Wires in steering wheel caught on fire.*ak during the fire the consumer son was injured.
1990 Ford Thunderbird: fire, smoke or burning smell
13 of the 140 complaints about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Vehicle parked in driveway 4 days. It caught fire. Fire dept distinguished the flames. Indication of fire origin was in the ignition switch fixed wires. Contacted ford. Indicated recall was sent out. Been having problems with vehicle skipping & missing. Took to service dept & informed head gaskets had blown & water leaked into cylinder. No technical service bulletin for thunderbird about head gaskets.
Possible electrical failure caused the altenator to caught fire & other electrical components to malfunction. This has occured twice. The dealer has been contacted.
Alternator wiring harness overheated, causing the vehicle to catch on fire, while consumer was sitting in the vehicle, didn't notice any smoke or smell of fire, consumer had replaced alternator 10 days prior to incident.
Vehicle was smoking when pulled into a garage, and burst into flames. Fire was put out by extinguisher. Fire department moved the car from garage. Also, brake light came on before the car caught on fire. No warranty. Dealer and manufacturer are aware, and cannot take the case.
While driving the vehicle it caught on fire under the hood. The fire was electrical,hich started in the harness area. Vehicle has been repaired.
Vehicle had a recall for ignition switch. Parked vehicle and smoke was everywhere, then the vehicle caught on fire.
The vehicle was parked and the vehicle caught on fire in the alternator.
While parked about 15 minutes, neighbor noticed vehicle was on fire, smoke was everywhere, opened hood, underhood engulfed with flames; no warning.
Vehicle caught on fire caused by the ignition switch. Please describe.
There is a strong burning smell while vehicle is parked, owner believes its an electrical problem.
The car caught on fire from the steering column while driving. Please describe.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
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
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
Questions about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
13 of 140 owner complaints about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird (9%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1990.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird?
There are 2 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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