1989 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 18%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 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird, 18% of the 124 complaints for this model year. 16 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.
“In our local paper on 8/31/2000, there was a story about the alameda county (calf) superior court judge's preliminary decision concerning a posssible recall of of Ford vehicles in the model years 1983-1995 concering the thick film ignition (tfi) module being placed on the distributor near the engine block where it overheats and casues the car to stall. Can you give me any updates as to where this situation is currently and will I be notified in case of a recall by Ford. …”
NHTSA complaint #731571, filed 2000-09“Vehicle was parked in the driveway all of a sudden a loud explosion was heard . Noticed vehicle on fire under the hood. Fire department arrived and extinguished fire. Reason for fire was undeterrmined. Can NHTSA help in this matter or provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #845963, filed 1999-08“Pulling into driveway noticed smoke from under the hood. Lifted hood & noticed gray smoke & then flames appeared near alternator. A neighbor put flames out. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to have it checked.”
NHTSA complaint #831084, filed 1998-11“While driving at any rate of speed vehicle will completely shutdown without warning, due to a malfunction within the ignition module. The vehicle does not restart at all now.”
NHTSA complaint #872703, filed 2000-10“The electrical system failed, recall on electrical defects were done, however this apparently was not sufficient. There were wires inside harnesses in the fire wall that were burned and chaffed causing electrical failure.”
NHTSA complaint #520651, filed 1997-08Related 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 1989 Ford Thunderbird
26 complaintsBrakes
23 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 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