RoadVitals

1993 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.
423
Latest Mar 26, 2016
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.
3
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
7 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 423 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Ford Thunderbird, most frequently naming the engine, exterior lighting and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 73 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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 423
Engine
Filed Mar 26, 2016

NEVER GOT A NOTICE OF RECALL FOR THE FAULTY ENGINE HEAD GASKET ON A FORD THUNDERBIRD 1993 MODEL.. I HAVE CHECKED WITH THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HE NEVER GOT A LETTER TELLING OF THE FAULTY HEAD GASKET AND THAT THE 3.8 V6 ENGINE WAS BEING RECALLED TO REPLACE IT, THE CAR HAS 98 THOUSAND ORIGINAL MILES. AND I BOUGHT THE CAR USED.. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF I CAN GET THE HEAD GASKET STILL REPLACE UNDER FORD WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE IT STARTED OVERHEATING

NHTSA ID
10851797
Incident
Feb 17, 2016
Mileage
98,485 mi
Seat belts
Filed Oct 10, 2012

THE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT THAT IS LOCATED AROUND THE TOP OF THE WINDOW FAILED TO MOVE BACK TO THE SAFE DRIVING POSITION. (DRIVERS SIDE). *TR

NHTSA ID
10479704
Incident
Oct 5, 2012
Exterior lightingVisibility
Filed Apr 26, 2010
Fire reported

THIS IS THE RECALL. MY CAR DID EXACTLY THIS. MY CAR IS A 93 THUNDERBIRD SUPER COUPE WITH FACTORY FOG LIGHTS AND THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS BURNT AND NEEDS REPLACED. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AFTER FLICKERING. RECALLS FOR THE 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD ELECTRICAL & LIGHTS: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V275000 DATES MANUFACTURED: 06/1991 TO 09/1993 NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 164,731 MODEL YEARS AFFECTED: 1992, 1993 DATE OWNER NOTIFIED: 11/1999 DEFECT SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCE SUMMARY: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. CORRECTIVE SUMMARY: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH INCORPORATES A CIRCUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN, AND INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, IF NEEDED. RECALL NOTES: FORD RECALL NO. 99S30.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 15, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). *TR

NHTSA ID
10327593
Incident
Apr 19, 2010
Mileage
96,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 17, 2008

1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH HEADLIGHTS THAT FAIL WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FAILURE STARTS WITH FLICKERING AND BLINKING CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10245758
Incident
Jul 3, 2008
Seat belts
Filed Aug 24, 2007

PASSIVE RESTRAIN SHOULDER HARNESS, DRIVERS SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10200645
Incident
Aug 12, 2007
Mileage
86,400 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 10, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VOLTAGE INDICATOR WOULD DECREASE AND THE TURN SIGNALS, RADIO, AND DEFROST WOULD BE INOPERABLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 96V071000, REGARDING THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA ID
10154985
Incident
Apr 10, 2006
Mileage
93,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 30, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V275000 CONCERNING THE HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONSUMER FIRST EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM IN LATE 1997, AND HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE HER EXPENSE. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED A SECOND TIME THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.*AK UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB

NHTSA ID
10144017
Incident
Nov 30, 1997
Filed Sep 9, 2005

COMPLAINT REGARDING TWO STOLEN VEHICLES 1987 BMW AND A 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD.*MR *NM

NHTSA ID
10137736
Incident
Jan 1, 1901

Manufacturer communications

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

03181

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

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

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
1993Viewing4234357.2
19921844561.8
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.