1990 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 1990 Ford Thunderbird problems
The Ford Thunderbird, particularly the 1990 model, has been known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. The most prevalent issue is engine-related, with 122 complaints overall, making it the worst problem category for this car.
One of the most frequently reported problems with the 1990 Ford Thunderbird is coils fouling spark plugs, causing the engine to run roughly. This issue has been reported 59 times, with an average cost to fix around $700 and an average mileage of 55,000 miles when the problem occurs.
Another engine-related problem is the engine running roughly and stalling, accompanied by the engine light being on. This issue has been reported 7 times for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, with an average cost to fix around $1,700 and an average mileage of 50,000 miles when the problem occurs.
Coil failure is also a common problem for the 2003 Ford Thunderbird, with 6 complaints. This issue can cause the engine to run roughly, sputter, and lose acceleration. The average cost to fix this problem is around $400, and it typically occurs at an average mileage of 43,000 miles.
Cooling fan failure is another common problem for the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, with 5 complaints for the 2002 model. This issue can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to more severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
In addition to engine-related problems, the 1990 Ford Thunderbird has also had issues with the electrical system, cooling system, interior, and HVAC system. Electrical problems have been reported 27 times, with issues such as power windows and locks not working properly. Cooling system problems have been reported 14 times, with issues such as leaks and overheating. Interior problems have been reported 13 times, with issues such as seat adjustment failures and dashboard cracking. HVAC problems have been reported 10 times, with issues such as the air conditioning not blowing cold air or the heater not working properly.
It is important to note that these issues are based on complaints from owners and may not represent every 1990 Ford Thunderbird on the road. However, these common problems can provide valuable insight for potential buyers or owners looking to maintain their vehicle properly.
What engine is in a 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
Ford Thunderbird (tenth generation)
| Ford Thunderbird Tenth Generation | |
|---|---|
| Platform | Ford MN12 |
| Related | Lincoln Mark VIII Mercury Cougar |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 L Essex V6 (1989–1997) 3.8 L Essex supercharged V6 (1989–1995) 4.9 L small block V8 (1991–1993) 4.6 L Ford Modular V8 (1994–1997) |
What was the top speed of the 1990 Thunderbird?
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.
What was the Ford Thunderbird known for?
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.
Was the Thunderbird fast?
At Talladega in 1987, Bill Elliott, behind the wheel of his '87 Thunderbird, set NASCAR's all-time speed record at 212.809 miles per hour. His T-bird featured a 351-cubic inch Ford V8 engine that made 625 hp.
What engine is in a 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
Ford Thunderbird (tenth generation)
| Ford Thunderbird Tenth Generation | |
|---|---|
| Platform | Ford MN12 |
| Related | Lincoln Mark VIII Mercury Cougar |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 L Essex V6 (1989–1997) 3.8 L Essex supercharged V6 (1989–1995) 4.9 L small block V8 (1991–1993) 4.6 L Ford Modular V8 (1994–1997) |
Are Thunderbirds expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Ford Thunderbird is $433. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
What was the top speed of the 1990 Thunderbird?
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.
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.
1990 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
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Ford Thunderbird
The NHTSA has received 167 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Ford Thunderbird. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Ford Thunderbird vehicles.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- VIN: 1FAPP604XLH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-14
- VIN: 1FAPP624LH1
- Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: [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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-02
- VIN: 1FAPP6242LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH ON DRY FLAT ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND KEPT THE VEHICLE FROM FURTHER ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE PULLED OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT LET THE VEHICLE COOL DOWN FOR AN HOUR, AND THEN DROVE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A NHTSA RECALL#96V071000 REGARDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT MANY FUSES HAVE BLOWN OUT DUE TO THIS IGNITION PROBLEM, AND SOMETIMES A CLICKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING TURNS TO EITHER SIDE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-16
- VIN: 1FAPP6240LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6247LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-17
- VIN: 1FAPP64R9LH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LEAK FROM FUEL TANK WHEN FULL . DANGEROUS , COULD CAUSE A FIRE . AUTO IS PARKED IN A GARAGE INSIDE OF MY HOUSE . UNABLE TO FILL TANK BECAUSE OF CONDITION . FORD WILL NOT REPAIR . AROUND 45,000 MILES , NEVER IN ACCIDENT & FUEL SYSTEM NEVER WORKED ON . I THINK THIS IS VERY NEGLIGENT ON FORD'S PART .*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6042LH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-25
- VIN: 1FAPP604XLH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-23
- VIN: 1FAPP64RXLH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED IN RESOLVING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM WITH A DANGEROUS AND CLAIMED UNREPAIRABLE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS 1990 FORD THUNDERBIRD SUPER COUPE VIN#[XXX]. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITH AN ABS BRAKING SYSTEM THAT IS DANGEROUS UPON FAILURE. THIS ABS SYSTEM UPON FAILURE RESULTS IN THE "COMPLETE" LOSS OF BRAKING ON THIS VEHICLE AND POSES A SERIOUS THREAT OF INJURY TO UNSUSPECTING OCCUPANTS OPERATING THIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE EARLY TEVIS II ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH HAS BEEN DESCRIBED BY FORD BRAKE TECHNICIANS AS THE "WORST" BRAKING SYSTEM EVER INSTALLED ON A VEHICLE TO REPAIR. UNLIKE OTHER ABS BRAKING SYSTEMS, WHICH ALLOW A VEHICLE'S HYDRAULIC BRAKING SYSTEM TO CONTINUE TO FUNCTION WITH A FAILURE IN THE ABS PORTION OF THE SYSTEM, THIS VEHICLE'S "ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS" WITH THE LOSS OF ITS ABS COMPONENT. FORD WAS APPARENTLY AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AND APPARENT DANGER, BECAUSE THIS SYSTEM WAS UPGRADED ONLY AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3-YEARS OF PRODUCTION. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000.00 OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS ON THIS BRAKING SYSTEM. I INITIALLY TOOK IT TO A PEARSON'S FORD IN SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA IN 2001 FOR BRAKE SYSTEM REPAIR AND UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM DEALER, I EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMING ON PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SUGGESTED I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UPON PEARSON FORD'S RECOMMENDATION UNTIL I EXPERIENCED A FULL SYSTEM FAILURE. THEODORE ROBBINS FORD OF COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA HAS ATTEMPTED REPAIRS AND THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED AFTER EACH REPAIR. THEY STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE. FORD STATES THEY NO LONGER SUPPORT THIS BRAKE SYSTEM AND DID NOT SEE A NEED TO ISSUE ANY ALERTS OR RECALLS ON THIS SYSTEM, WHICH DISCONTINUED. YOUR ASSISTANCE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-08
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PROVIDE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE WITHOUT A SEAT BELT. *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-20
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN COMING TO A STOP DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WILL LOCK UP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6040LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRES IN STEERING WHEEL CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK DURING THE FIRE THE CONSUMER SON WAS INJURED. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE OVERHEATED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. TECHNICIAN STATED ENGINE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: 1FACH64R9LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. STOP AND GO IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC. DEALERSHIP WILL PICK IT UP.*AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-01
- VIN: 1FAPP64R2LH
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-01
- VIN: 1FAPP6044LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FAILS TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED OF RECALL 00T-005 CONSUMER WENT TO HAVE TIRES REPLACED, IN A CONVERSATION WITH DEALERSHIP CONSUMER WAS ADVISED AT THAT TIME THERE WAS SOME DISCREPANCY REGARDING THE TIRE SIZES THAT WERE BEING REPLACED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PARTICULAR SIZE WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION, HOWEVER CONSUMER DID REPLACE ALL 5 TIRES. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-25
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REPORTING A SECOND REOCCURRING FAILURE WITH BRAKR MASTER CYINDER, FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT 80,000 MILES, AND AGAIN CURRENTLY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-13
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP6049LH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-11
- VIN: 1FPP6047LH2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED DEFECTIVE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- VIN: 1FAPP64ROLH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE MODULE COST $1,400 SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP6044LH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I DID NOT KNOW WHO TO CONTACT ABOUT THIS; I HAVE ANGERED A VIGILANTE GROUP. THE GROUP, WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE THE KLAN, ARE DRIVING THEIR OPEN BED PICKUP TRUCKS IN FRONT OF ME WITH OPEN CONTAINERS OF SOMETHING, I SUSPECT TO BE A CANCER CAUSING PESTICIDE. IT IS PLUGGING UP MY AIR FILTERS, WHICH I HAVE SAVED. I WANT YOU TO TAKE THIS COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY AND TEST THE AIR FILTERS TO DETERMINE THE AGENT THAT IS BEING USED TO ACCOST ME. IT WON'T COST YOU VERY MUCH AND IT COULD POINT OUT A PROBLEM THAT COULD SAVE MANY LIVES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT ANY INDICATIN VEHICLE WOULD STALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
1990 Ford Thunderbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1990 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: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: CHANGES IN THE WIPER PATTERN OR JAMMING OF THE WIPERSWOULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILTY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.
- Remedy: APPLY TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL TO WIPER MOTOR STUDS AND NUTS AND RETORQUE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: BATTERY TO STARTER CABLES ARE LONGER THAN SPECIFIED; EXCESSIVE CABLE LENGTH COULD CONTACT ENGINE DAMPER PULLEY.
- Consequence: CABLE PROTECTIVE COVERING AND INSULATION COULD WEAR THROUGH AND CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT TO GROUND, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND POSSIBLY A UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
Negative 1990 Ford Thunderbird car reviews
Positive 1990 Ford Thunderbird car reviews
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Best car you ever had! It was a 5-speed manual. You even got a year's free membership in Sports Car Club of America, so you got to run on some tracks. That engine was always ready to deliver MORE, whether you asked for it at 25mph or 150mph. It handled well, too. You wish you could get another one!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I bought it new and I have to say, I've been really impressed with the service I've received. Honestly, I don't think I could have gotten better service from any other car, regardless of the price. Plus, I've been getting great gas mileage - up to 28 mpg on the highway even with the AC on and going 70 MPH!
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I love Thunderbirds! They are the best car I have ever driven or seen.
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I like my bird. My friends do too, but sometimes they accidentally break it when we go off-roading. One time, we even broke the motor mounts! Another friend of mine likes to spin cookies in the school parking lot with it. Overall, it's a good car.
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I bought this car 4 years ago with 112k. It now has 145k, and it's still going strong with the V6 engine. I even drove it across the country, and it has been a reliable companion throughout these years. I only had to deal with a minor transmission and brake issue, but other than that, it has been smooth sailing. This car just keeps on going and going, which is amazing!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Ford Thunderbird problems:
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Other years of Ford Thunderbird
Are you having problems with your 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
Christop Wyman 2024-11-26
I purchased a base '90 T-bird with 59K miles and was initially pleased with its satisfying performance, good cornering, spacious interior & trunk, and unique styling that's typical of the old style big personal coupes. However, I did not enjoy the motorized seatbelts as they were a poor substitute for an airbag. Unfortunately, around 85-90K miles, the car began to deteriorate despite my careful maintenance. The air conditioner compressor went dead, the alternator died, the battery literally exploded under the hood, and the transmission required a costly rebuild after its fluid and filter were changed at 90K. To top it off, the head gasket blew a few months after I sold it at 93K miles. Overall, it was not a good prospect for long-term reliability.
Elmo Larkin 2024-02-12
In August 2005, my boyfriend surprised me with the T-Bird. Although it had a lot of rust, I was grateful for the gift. During our first drive, we discovered that the brakes were not working. We had to replace the master cylinder and both rear wheel cylinders, as well as the alternator. It was clear that the previous owners had not taken good care of the car. However, after all the repairs were done, the car ran like a dream! Unfortunately, someone smashed the passenger side window, and we failed inspection due to a broken coil spring. But we didn't give up on the car. We replaced the struts and got four new tires, and it drove like new again. Even after my boyfriend drove it into a tree stump, we were able to repair it and it still runs like new. It's amazing that it has 136,000 miles on it and still runs so well!