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)
1990 Ford Thunderbird: brake failure
6 of the 140 complaints about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 0
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
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.
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.
While driving pedal snapped, causing total brake failure. Also, the mechanic said that the rotors rusted through and snapped in half. The manufacturer has been notified.
Abs brakes failed, resulting in extended stopping distance.
Abs brakes failed, causing vehicle to lose control.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
6 of 140 owner complaints about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird (4%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1992.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
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