1989 Ford Thunderbird Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 10%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird, 10% of the 124 complaints for this model year. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Gasket in middle section of engine was so narrow it failed completely. The car over heated many times and no problem could be found at times it over heated. Replaced many parts thermastat, radiator,catilitic converter tested. When mid section disassembled the gasket was shown to me and it was undoutedly a poor design. Too narrow to hold on any vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #728864, filed 2000-08“Bought brand new in 1989. First early problems with cigarette lighter/electrical/heating up inside dash.- serviced 3-4 times, under warranty. Freon leaks in air conditioner - repaired twice. Fuel line replaced. Steering colum jam of somesort - no key access. Replaced 3 alternators. Cannot shift transmission into overdrive. Rebuilt by aamco. Blew head gasket. Radiator coolant comming out from muffler. Got rid of car at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10070904, filed 2004-01“Engine head gasket failure on Ford 3.8l v-6 engine, resulting in overheating and cracked cylinder head. Estimated repair cost $1,500 to $2,000. This is a widespread problem with this engine covering many years and different Ford model cars. Ford has extended existing warranties for some models but only back to year 1994. Problem is due to insufficient head gasket thickness and cylinder head bolt tension. …”
NHTSA complaint #722428, filed 2000-05“After returning home, parked vehicle, vehicle started smoking then was engulfed in flames, fire dept arrived, put flames out, said location of fire in engine area, police arrived on scene.”
NHTSA complaint #806426, filed 1996-12Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 15% |
| 2003 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 24 | 26% |
| 1997 | 54 | 32% |
| 1996 | 65 | 28% |
| 1995 | 49 | 19% |
| 1994 | 61 | 20% |
| 1993 | 171 | 40% |
| 1992 | 27 | 15% |
| 1991 | 14 | 13% |
| 1990 | 11 | 8% |
| 1989 | 13 | 10% |
| 1988 | 7 | 8% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1986 | 7 | 30% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 6 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird
26 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsSeat belts
17 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 27, 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