1986 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 22%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 1986 Ford Thunderbird, 22% of the 23 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving from the dealership from having the vehicle serviced, the engine suddenly blew causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop due to an oil leak, the vehicle remained on the dealers lot from june-november 1997 while a decision was being made about who was going to be responsible for repairs. Mlm”
NHTSA complaint #560327, filed 2001-03“Was driving in rush hour traffic when vehicle stalled for no reason. Vehicle towed to nearest mechanic. Informed that distributor module was designed to fail & would need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #874474, filed 2000-11Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 4 | 12% |
| 2003 | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 | 21 | 23% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 | 24 | 8% |
| 1993 | 37 | 9% |
| 1992 | 27 | 15% |
| 1991 | 13 | 12% |
| 1990 | 38 | 27% |
| 1989 | 22 | 18% |
| 1988 | 29 | 32% |
| 1987 | 24 | 39% |
| 1986 | 5 | 22% |
| 1985 | 9 | 64% |
| 1984 | 10 | 38% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford Thunderbird
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Ford Thunderbird
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology