1989 Ford Thunderbird Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 21%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,899miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird, 21% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,899 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car accelerated when brake pedal was fully depressed to floor...smashed into corner of house, damaging brickwork and front, right corner of the car. Vehicle is inoperable but not yet towed due to financial restrictions (unable to attach photos...please provide email address where I can send photos.)”
NHTSA complaint #10924888, filed 2016-11, 86,899 miles“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“Cruise control was set on 65 MPH. Without prior warning the vehicle suddenly accelerated to a speed of almost 85 MPH and the brakes would not function. The driver turned the vehicle off, while in motion, and pulled over to the shoulder. There were no injuries or fatalities. The consumer had the cruise control disconnected. The dealer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10039810, filed 2003-10“While putting car in reverse, backing out of driving car accelerated at a high rate of speed, tried to stop vehicle and tried to put into park but the car accelerated foward at a very high speed and hit the corner of the residence and garage door, and finally came to a stop with very severe damges to vehicle and residence.”
NHTSA complaint #721121, filed 2000-04“While driving at 60 MPH the with cruise control on, went to cut the cruise control off and the throttle got stuck ,causing vehicle to travel very fast. The consumer ran off the road and had to cut the vehicle off. The engine was racing very loud and when trying to start again the noise got real loud, causing the consumer to go under the hood and disconnect the cable that controls the cruise control.”
NHTSA complaint #830680, filed 1998-12Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 26% |
| 2003 | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 | 11 | 12% |
| 1997 | 11 | 7% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 23 | 8% |
| 1993 | 14 | 3% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 17 | 12% |
| 1989 | 26 | 21% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 7 | 11% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Thunderbird
23 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