1989 Ford Thunderbird Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%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 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird, 3% of the 124 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“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 2004-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 7% |
| 2004 | 7 | 21% |
| 2003 | 6 | 18% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 17 | 10% |
| 1996 | 21 | 9% |
| 1995 | 41 | 16% |
| 1994 | 92 | 31% |
| 1993 | 12 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 5% |
| 1991 | 4 | 4% |
| 1990 | 8 | 6% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird
26 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
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 30, 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