1989 Ford Thunderbird Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1989 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 →

• 89V080000May 19, 198910,600 vehicles potentially affected
  Suspension › Rear › Springs
  Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1989, Mercury Cougar 1989

  Reported issue: Improperly heat treated rear suspension knuckles could experience high mileage fatigue cracks and eventual fracture.

  Possible consequence: This could result in rear suspension failure at theaffected wheel with an adverse affect on control of the car, which couldcause an accident.

  Remedy: Replace knuckles that have the affected lot codes.

  Full campaign details →

• 89V081000May 19, 1989113,200 vehicles potentially affected
  Service brakes, air › Disc › Caliper
  Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1989, Mercury Cougar 1989

  Reported issue: Due 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 speed turning maneuvers.

  Possible consequence: This could cause a reduction in brake performancethat could result in an accident.

  Remedy: Install acorn type front suspension strut nuts to eliminate stabilizer bar to brake caliper contact.

  Full campaign details →

• 88V165000Oct 18, 1988124 vehicles potentially affected
  Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
  Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1989, Mercury Cougar 1989

  Reported issue: Plastic rollover valve mounting plate may not be properly sealed to the plastic fuel tank.

  Possible consequence: Fuel or vapor could leak, which could result in a vehiclefire.

  Remedy: Replace fuel tank.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• PE95019Faulty seatbelt bucklesClosed · Mar 27, 1995
• EA93033Thrttl vlv linkage bushingClosed · Dec 30, 1993
• PE93075Thrttl vlv linkage bushingClosed · Aug 30, 1993
• EA90034Hood latches failClosed · Jun 26, 1990
• EA90009Throttle stickingClosed · Feb 8, 1990
• PE90001Throttle stickingClosed · Oct 4, 1989

← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Thunderbird