RoadVitals

1992 Ford Thunderbird

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
184
Latest Sep 2, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
17
9 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 184 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Ford Thunderbird, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, brakes and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 46 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
99V275000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

Oct 12, 1999
164,731 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOG LIGHTS, IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS MAY GO OUT FOR VARIOUS INTERVALS AND WHICH MAY BE PRECEDED BY FLICKERING OR BLINKING AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING.
The risk: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH INCORPORATES A CIRCUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN, AND INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, IF NEEDED.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 99S30View on NHTSA.gov
97V159000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Sep 22, 1997
125,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WEST VIRGINIA. MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINES CAUSES THE NYLON FUEL LINE JUMPER TO CHAFE AGAINST THE FLOOR PAN. THIS WEAR CAN CAUSE A PIN HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
The risk: THIS FUEL LEAKAGE RESULTS IN DAMPNESS AND FUEL ODOR, AND IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC CONVOLUTE COVERING AROUND THE FUEL LINES. IF THE LINES SHOW A LEAK, THE LINES WILL BE REPLACED FIRST.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 97S84View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA99005ClosedEngineering Analysis

HEADLIGHT SWITCH

Opened Jan 20, 1999
Closed Dec 14, 1999

SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH AN INTERNAL, BIMETAL CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT CAN OPEN DUE TO OVERHEATING DURING HEADLING OPERATION.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 99V275000
RQ98015ClosedRecall Query

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKER

Opened Sep 29, 1998
Closed Jan 22, 1999

HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH AN ITERNAL, BIMETAL CIRCUIT BREALER THAT MAY OPEN DUE TO OVERHEATING DURING HEADLIGHT OPERATION

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCHLed to recall 98V009000
RQ97011ClosedRecall Query

FUEL LINE JUMPER

Opened Sep 25, 1997
Closed Nov 16, 1998

TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE ALLEGED FUEL LINE FAILURES OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL GEOGRAPHIC REGION AND IF THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED NATIONALLY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSLed to recall 97V159000
EA95030ClosedEngineering Analysis

REAR FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE

Opened Oct 31, 1995
Closed Sep 30, 1997

THE REAR FUEL TUBE BUNDLE MAY ABRADE AND FAIL IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL TANK.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGESLed to recall 97V159000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 184
Brakes
Filed Sep 2, 2012

THE REAR BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION AND NO POWER BRAKES AT ALL REALLY HARD PEDAL HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET IT TO STOP THIS HAPPENED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO STOP I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE FORD.COM SAID NO RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND IT COST $1500 TO FIX . *TR

NHTSA ID
10473290
Incident
Sep 23, 2011
Electrical
Filed Sep 15, 2010

1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD RECALLED FOR REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION SWITCH A FEW YEARS BACK (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA95002). DEFECTIVE SWITCH WAS REPLACED WITH EXACT SAME PART THAT WAS RECALLED AND FAILED AGAIN WITHIN ONE YEAR WITH TWO HALVES OF UNIT AGAIN COMING APART. I HAVE JUST REPLACED FOR THE FIFTH TIME WITH EXACT SAME DEFECTIVE UNIT, THIS BEING THE ONLY THING AVAILABLE FROM FORD AND FROM AFTERMARKET SUPPLIERS. HOW DOES REPLACING DEFECTIVE PART WITH EXACTLY SAME PART ELIMINATE FIRE HAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PART WHICH PROMPTED RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE??? *TR

NHTSA ID
10355763
Incident
Aug 15, 2010
Seat belts
Filed Oct 21, 2008

I GOT INTO MY CAR THIS MORNING AND THE DRIVER POWER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT WORK. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO MY PASSENGER SIDE THE POWER SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ATTEMPTED TO WORK BUT DIDN'T WORK COMPLETELY. THERE WAS NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. THIS ISN'T SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. I HAVEN'T MADE AN ATTEMPT TO GET IT FIXED YET AS IT JUST HAPPENED ONLY A HALF HOUR AGO. *TR

NHTSA ID
10246190
Incident
Oct 21, 2008
Mileage
177,749 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 4, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD. IN APRIL OF 2000, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED AT THAT TIME BECAUSE THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, THE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF AND TWO PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER TO CALL FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,800.

NHTSA ID
10205039
Incident
Oct 3, 2007
Mileage
58,800 mi
Seat belts
Filed Feb 15, 2005

THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK. ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THE SEAT BELT STAYS IN A POSITION THAT APPEARS TO BE EFFECTIVE, BUT IT DOES NOT GO ALL THE WAY BACK. IT ALSO NO LONGER MOVES FORWARD WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE SEAT BELT WORKS MOST OF THE TIME. HOWEVER, IT OCCASIONALLY GETS STUCK IN A POSITION WHERE IT HAS MOVED FORWARD WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED BUT IT WON'T MOVE BACK TO ITS CORRECT POSITION. I READ IN THE CAR MANUAL THAT THERE IS A KNOB THAT CAN BE TURNED IN ORDER TO GET THE SEAT BELT TO GO BACK ALL THE WAY. I'VE TRIED THIS MANY TIMES; IT WORKED AT FIRST, BUT DOESN'T ANY MORE.

NHTSA ID
10110579
Incident
Aug 10, 2003
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 24, 2005

CONSUMER' S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALLS 96V071000 AND 99V27500 CONCERNING IGNITION SYSTEM AND HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM

NHTSA ID
10092913
Incident
Sep 21, 2004
Mileage
98,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 24, 2004
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE COMING IN FROM THE VENTS. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, LIFTED THE HOOD UP, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK

NHTSA ID
10089668
Incident
Aug 24, 2004
Electrical
Filed Aug 13, 2004

WHILE PLACING THE KEY INSIDE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH THE KEY FAILED TO COME OUT FROM THE IGNITION. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10087910
Incident
Aug 13, 2004

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

0214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

01181

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Thunderbird by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005271030.8
2004341045.6
2003330038.0
2002932045.6
1999200—
1998300—
19971692048.2
19962334051.3
19952611046.8
19943001045.3
19934234357.2
1992Viewing1844561.8
19911124262.3
19901404465.8
19891245672.3
1988922767.2
1987611564.6
1986231158.7
1985141163.1
1984261259.5
1983342—
1982011—
1981011—
1980332—
1979140—
1978140—
1977150—
1976020—
1975050—
1974010—
1973040—
1972030—
1971010—
1970110—
1967040—
1965100—
1960100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.