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.
1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical system problems
The 1990 Ford Thunderbird has 38 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 21% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
38
Electrical System complaints
21%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
2
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
Defect
BATTERY TO STARTER CABLES ARE LONGER THAN SPECIFIED; EXCESSIVE CABLE LENGTH COULD CONTACT ENGINE DAMPER PULLEY.
Consequence
CABLE PROTECTIVE COVERING AND INSULATION COULD WEAR THROUGH AND CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT TO GROUND, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND POSSIBLY A UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
What owners report
“VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY 4 DAYS. IT CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPT DISTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. INDICATION OF FIRE ORIGIN WAS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH FIXED WIRES. CONTACTED FORD. INDICATED RECALL WAS SENT OUT. BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE SKIPPING & MISSING. TOOK TO SERVICE DEPT & INFORMED HEAD GASKETS…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1990 Ford Thunderbird have?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical system — 21% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical system?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 90V026000, 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.