1989 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 1989 Ford Thunderbird problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird, several common problems have been reported:
- Brake and Rear Suspension Concerns: A recall was initiated by Ford Motor Company affecting approximately 119,000 Mercury Cougars and Ford Thunderbirds, including the 1989 Thunderbird SC. The recall was due to issues with the front suspension potentially interfering with the brake mechanism, affecting brake effectiveness, and a problem with rear suspension knuckles that could lead to disintegration.
- Electrical and Maintenance Challenges: The Thunderbird SC, being a technologically advanced car for its time, presents difficulties in maintenance due to its complex electronics and crowded engine compartment. Routine maintenance, such as changing spark plugs, can be challenging. Some key parts are no longer available, like the crank sensor for early models, Tokico electronic shocks, and the ABS accumulator.
- Underpowered Performance: The base model of the 1989 Thunderbird was criticized for being underpowered, especially with its 140-horsepower V-6 engine. Although a 200-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 option was introduced in 1991, the car was still perceived as lacking power compared to its competitors.
- Rust and General Build Quality: Rust issues have been reported by owners, indicating a concern with the car's build quality. Additionally, some owners have highlighted issues with the fuel sender, MPG fluctuations, and the overall perception of the Thunderbird as an underpowered vehicle.
These problems collectively paint a picture of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird as a car with a mix of performance, maintenance, and build quality issues that have been voiced by owners over time.
Is a 1989 Ford Thunderbird good?
But at one point, it was the greatest sport coupe around, according to MotorWeek. The publication got their hands on a Thunderbird SC—the one with the supercharged V-6 engine—for a full test in 1989, and had pretty much nothing but positive things to say about it. It was quick, handled great, and stopped well.
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.
What was the top speed of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird?
Introduced in 89'. 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds. Top speed 143 to 147 mph is what the real specs are.
Is a 1989 Ford Thunderbird good?
But at one point, it was the greatest sport coupe around, according to MotorWeek. The publication got their hands on a Thunderbird SC—the one with the supercharged V-6 engine—for a full test in 1989, and had pretty much nothing but positive things to say about it. It was quick, handled great, and stopped well.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Ford Thunderbird have?
FORD Thunderbird 3.8L V6 4AT RWD (142 HP)
| ENGINE SPECS - 3.8L V6 4AT RWD (142 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Displacement: | 3797 cm3 |
| Power: | 104 KW @ 3800 RPM 141 HP @ 3800 RPM 139 BHP @ 3800 RPM |
| Torque: | 215 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 292 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
How fast is a 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe?
about 140 mph
A stock SC could do 0–60 in 7.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in the mid-15s at about 90 mph, impressive for a two-ton car in the mid 1990s. Top speed was about 140 mph.
Is a Thunderbird considered a muscle car?
Although the Thunderbird is no longer in production, we can still admire the history and racing pedigree of one of Ford's most iconic muscle cars.
1989 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Ford Thunderbird
The NHTSA has received 135 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Ford Thunderbird. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Ford Thunderbird vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6043KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR ACCELERATED WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS FULLY DEPRESSED TO FLOOR...SMASHED INTO CORNER OF HOUSE, DAMAGING BRICKWORK AND FRONT, RIGHT CORNER OF THE CAR. VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE BUT NOT YET TOWED DUE TO FINANCIAL RESTRICTIONS (UNABLE TO ATTACH PHOTOS...PLEASE PROVIDE EMAIL ADDRESS WHERE I CAN SEND PHOTOS.)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP624XKH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER WAS RESTRAINED BY SEATBELT. DURING COLLISION, SEATBELT BECAME UNANCHORED FROM THE FLOOR AND CAME LOOSE CAUSING DRIVER TO BE THROWN INTO STEERING WHEEL, UNDER DASHBOARD AND INTO WINDSHIELD. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SPEED AND MILEAGE ARE STATED AS APPROXIMATES BY COUNSEL , WILL SUPPLEMENT IF NECESSARY. THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT A LAWFUL SPEED WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH A LOUD SNAP CAME FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO BE ABLE TO TURN LEFT, AND THEN ENDED UP CRASHING WITH THE GUARD RAIL. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-15
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 1989. FIRST EARLY PROBLEMS WITH CIGARETTE LIGHTER/ELECTRICAL/HEATING UP INSIDE DASH.- SERVICED 3-4 TIMES, UNDER WARRANTY. FREON LEAKS IN AIR CONDITIONER - REPAIRED TWICE. FUEL LINE REPLACED. STEERING COLUM JAM OF SOMESORT - NO KEY ACCESS. REPLACED 3 ALTERNATORS. CANNOT SHIFT TRANSMISSION INTO OVERDRIVE. REBUILT BY AAMCO. BLEW HEAD GASKET. RADIATOR COOLANT COMMING OUT FROM MUFFLER. GOT RID OF CAR AT THIS TIME.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-31
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET ON 65 MPH. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO A SPEED OF ALMOST 85 MPH AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE DRIVER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WHILE IN MOTION, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES. THE CONSUMER HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *PH *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP6248KH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, PEDAL BECAME HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE DUE TO MASTER CYLINDER. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. DEALER HAS INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. *AK BRAKES FAIL INTERMITTENTLY, THEY ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND THE FORD DEALERSHIPS CANNOT REPAIR IT. THERE ARE NO REBUILD KITS AVAILABLE FOR THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TO PURCHASE A MASTER CYLINDER FROM A JUNK YARD. CONSUMER FEELS FORDS RESPONSIBILTY IS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE. *JG
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6043KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT A FENCE. CONSUMER NEVER APPLIED THE GAS PEDAL. BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. *JG *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-15
- VIN: 1FAPP6043KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, ENGINE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. CONSUMER HAD TO STAND ON BRAKES AND SHIFT VEHICLE INTO PARK TO STOP. THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-30
- VIN: 1FAPP6044KH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DUNLOP, G T QUALIFIER, P215/65R15, DOT#DBBFA13047; LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED ON SIDE OF TREAD. DUNLOP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK ANOTHER TIRE HAD EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION PRIOR TO THIS, REPLACEMENT TIRES HAD LESS THAN 30000 MILES ON IT. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-30
- VIN: 1FAPP6044KH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DUNLOP GT QUALIFIER, DOT#DBBFA13047 P215/65R15; TREAD SEPARATED AT MIDDLE OF TREAD RIGHT FRONT AT 70 MPH, CAUSING DAMAGE. DUNLOP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK TWO TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, REPLACEMENT TIRES HAD LESS THAN 30000 MILES. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP6046KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKETS FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP6046KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKETS FAILED.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-23
- VIN: 1FAPP6049KH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT FRONT WHEEL COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING. *AK
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-26
- VIN: 1FAPP6042KH
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT. ALSO, NONE OF SEATBACKS STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE WAY TO DRIVE A VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR DESTROYED DUE TO A FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN-POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: IFAPP6048KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: ADD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 20 MINUTES AFTER PARKING VEHICLE EXPLODED, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-30
- VIN: 1FAPP6044KH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO OF THE MICHELIN XH4 AS WS 205 70 R15 TIRES ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND WERE REPLACED, LATER THE TWO OF THE FOUR THAT WERE REPLACED EXPERIENCED SEPARATION ALSO. *MJS
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6045KH
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-14
- VIN: 1FAPP6049KH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-01
- VIN: 1FAPP64R8KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING, DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE IGNITION MODULE. *AK THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESTART AT ALL NOW. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-25
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 20 MPH, CONSUMER HEARD HORNS BLOWING. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND OPENED HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-19
- VIN: 1FAPP6048KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IN OUR LOCAL PAPER ON 8/31/2000, THERE WAS A STORY ABOUT THE ALAMEDA COUNTY (CALF) SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE'S PRELIMINARY DECISION CONCERNING A POSSSIBLE RECALL OF OF FORD VEHICLES IN THE MODEL YEARS 1983-1995 CONCERING THE THICK FILM IGNITION (TFI) MODULE BEING PLACED ON THE DISTRIBUTOR NEAR THE ENGINE BLOCK WHERE IT OVERHEATS AND CASUES THE CAR TO STALL. CAN YOU GIVE ME ANY UPDATES AS TO WHERE THIS SITUATION IS CURRENTLY AND WILL I BE NOTIFIED IN CASE OF A RECALL BY FORD. I SAW THIS STORY AFTER I SPENT OVER $700.00 GETTING MY FUEL PUMP AND FUEL PUMP MODULE REPLACED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO THOUGHT THAT WOULD STOP THE STALLING. IT DIDN'T. ONCE MY CAR CAR REACHES A CERTAIN TEMPERATURE, IT STALLS. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. KEN KELLY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6243KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: GASKET IN MIDDLE SECTION OF ENGINE WAS SO NARROW IT FAILED COMPLETELY. THE CAR OVER HEATED MANY TIMES AND NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND AT TIMES IT OVER HEATED. REPLACED MANY PARTS THERMASTAT, RADIATOR,CATILITIC CONVERTER TESTED. WHEN MID SECTION DISASSEMBLED THE GASKET WAS SHOWN TO ME AND IT WAS UNDOUTEDLY A POOR DESIGN. TOO NARROW TO HOLD ON ANY VEHICLE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6243KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR EXCELERATED TO VERY HIGH SPEED WHEN ANY EXCERATION WAS APPLIED, WOULD NOT DISENGAGE UNTIL I TURNED THE KEY OFF OR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL
1989 Ford Thunderbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, THERE MAY BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL FOLLOWING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCETHAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL ACORN TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT NUTS TO ELIMINATE STABILIZER BAR TO BRAKE CALIPER CONTACT.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
- Summary: IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE AT THEAFFECTED WHEEL WITH AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE KNUCKLES THAT HAVE THE AFFECTED LOT CODES.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.
- Consequence: FUEL OR VAPOR COULD LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEFIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Ford Thunderbird problems:
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