1989 Ford Thunderbird Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 19%of 124 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 23 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird, 19% of the 124 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“While accelerating to get on the freeway twice in jacksonville, fl, and the last time in kingsland, ga, the foot pedal stuck. It did not release itself the third time. At approximately 100 miles per hour I finally put the car in neutral onlyto find out that my brakes didn't work. I have thanked god every day since. I was headed into road construction site and the state line bridge. This could have been a great tragedy to alot of people and their families, including my own. …”
NHTSA complaint #715072, filed 1999-11“This car has ABS on it but it fails to work properly. There has been no accidents occuring from it on my car, but has been a few close calls. I have heard of alot of failures of the brake system, and the master cylinder is a dealer only item with a price tag of $1800!!!!!!! If someone like me owns this car, and has a brake problem, how do I save my kids lives and replace the failing part if I can't afford to buy the parts? The close calls I have had is if I slam on the brakes, either the ABS doesn't work at all and the tires lock,,, or the pedal is real spongy... …”
NHTSA complaint #700762, filed 1998-11“Consumer's daughter was driving when she applied brakes and they did not apply fully. Then vehicle started to roll down an enbankment. Vehicle was totaled. Brake failure due to malfunctioned master cylinder.”
NHTSA complaint #857821, filed 2000-03“Intermittently when brakes were applied, pedal became hard, resulting in extended stopping distance due to master cylinder. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Dealer has informed consumer that the part needed to repair vehicle was no longer manufactured. Brakes fail intermittently, they are leaking brake fluid and the Ford dealerships cannot repair it. There are no rebuild kits available for this vehicle. Consumer was informed to purchase a master cylinder from a junk yard. Consumer feels fords responsibilty is to repair or replace the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #8011802, filed 2002-06“The vehicle accelerated suddenly almost to 100mph. The brakes were ruined trying to stop the car, had to be turned off and down shifted in order to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #813094, filed 1997-06Related recalls
- 89V081000May 19, 1989Due to contact between the brake caliper of the inboard front wheel and the front stabilizer bar, there may be increased brake pedal travel following low…Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1989, Mercury Cougar 1989
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 5 | 15% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 13% |
| 1996 | 46 | 20% |
| 1995 | 94 | 36% |
| 1994 | 76 | 25% |
| 1993 | 34 | 8% |
| 1992 | 29 | 16% |
| 1991 | 19 | 17% |
| 1990 | 34 | 24% |
| 1989 | 23 | 19% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 5 | 8% |
| 1985 | 2 | 14% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird
26 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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