRIBUTOR STATOR ASSY. HAVE A INTERNAL SHORT. THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AND RE TESTED TO VERIFY OPERATION.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-15
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP4638GH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A CLAMP FOR FUEL LINE, WHICH THEN CAUSED LINE TO BECOME LOOSE AND IGNITE A FIRE, RESULTING IN FATALITY(DRIVER). *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ENGINE REVS WITHOUT ACCELERATION.*ET
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP46F1GH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN THE OWNER WARMS THE CAR, HE SHIFTS THE GEAR TO DRIVE AND THE CAR STALLS. HE STARTS THE CAR AGAIN, SHIFTS TO DRIVE AND THE CAR STALLS WHEN HE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE DRIVER WAS IN AN CRASH BUT DID NOT DESCRIBE IT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FABP46F2GH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE PASSENGER DURING COLLISION RESULTING IN INJURIES.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE SCISSOR JACK SCREW STRIPPED UPON JACKING UP THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER DISPOSED OFF. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-26
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RESTRAINT BUCKLE WILL NOT LOCK. OWNER WILL NOTIFY THE DEALER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-20
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DRIVING 50-55 MPH; DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE & PULLED OFF ROAD. TURNED VEHICLE OFF & EXITED. VEHICLE SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. INSURANCE AGENT/INSPECTOR COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF FIRE. VEHICLE TOTALED. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP4635GH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-10-01
- VIN: 1FABP4631GH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE RACES AT VERY HIGH RPM WHEN STARTED, DUE TO COMPUTER PROBLEMS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABT4638GH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-19
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AUSED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO GO OUT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP46F1GH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PHONE EXT 4708; WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE STARTED SMOLDERING UNTIL FLAMES APPEARED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1986 Ford Thunderbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
- Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Ford Thunderbird problems:
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Other years of Ford Thunderbird
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