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.
1989 Ford Thunderbird electrical system problems
The 1989 Ford Thunderbird has 23 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.
23
Electrical System complaints
16%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“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”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1989 Ford Thunderbird have?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 1989 Ford Thunderbird electrical system — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1989 Ford Thunderbird electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
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.