1990 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 27%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, 27% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 19 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1. Just suddenly started occurring. 2. Re: campaign id # 96v071000, I have an ignition problem with my 1990 Ford Thunderbird but was told by Ford my VIN does not apply to recall. Although no fire, I believe there is some sort of short circuit in my ignition switch. The automatic seat-belt will, at unpredictable times, not move into position when ignition switch is turned and at the same time the engine will turn over normally but will not start. Every time seat belt doesn't work, engine will not start. 3. Have not been able to make any repairs, yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10142652, filed 2005-11, 74,000 miles“The contact stated while traveling 30 MPH on dry flat road conditions, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. The brakes were applied and kept the vehicle from further accelerating. The vehicle pulled over without incident. The contact let the vehicle cool down for an hour, and then drove to the residence. The contact noticed a NHTSA recall#96v071000 regarding electrical system: ignition on the NHTSA website. The service dealer was contacted and determined the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170951, filed 2006-10, 155,000 miles“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“Vehicle parked in driveway 4 days. It caught fire. Fire dept distinguished the flames. Indication of fire origin was in the ignition switch fixed wires. Contacted Ford. Indicated recall was sent out. Been having problems with vehicle skipping & missing. Took to service dept & informed head gaskets had blown & water leaked into cylinder. No technical service bulletin for Thunderbird about head gaskets.”
NHTSA complaint #873227, filed 2000-10“Vehicle was smoking when pulled into a garage, and burst into flames. Fire was put out by extinguisher. Fire department moved the car from garage. Also, brake light came on before the car caught on fire. No warranty. Dealer and manufacturer are aware, and cannot take the case.”
NHTSA complaint #828475, filed 1998-10Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993, Ford Mustang 1988–1993 +12 more
- 90V026000Feb 12, 1990Battery to starter cables are longer than specified; excessive cable length could contact engine damper pulley.Covers: Ford Thunderbird 1990, Mercury Cougar 1990
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 4 | 12% |
| 2003 | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 | 21 | 23% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 | 24 | 8% |
| 1993 | 37 | 9% |
| 1992 | 27 | 15% |
| 1991 | 13 | 12% |
| 1990 | 38 | 27% |
| 1989 | 22 | 18% |
| 1988 | 29 | 32% |
| 1987 | 24 | 39% |
| 1986 | 5 | 22% |
| 1985 | 9 | 64% |
| 1984 | 10 | 38% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
34 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 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