1992 FORD Thunderbird Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
210
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
38 complaints
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.
Oct 04, 2007
THE AUTO LAMP ON/OFF DELAY SYSTEM RANDOMLY TURNS OF MY HEADLIGHTS AT NIGHT EVEN WHEN THE DELAY SYSTEM IS TURNED OFF.*AK
Aug 05, 2004
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *PH
Nov 12, 2003
COMPONANT: UPPER MOUNTED TAILLIGHT REPEATED STOP AND GO TRAFFIC CREATED EXCESSVIE HEAT IN THE UNVENTED PLASTIC MOUNTING. PLASTIC MELTED AND DRIPED ONTO BULBS CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.
Apr 30, 2003
REAR UPPER BRAKE LIGHT: IT CONTIANS TWO BULBS ONE OF THEM WAS BROKEN AND THE HOLDER WAS MELTED AND BURNT. DIDN'T CAUSE ANY DAMAGE EXCEPT FOR THE CONNECTOR. NOT SURE ON DATE JUST NOTICED WHEN I NOTICED THE LIGHT WASN'T WORKING.
Feb 10, 2003
+ 33 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
27 complaints
3RD SET OF FRONT ROTORS/PADS INSTALLED, AFTER 20000 ROTORS WARPED. BAD DESIGN...FRONT ROTOR/CALIPERS ARE TOO SMALL FOR THIS CAR, AND CAUSE ROTORS TO WARP.*AK
Aug 15, 2002
WHILE THE CONSUMER TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WOULD NOT GRAB AT ALL, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THE BRAKES HAD CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. THE CONSUMER CALLED FORD FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ADMITTED IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD REPEATED PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. *YH
Jan 17, 2002
WHILE THE CONSUMER TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WOULD NOT GRAB AT ALL, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THE BRAKES HAD CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. THE CONSUMER CALLED FORD FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ADMITTED IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD REPEATED PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. *YH
Jan 17, 2002
WHILE THE CONSUMER TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WOULD NOT GRAB AT ALL, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THE BRAKES HAD CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. THE CONSUMER CALLED FORD FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ADMITTED IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD REPEATED PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. *YH
Jan 17, 2002
WHILE DRIVING BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A PROBLEM. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Nov 23, 2001
+ 22 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
23 complaints
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
Aug 24, 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
Aug 13, 2004
WHILE PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE FAILED TO START. CONSUMER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND THEN RESTARTED IT. DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED SOLENOID SWITCH INSIDE THE IGNITION DUE TO A BURNT OUT WIRE. *AK
May 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE EEC FUSE BLEW OUT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM
Apr 15, 2003
THE HARNESS AT THE ALTERNATOR HAS CAUGHT FIRE TWICE AND I HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR THREE TIMES IN TWO YEARS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT STARTS SMOKING AND SUET COMES OUT AND YOU THINK THE CAR IS GOING TO BLOW UP. IT IS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. THE MECHANIC FOUND SERVICE BULLENTIN ARTICLE #96-21-4 WHICH DESCRIBES THIS. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. I AM VERY DISTRUBED. PLEASE HELP ME.*AK
Aug 21, 2002
+ 18 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
23 complaints
1)1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD VIN [XXX], FUEL LINE CHAFFED AGAINST FLOOR PAN CAUSING A PIN HOLE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE (EXACTLY AS IN NHSA ID: 97V159000 ISSUED 09/17/1997). 2) FUEL LINE LEAKED STRONG ODOR AND EXTEAM FIRE DANGER. 3)JOHN'S REPAIR 189 E. 2ND S. SODA SPRINGS, ID REPLACED FUEL LINE 10/20/03 $292.66. CONTACTED FORD AT 800-392-3673, 07/28/2004, THEY STATED THIS VIN HAD NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS, THEY COULDN'T CROSS CHECK NHTSA ID # TO FORD'S RECALL NUMBER AND FORD WOULDN'T REIMBURSE ME FOR REPAIR.*AK UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 28, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONSUMER HAD SMELLED GASOLINE COMING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK (*SCC
Aug 26, 2002
SERVICE SHOP STATED THAT A HOLE DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL LINE, CAUSED BY THE FUEL LINE RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME OF THE CAR.*AK
Oct 11, 2000
FUEL LINE HAD BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO UNDER RECALL, NOW FORD SAYS WON'T COVER TWICE. *AK
Oct 03, 2000
FUEL LINE IS LEAKING PRIOR TO RECALL (97V-159). YH
Mar 27, 2000
+ 18 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
23 complaints
PREMATURE HEAD GASKET FAILURE - REPAIR COST OF $970. *AK
Aug 15, 2002
LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER AND INNER ROCKERS ROTTED. BAD DESIGN, NO VENTILATION BUILT IN TO DRY MOISTURE INSIDE ROCKER. THEREFORE THEY ROT TILL THERE IS NO MORE ROCKER, COSTING $700 PER SIDE TO HAVE A FORD BODY SHOP TO CUT OUT AND WELD IN NEW ROCKERS.*AK
Aug 15, 2002
THE DAY AFTER HAVING THE WATER PUMP REPLACED AFTER A FAILURE, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE RAISED TO THE MAXIMUM THAT THE GAUGE CAN DISPLAY (NO SPECIFIC TEMP, JUST C-NORMAL-H). TOOK CAR BACK TO THE GARAGE WHERE THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED AND THEY SAID THAT THE HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN AND REPAIR WOULD COST $1100. FOR A SECOND OPINION I LIMPED IT TO A PERSON WHO "SECIALIZES" IN SUPER COUPES AND HE CONFIRMED THE DIAGNOSIS. HE SAID HE HAD SEEN MANY TBIRD SC'S COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND MILAGE DID NOT PLAY A PART IN THE DEFECT. HE REPORTED TO ME THAT THE MAIN MALFUNCTION WAS NOT ONLY A POOR QUALITY GASKET, BUT THAT THE HEADS WERE MACHINED TO TOO HIGH OF A TOLERANCE. THE HEADS WERE MACHINED, THE GASKETS REPLACED, ETC ETC, TO THE TUNE OF $1000.*AK
Mar 01, 2002
SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN ALL FORD THUNDERBIRD SC HEADGASKETS. FACTORY MILL IS INCORRECT AND NOT DONE VERY WELL. RECALL IS NECESSARY TO HAVE FORD FIX AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE 1994/95 MODELS. FORD SHOULD RECALL THE 1989-1993 SC, SAME DRIVETRAIN.*AK
Feb 25, 2002
FAILED HEADGASKETS WHILE VEHICLE WAS STRAPPED TO CHASSIS DYNOMOMETER. FAILURE HAPPENED AT 3000RPMS. HEAD GASKET FAILURE CAUSED THE TOP PLASTIC RADIATOR TANK TO EXPLODE WITH MANY WITNESSES. *AK
Jun 17, 2001
+ 18 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
15 complaints
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
Oct 21, 2008
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.
Feb 15, 2005
CONSUMER STATES THAT DRIVER'S SEAT BELTS IS INOPERABLE, MOTOR WENT OUT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK
Jul 07, 2003
SHOULDER HARNESS DID NOT WORK. IT EXTENDED TO ITS FULL LENGTH.*AK
Feb 16, 2002
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT OPERATION SPORADIC. *AK
Jan 03, 2002
+ 10 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
DEFECTIVE TAIL SHAFT ON TRANSMISSION. NEW SEAL DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. MR
Oct 09, 2002
VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK KNOCKING CONSUMER OVER AND RUNNING OVER HER ANKLE/LEG.
Oct 09, 2001
VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK KNOCKING CONSUMER OVER AND RUNNING OVER HER ANKLE/LEG.
Oct 09, 2001
GAS PEDAL STICKING TO THE FLOOR. *ET
Jan 13, 2000
VEHICLE DID NOT GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE OWNER CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER, WHICH IS RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNER MANUAL. VEHICLE CURRENTLY WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Aug 27, 1998
+ 3 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaints
I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT LIMP UNDER MY FOOT. HOWEVER, THE CAR CONTINUED ACCELERATING. PUMPING THE PEDAL CHANGED NOTHING. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR KEPT GOING AT 55 MPH. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP BY PUTTING IT IN PARK WHILE IT WAS STILL MOVING AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION. I WAS ON AN EMPTY ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND STARTED THE CAR UP AGAIN AND IT WAS RACING AT FULL THROTTLE WHILE IN PARK. THE THROTTLE IS OBVIOUSLY STUCK WIDE OPEN AND I THINK I PROBABLY INCURRED TRANSMISSION DAMAGE GETTING IT TO STOP. I THEN CALLED A TOW TRUCK WHICH TOWED THE VEHICLE TO MY RESIDENCE. I HAVE NOT YET HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR. I THOUGHT I WOULD MAKE THIS REPORT FIRST AND WAIT FOR YOUR ADVICE AS TO WHAT TO DO. MY GUESS WOULD BE THE THROTTLE CABLE SNAPPED BASED ON THE FACT THAT THE PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT LIMP AND THEN I LOST THE ABILITY TO EITHER ACCELERATE OR DECELERATE.*AK
Jun 02, 2002
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS TO FLOOR WHEN PASSING AND WILL NOT RELEASE UNTIL TAPPED OR PULLED BY HAND.
Mar 24, 1999
GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR DUE TO THROTTLE SENSOR FAILURE.
Dec 18, 1997
GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR DUE TO THROTTLE CABLE FAILURE.
Dec 18, 1997
VEHICLE WHILE ACCELERATING CAR WOULD NOT DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING DUE TO STUCK THROTTLE. T
Sep 19, 1995
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
FORD GARAGE UNABLE TO GET PART. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Nov 03, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Oct 25, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 25, 2000
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DESIGN IS A PHONEY GAUGE, CIRCUIT IS RUN THROUGH A FIXED RESISTOR WHICH READS NORMAL ON ALL OCCASIONS. MJS
Apr 26, 1999
STEERING
4 complaints
THE LINE ROUTED FROM THE PUMP TO THE RACK AND PINION WAS WEDGED INBETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN AND THE TOP OF THE FRAME, CAUSING IT TO RUB THROUGH THE LINE, WEARING A HOLE IN IT. THIS CAUSED IT TO LEAK P.S. FLUID RAPIDLY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS SOMETHING DONE WRONG ON MY PART.
Nov 13, 1998
POWER STEERING HOSE DISCONNECTED CAUSING FLUID LEAK ON EXHAUST (CATALYTIC CONVERTER) RESULTING IN FIRE.
Oct 19, 1998
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH , THE POWER STEERING HOSE BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING . THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Oct 23, 1997
REPLACED RIGHT/LEFT SPINDLE.
Jan 16, 1995
SUSPENSION
3 complaints
FORD SPRINGS I OWNED AN ESCORT AND AM ON THE SECOND SET OF SPRINGS AND JUST BOUGHT A 92 THUNDERBIRD AND BOTH FRONT SPRINGS ARE BAD THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A TOPAZ I HAD TO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH FORD AND THERE SPRINGS LATELY I'VE BEEN HEARING A LOT ON THIS SEEMS LIKE WHEN THE CARS GET UP TO 75000 MILES. EVER HEARD OF FLATS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM PLEASE LOOK INTO IT THANK YOU. *NLM
May 26, 2003
DRIVING ALONG AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE PART THAT TURNS THE SPINDLE/ LOWER BALL JOINTS/ LOWER CONTROL ARM JUST FELL OFF. *AK
Nov 21, 1996
DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL BEARING/HUB ASSEMBLY BREAKING DOWN PREMATURELY. *DSH
Apr 20, 1996
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED SOMETHING BLACK FALLING ON DASH, HE STOPPED/ INSPECTED, AND NOTICED A PIECE OF WINDSHIELD ADHESIVE HAD FALLEN. ADHESIVE HAD NEVER HARDENED,AND WHEN CLEANING INSIDE OF IT, CONSUMER GOT STUCK ON ADHESIVE. FORD DEALER TOLD HIM UP TO 36000 MILES FORD CO. WOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT SINCE THIS VEHICLE WAS OVER THAT MILEAGE THEY WOULD DO NOTHING.*AK CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *SLC
Jun 08, 2001
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE IN WINDSHIELDS WIPERS . *ET
Nov 19, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT. THE WINDOW HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, 5/95 AND 8/96. *AK
Dec 03, 1996
AIR BAGS
3 complaints
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIRBAG DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY.
Aug 24, 1998
COMING ACROSS A SMALL BRIDGE THAT WAS ICED, LOST CONTROL, HITTING THE GUARDRAIL, TOTALLY DEMOLISHING THE FRONT. NEITHER DUAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ANY TIME EVEN AFTER BEING TOWED TO BODY SHOP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Nov 20, 1997
DRIVING HOME IN LEFT LANE, STREET LIGHTS NOT BRIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE IN LEFT LANE NOT MOVING, NO HAZARDS OR OTHER LIGHTS, THUNDERBIRD REARENDED VEHICLE, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Dec 06, 1996
WHEELS
3 complaints
LEFT REAR WHEEL HAS BECOME LOOSE, DUE TO THE WASHER THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL ON THE AXLE IS DEFECTIVE, REPLACE WASHER 3 TIMES. TT
Aug 16, 1995
LUG NUT DESIGNED WITHOUT SAFETY DEVICE PREVENTS LUG FROM FALLING OFF, RESULTING IN REAR WHEEL COMING OFF. *SKD
May 07, 1995
LEFT WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING DUE TO BEING LOOSE, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AW
Apr 06, 1995
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
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
Jan 24, 2005
SOMETIMES TURN SIGNAL WORKS AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT WORK. CONSUMER HAS TO WIGGLE KEY, AND SIGNALS MAY OR MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. RECALL 96 V 071 000 DESCRIBED THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Aug 26, 2002
PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN IT IS APPLIED BECAUSE OF A WRATCHET PROBLEM. *AK
Jan 07, 1998
PARKED IN DRIVEWAY IN PARK BRAKE SET AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACK. *AK
Jul 13, 1995
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
FUEL LINES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE CAUSING FUMES AND LEAKING.
Dec 02, 1997
FUEL LINE LEAKS AT GAS TANK.
Dec 11, 1996
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
BUMPER NOT ABLE TO WITHSTAND MINOR IMPACT, CAUSED NECK INJURY.
Jan 17, 1997
WARPED FRAME.
Oct 05, 1994
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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
Sep 02, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
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
Sep 15, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
HEAD GASKET- CAR BEGAN SKIPPING AND THEN WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF EXHUAST. I DROVE IT HOME (3 MILES). I PULLED THE SPARK PLUGS AND FOUND THAT THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER PLUG CLEAN AND WET. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR AND CYLINDER. WHY WON'T FORD HELP? I HAVE YET TO BRING IT TO A GARAGE SO I DON'T KNOW IF THE HEAD OR BLOCK IS DAMAGED. I AM HOPING NOT! TRANSMISSION- AOD MODEL STARTING AT ABOUT 79,000 MILES IT BEGAN TO SHIFT FUNNY AND GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AS TIME WENT ON. NOW SHIFTING ERATIC, WAS LOOKING INTO FIXING IT WHEN THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM CAME UP!!!!!*AK
Jul 21, 2002
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jan 07, 2002
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jan 10, 2001
PARKING BRAKE,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE DOORS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS, THEY SEEM TO BE TOO HEAVY FOR THE HINGES AS THEY SAG AND REQUIRE US TO LIFT THE DOOR TO GET THEM TO SHUT. THE FRONT SEAT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK PROPERLY AT ALL AS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN TO RETRACT AND PASSENGER SIDE STAYS AT BOTTOM OF TRACK AND SHUTTERS ALL THE TIME. THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT STAY ELEVATED, WHICH CAUSES THE IN-DASH BRAKE LIGHT TO COME ON DURING OPERATION.*AK
Jan 01, 2001
TIRES
1 complaint
I DON'T HAVE THE INFORMATION IN FRONT OF ME RE. TIRE MODEL, SIZE, ETC. THE TREAD COMPLETELY PEELED WHILE TRAVELLING AT ~ 65 MPH, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE BUMPER, FENDER, AND MISC. DAMAGE. THE TIRE WAS ROUGHLY 2 YEARS OLD AND HAD LESS THAN 35,000 MILES OF WEAR. PROPER ROTATION, BALANCING, AND INFLATION HAD BEEN MAINTAINED.( DOT NUMBER: )
Oct 19, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
IN THE U.S. MILITARY STATIONED IN EUROPE. FUEL PUMP AND RELAY MALFUNCTIONED. WHILE INSTALLING NEW FUEL PUMP AND RELAY, THE FORD TECHNICIAN FOUND THE WIRING HARNESS PROVIDING CURRENT TO THE PUMP WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR WAS A FAULTY DESIGN. IT HAD CHAFFED THROUGH THE HARNESS CASING EXPOSING THE CHARRED AND MELTED WIRES INSIDE. SUBSEQUENT CHAFFING OF INNER WIRES CAUSED A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT AND MELTING OF THE WIRES THEMSELVES. DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF THE SHORT, AN EXPLOSION COULD OCCUR IF FUEL VAPORS ARE PRESENT. THE TECHNICIAN WAS SURPRISED IT HAD NOT EXPLODED. THIS VEHICLE HAS A CURRENT RECALL FOR OTHER FUEL SYSTEM DEFECTS. A COMBINATION OF THE 2 COULD BE DEADLY IF THE OWNER IN UNAWARE OF EITHER PROBLEM AREA. I HAVE AND WILL RETAIN THE HARNESS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED. *AK
Jan 30, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE PLASTIC TRANSMISSION CABLE END BROKE OFF THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSING THE GAS PEDAL STICKING TO THE FLOOR.*ET
Jan 13, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
ENGINE HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR A WHILE AND FINALLY WENT. HEARD NUMEROUS REPORTS AND READ ARTICALS RANGING FROM A SHOW BY 'MOTOR TREND ' TO DEALER COMMENTS ON THE PROBLEM WITH DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS IN 3.8L ENGINES. ALSO, KNOW NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH AN ENGINE LIKE MINE ,HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE "LIGHT BAR" INSIDE THE TAILLIGHTS ARE ANOTHER PROBLEM, YOU DON'T SEE A T-BIRD ON THE ROAD TODAY THAT DOESN'T HAVE AT LEAST PART OF THEIR TAIL LIGHTS BURNED OUT SO I KNOW ITS NOT JUST MINE AND THEY STARTED DOING THIS MANY MILES AGO! I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLES,SO I KNOW THIS IS NOT FROM ABUSE! LIKE I SAID WHEN DEALERS TELL YOU THEY'RE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN PARTS AND CAR SHOWS,MAGAZINES , AND CONSUMER REPORTS SAY THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH AHEAD GASKET ON A CERTAIN ENGINE YOU KNOW YOU'RE NOT ALONE! REPLACING A HEAD GASKET IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR , I THOUGHT I WOULD CHECK INTO THIS BEFORE FOOTING THE BILL MYSELF. PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS YOU CAN IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS AS I'M NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ...THANKS ,LYNN. *AK
Jan 04, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
FILLED VEHICLE WITH FUEL & DROVE HOME. PARKED VEHICLE IN GARAGE. NOTICED AN ODOR OF GASOLINE. CHECKED VEHICLE & DISCOVERED A LEAK UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC & THE GASKETS WERE REPLACED, TWICE. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC WOULD NOT CHECK UNLESS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. *AK
Jan 03, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY
Aug 28, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM CAUSING LIGHT TO GO OFF INTERMITTANTLY WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER HAS HAD NUMEROUS SWITCHES REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSIST.
Feb 16, 1999
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
BECAUSE OF THE HINGES IN DOOR IT WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY. SEAT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK *AK.
Nov 25, 1997
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DOOR DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY; HAVE TO LIFT UP & THEN CLOSE IT. THE MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY; THEY ARE NOT RETRACTING BACKWARDS OR FOWARDS LIKE THEY SHOULD. *AK CONSUMER STATES DOOR HINGE IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH, IT STARTS TO WEAR AFTER SEVERAL YEARS, DEALER STATES THAT HINGE CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED THAT IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. *SLC
Nov 12, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
BRAKES: BRAKES HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THREE YEARS. BRAKES VIBRATE AND WEAR OUT WITHIN A YEAR. HAD NEW BRAKE PADS INSTALLED AND ROTORS TURNED. ALSO VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE LEFT SIDE 3-2-97. PROBABLE CAUSE ELECTRICAL. RECALL 96V071. *AK
Mar 03, 1997
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE BRAKES SWITCH GOES OUT, CONSUMER LOSES BRAKES LIGHTS, NO CRUISE CONTROL AND IS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. THE SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED (6) TIME SINCE OWNING VEHICLE IN JULY 92. *AK
Nov 21, 1996
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE ORGINAL SPEEDOMETER WAS REPLACED AT 7,000 MILES, THE SECOND ONE WAS REPLACED AT 5,000 MILES AND THE THIRD ONE AT 8,000 MILES. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK THE NEEDLE WILL NOT PROGRAM PAST 38 MPH ALSO HEATER NOT WORKING PROPERLY LOW HEAT AND ALSO A/C LOW..*JB
Nov 14, 1996
SEATS
1 complaint
FRONT SEAT LATCHES FAILED TO STOP SEAT BACK FROM GOING FORWARD IN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES. *DSH
Apr 19, 1996
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1992 FORD Thunderbird have?
The 1992 FORD Thunderbird currently has 210 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1992 FORD Thunderbird?
The most common problems reported for the 1992 FORD Thunderbird are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1992 FORD Thunderbird problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1992 FORD Thunderbird comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - FORD Thunderbird
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1997 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
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