1990 Ford Thunderbird brakes problems

Filed Jan 13, 2004 · Brakes · 93,664 miles · CA

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)

Filed Jun 3, 2002 · Brakes · CA

When coming to a stop driver's side wheel will lock up when applying ABS brakes. Dealer notified.

Filed Aug 14, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

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

Filed Feb 21, 2001 · Brakes · NY

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.

Filed Feb 15, 2001 · Brakes · KY · crash · 3 injuries

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.

Filed Nov 19, 2000 · Brakes · TX

Brake module cost $1,400 should not have failed.

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Acceleration, Brakes · VA

Throttle sticks and causes brakes notto work. Driver has to put car in neutral in order to stop.

Filed May 22, 2000 · Brakes · CA

Proceeding north on ca hwy 101 near ventura. Antilock and brake lights activated. Attempted to stop while at 70 MPH. Pedal "hard" can would not stop. Used stick shift gears to bring vehicle speed down, used emergency brake to bring car to halt at side of fwy. Shut off ignition. Restarted vehicle thinking computer was at fault and needed resetting. Antilock and brake warning lights went out--vehicle could be "stopped" but system went out permanantly after driving approx. 5 more miles. Had vehicle towed to dealer in thousand oaks ca ( kemp) and informed that the "relay bank" had shorted out. Costs approx. $200.00 to repair. Problem---ABS did not function at all!!!

Filed Mar 27, 2000 · Brakes · CA

Chronic problem with squealing front disc brakes. Front brakes seem to be doing most of the braking. Replaced calipers twice, disc pads several times, rebuilt rear brake cylinders, replaced master cylinder and brake booster. Requres a lot of pedal before brakes seem to start taking effect - manually adjusted rear brakes, seemed to help problem with pedal travel, pedal travel problem returned, readjusted rear brakes and pedal travel improved again. Squeeling front disc brakes continue. Is there any history of this with possible corrective action?

Filed Mar 14, 2000 · Brakes · TN

Abs control unit went out. Applied the brakes & the brake pedal went to the floor. Used emergency brakes to stop vehicle. Took vehicle to private mechanic & was informed inside control unit was defective & could not be rebuilt.