1986 Ford Thunderbird Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 13%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 3 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1986 Ford Thunderbird, 13% of the 23 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I have three separate incidences. First occurring in 1997 while taking my grandson to high school: while completing the turn into the parking lot at his school, my 1986 Thunderbird suddenly surged as if I had fully pressed the accelerator to the floor. Fortunately, I was finally able to regain control and neither of us were injured nor was there any property damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #763620, filed 2002-06“When the owner warms the car, he shifts the gear to drive and the car stalls. He starts the car again, shifts to drive and the car stalls when he comes to a complete stop. The driver was in an crash but did not describe it.”
NHTSA complaint #541767, filed 1998-09Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 26% |
| 2003 | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 | 11 | 12% |
| 1997 | 11 | 7% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 23 | 8% |
| 1993 | 14 | 3% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 17 | 12% |
| 1989 | 26 | 21% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 7 | 11% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford Thunderbird
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 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 31, 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