1990 Ford Thunderbird Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, 4% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,500 miles. 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.
“Fuel leak from fuel tank when full . Dangerous , could cause a fire . Auto is parked in a garage inside of my house . Unable to fill tank because of condition . Ford will not repair . Around 45,000 miles , never in accident & fuel system never worked on . I think this is very negligent on Ford's part .”
NHTSA complaint #10114317, filed 2005-03, 8,500 miles“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“Was driving at about 40 MPH when hit divider left side. Car also hit right/front then stopped and was hit in rear. Fuel cutoff system did not cut off while involved in crash.”
NHTSA complaint #811028, filed 1997-05Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 13 | 8% |
| 1996 | 14 | 6% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 10 | 3% |
| 1993 | 16 | 4% |
| 1992 | 25 | 14% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 6 | 4% |
| 1989 | 6 | 5% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1986 | 2 | 9% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird
38 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 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 29, 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