1989 Ford Thunderbird problems & reliability
124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Ford Thunderbird. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
9 complaints report injuries (10 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 26 | 21% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 23 | 19% |
| Electrical System | 22 | 18% |
| Seat Belts | 17 | 14% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 13 | 10% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 | 5% |
| Power Train | 4 | 3% |
| Steering | 4 | 3% |
| Tires | 4 | 3% |
| Seats | 3 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Car accelerated when brake pedal was fully depressed to floor...smashed into corner of house, damaging brickwork and front, right corner of the car. Vehicle is inoperable but not yet towed due to financial restrictions (unable to attach photos...please provide email address where I can send photos.)”
Vehicle Speed Control · filed Nov 7, 2016
“Driver was restrained by seatbelt. During collision, seatbelt became unanchored from the floor and came loose causing driver to be thrown into steering wheel, under dashboard and into windshield. Please note that the speed and mileage are stated as approximates by counsel , will supplement if necessary. The driver was…”
Seat Belts · filed Sep 3, 2008
“While driving approximately 40 mph a loud snap came from the front passenger's side wheel. This caused the vehicle not to be able to turn left, and then ended up crashing with the guard rail. The cause was undetermined.*ak”
Suspension · filed Mar 4, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES
Preliminary Evaluation PE95019 · opened Mar 27, 1995 · closed Jul 31, 1995
- THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
Engineering Analysis EA93033 · opened Dec 30, 1993 · closed Dec 30, 1994
- THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
Preliminary Evaluation PE93075 · opened Aug 30, 1993 · closed Dec 30, 1993
- HOOD LATCHES FAIL
Engineering Analysis EA90034 · opened Jun 26, 1990 · closed Feb 25, 1992
- THROTTLE STICKING
Engineering Analysis EA90009 · opened Feb 8, 1990 · closed Feb 28, 1991
- THROTTLE STICKING
Preliminary Evaluation PE90001 · opened Oct 4, 1989 · closed Feb 2, 1990
Technical service bulletins
27 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Ford Thunderbird. The 10 most recent:
Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *slc
01157 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc
01156 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt
002310 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 13, 2000
Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs
0015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 10, 2000
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999
Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems. *tt
99196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 20, 1999
Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt
99152 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 1999
Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt
99816 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 3, 1999
Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc
9888 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 27, 1998
A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc
9874 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 1998
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1989 Ford Thunderbird in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1989 Ford Thunderbird?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.