1988 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 32%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 170,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Ford Thunderbird, 32% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 170,000 miles. 11 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When the key was turned in the ignition steering column started smoking. This was due to the defect described in the ignition recall 96v071000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10079573, filed 2004-06, 170,000 miles“Consumer was driving and pulling into a parking lot and there was a burn/ electrical smell, but no smoke. Consumer turned to start vehicle back up, and nothing would happen. A mechanic found that ignition switch burned out from overheating. Recall 96v071000/ manufacturer's recall 95s28 was serviced in january 1997.”
NHTSA complaint #889186, filed 2001-05“The vehicle has had a recall on the ignition switch. When the first failure on the switch occurred there was no brake power and instrument panel gauges or turn signals. After recall failure happened again with same consequences, loss of brakes and gauges, with overheating of the ignition switch causes the wire harness in the steering column to burn.”
NHTSA complaint #521444, filed 1997-08“Alternator overheated, and has been replaced four times due to an electrical shortage within ignition switch. Two dealers had differing openion about the problem. The consumer believes something within the vehicle's design excites the electrical changing system.”
NHTSA complaint #877473, filed 2001-01“Had received recall notice 96v071000 in the mail. Contacted dealer. Had the ignition repaired at dealer. Problem with smoking occurred. Took vehicle back & paid for another ignition. Having the same problem with smoking of the ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #835775, filed 1999-03Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993, Ford Mustang 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird
18 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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