Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 18.3 times the median Thunderbird year — the 1987 model ranks #12 of 37 Thunderbird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (36% of the total).
73
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
5
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
20
Fires reported
15
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 26 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 14 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence
COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy
INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER DRIVING HEADLIGHTS WERE SUPPOSE TO TURN THEMSELVES OFF. BUT THEY DID NOT. THEN WHEN CONSUMER BEGAN TO DRIVE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. AFTERWARDS, DROVE VEHICLE AGAIN, IT THEN STOPPED AND WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK”
“WHILE PULLLING SEAT BELT OUT TO LOCK IN PLACE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT BECOME LATCHED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
“AFTERMARKET BRAKE FLUID HAS DAMAGED BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE, BRAND NAME IS SUPERIOR, DISTRIBUTED BY DPI IN CHICAGO, IL 60632. TT”
“DT: THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE THREE TIMES. IT WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. CONTACTED FORD, THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER PUT TWO OF THE FIRES OUT, AND FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT ONE OF THE FIRES OUT. ALL FIRES STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS HAPPENED ON JUNE 1, 1996. THE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 1987 model at #12 of 37 Thunderbird years. It is one of the Thunderbird years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (26 complaints), seat belts (14 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Ford Thunderbird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Thunderbird years to avoid are 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1992, 1997, 1990, 1989, 1991, 2002, 1988, 1987, 2003, 2004, 2005, 1984, 1986. The cleanest record among Thunderbird years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.