1988 Ford Thunderbird Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 20%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the seat belts of the 1988 Ford Thunderbird, 20% of the 92 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driver's side seat belt buckle failed. I also owned a 1987 t-bird prior to this one that had the same problem. Seems to be a recurring problem with the older t-birds.”
NHTSA complaint #757128, filed 2002-01“Bought car frm old lady who rarely drove it. After bought noticed frnt end clunk all speeds replaced struts clunk stillthere replaced strut bearings and all bushings in front end. …”
NHTSA complaint #737337, filed 2000-12Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 7 | 2% |
| 1993 | 29 | 7% |
| 1992 | 18 | 10% |
| 1991 | 15 | 13% |
| 1990 | 23 | 16% |
| 1989 | 17 | 14% |
| 1988 | 18 | 20% |
| 1987 | 13 | 21% |
| 1986 | 5 | 22% |
| 1984 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Thunderbird
29 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 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