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.
The worst 1990 Ford Thunderbird problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical38
- Brakes34
- Seat belts23
- Acceleration17
- Engine11
- Transmission8
- Lights7
- Fuel system6
- Body3
- Steering3
- Tires3
- Visibility3
- Airbags1
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
ABS 17Fire or smoke 13Seat belt 9Headlights 7Brake failure 6
Recalls 3
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- Risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 91V076000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- Battery to starter cables are longer than specified; excessive cable length could contact engine damper pulley.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 90V026000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
Defect investigations
Faulty seatbelt buckles
There is no summary currently available
PE95019
Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
EA93033
Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
There is no summary currently available
PE93075
Hood latches fail
There is no summary currently available
EA90034
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Ford Thunderbird 35
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. slc
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. slc
- Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the...
- Subject regarding climate control - eatc - blower motor control service tips. jb
- Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. mjs
- Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. tt
- Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance...
- Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. tt
- Information on "whining" / "buzzing" noise coming through entertainment or two-way radio speaker caused by...
- Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on...
1990 Ford Thunderbird fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-17 | 21-24 | 18-20 |
What 1990 Ford Thunderbird owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
[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)
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 the federal safety agency recall#96v071000 regarding electrical system: ignition on the federal safety agency 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.
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.
Engine fire
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 .
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.
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.
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)
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.
Compare the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
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Questions about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
Is the 1990 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, 4.1 times a typical Thunderbird model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
Electrical system, with 38 complaints. Next is brakes (34).
How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Thunderbird have?
3 recalls, covering electrical system and visibility.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Ford Thunderbird get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Ford Thunderbird range from 18 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15-17 city and 21-24 highway.
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