VehicleVerdict

1989 Ford Thunderbird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 147 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 36.8 times the median Thunderbird year — the 1989 model ranks #8 of 37 Thunderbird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (26), brakes (25), and electrical system (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

147

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

6

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

25

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Thunderbird years?

Thunderbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted559 complaints1960: 1 complaints1965: 1 complaints1967: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 33 complaints1985: 16 complaints1986: 32 complaints1987: 73 complaints1988: 116 complaints1989: 147 complaints1990: 179 complaints1991: 130 complaints1992: 234 complaints1993: 559 complaints1994: 426 complaints1995: 353 complaints1996: 295 complaints1997: 228 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 2 complaints2002: 116 complaints2003: 50 complaints2004: 40 complaints2005: 35 complaints
Thunderbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Thunderbird years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Ford Thunderbird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control2618%
Brakes2517%
Electrical System2316%
Seat Belts2014%
Engine1510%
Tires & Wheels75%
Fuel System64%
Transmission53%
Steering43%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Seats32%
Suspension32%
Other21%
Lighting21%
Body & Structure11%
Latches & Locks11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1989 Ford Thunderbird have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

96V071000Electrical SystemApril 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 units

Defect

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

89V080000SuspensionMay 19, 1989 · 10,600 units

Defect

IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE AT THEAFFECTED WHEEL WITH AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE KNUCKLES THAT HAVE THE AFFECTED LOT CODES.

89V081000BrakesMay 19, 1989 · 113,200 units

Defect

DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, THERE MAY BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL FOLLOWING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCETHAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL ACORN TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT NUTS TO ELIMINATE STABILIZER BAR TO BRAKE CALIPER CONTACT.

88V165000Fuel SystemOctober 18, 1988 · 124 units

Defect

PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.

Consequence

FUEL OR VAPOR COULD LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEFIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FUEL TANK.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE, BACKING OUT OF DRIVING CAR ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, TRIED TO STOP VEHICLE AND TRIED TO PUT INTO PARK BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED FOWARD AT A VERY HIGH SPEED AND HIT THE CORNER OF THE RESIDENCE AND GARAGE DOOR, AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WITH VERY SEVERE DAMGES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 5, 2000 · crash

“CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE APPLIED BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT APPLY FULLY. THEN VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL DOWN AN ENBANKMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONED MASTER CYLINDER. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD . NOTICED VEHICLE ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED FIRE. REASON FOR FIRE WAS UNDETERRMINED. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 18, 1999 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 19, 2003 · crash

“AFTER RETURNING HOME, PARKED VEHICLE, VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING THEN WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, FIRE DEPT ARRIVED, PUT FLAMES OUT, SAID LOCATION OF FIRE IN ENGINE AREA, POLICE ARRIVED ON SCENE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 27, 1996 · fire

1989 Ford Thunderbird — common questions

Is the 1989 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 147 complaints put the 1989 model at #8 of 37 Thunderbird years. It is one of the Thunderbird years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Thunderbird problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (26 complaints), brakes (25 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints).

Does the 1989 Ford Thunderbird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Ford Thunderbird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Ford Thunderbird under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Thunderbird years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.