1990 Ford Thunderbird Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, 6% of the 140 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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“Speedometer fails constantly causing driver to be unaware of what speed they are traveling at. I have spoken with many owners of this vehicle which have or have had the same problem up to the year 1994 from the year 1989.”
NHTSA complaint #721546, filed 2000-04“Was driving vehicle when transmission slipped; a small plastic piece in between automatic clutch broke off, could not engage to shift transmission; if running too long gears will burn out. Took to transmission mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #808604, filed 1997-02Transmission 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 1990 Ford Thunderbird
38 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine cooling
11 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