1988 Ford Thunderbird Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 96V071000Apr 25, 19967,900,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Ignition
  Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993, Ford Mustang 1988–1993 +12 more

  Reported issue: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

  Possible 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.

  Full campaign details →

• 88V033000Mar 15, 1988682 vehicles potentially affected
  Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
  Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1988

  Reported issue: A design change to facilitate changeover in rear axle shaft flanges inadvertently produced the possibility for interference between the flange and disc brake rotor.

  Possible consequence: The interference could prevent proper seating of therotor. Also an improperly seated rotor could in time result in a reduction inthe clamping forces of the wheel studs, possibly leading to fractured studsand rear wheel separation.

  Remedy: Inspection of vehicles and where necessary replace rear axle shafts and rear brake rotors.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• EA95021Faulty seat belt bucklesClosed · Jul 31, 1995
• PE95019Faulty seatbelt bucklesClosed · Mar 27, 1995
• EA90009Throttle stickingClosed · Feb 8, 1990
• PE90001Throttle stickingClosed · Oct 4, 1989
• PE88097Floormat/accel pedal intrfClosed · Aug 31, 1988

← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird