1990 Ford Thunderbird Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 24%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,664miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the brakes of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, 24% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,664 miles. 1 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.
“You know my husband and his friend had no idea ont his car that the brakes went out, until they were getting off the interstate, and it was too late. Wrecked into a semi-truck, that guy is lucky- so is my husband and his friend. I think this sghould be an issue of concern. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #740925, filed 2001-02“After all the problems that I have experienced with my Ford Thunderbird, I now refuse to purchase another Ford car and I would never recommend a Ford vehicle to anyone. Between the power window failures, transmission failure, air compressor failure, batter failure, fuel pump failure, throttle failure, etc... I could keep going on how much trouble it has put me through and waste of money that this car has cost me. I am completely dissatisfied. I wanted to purchase an american made vehicle for certain aspects of knowing I am helping out the us(job wise), but my views have since changed. …”
NHTSA complaint #715488, filed 1999-12“Modual first failed sep 00. Car lost power steering and brakes at 60 MPH. Car was parked from sep 00 to 26 july 01 while Ford got part. New moduel was installed 26 july 01 and failed 8 aug 01 again at 60 MPH without power steering or brakes. Ford dealer is now looking for a new one. Part was listed at $100.00 at time of sep 00 failure. Modual obtained in jul 01 that failed in aug 01 cost $306.00”
NHTSA complaint #750455, filed 2001-08“Reporting a second reoccurring failure with brakr master cyinder, first failure occurred at 80,000 miles, and again currently. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #881035, filed 2001-02“Brake pedal would not go down when brakes were applied. Also, throttle was stuck all the way to the floor. Dealer not aware of the problem. Occurred during very in cold temperatures. Problem still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834183, filed 1999-01Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 5 | 15% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 13% |
| 1996 | 46 | 20% |
| 1995 | 94 | 36% |
| 1994 | 76 | 25% |
| 1993 | 34 | 8% |
| 1992 | 29 | 16% |
| 1991 | 19 | 17% |
| 1990 | 34 | 24% |
| 1989 | 23 | 19% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 5 | 8% |
| 1985 | 2 | 14% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
38 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 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