1990 Ford Thunderbird Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 12%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, 12% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,500 miles. 5 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 was backed out of garage. While in reverse, the engine began racing wide open, went across 2 driveways and hit another vehicle. Brakes would not stop it and would not go out of reverse. The only way to stop it was impact and turning the ignition off. This all took place in about 3 seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #10108133, filed 2005-01, 54,000 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“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“Cruise control when engaged causes vehicle to increase speed. Would be going over 80mph at times. Tapping brakes or accelerator failed to deactivate cruise control. Finally, managed to veer to side of road & turned vehicle off. This caused vehicle to lock up, endangering vehicle & other drivers. Problem is intermittent. Took to dealership & mechanic was not able to locate or resolve problem.”
NHTSA complaint #859767, filed 2000-04“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 1999-01Vehicle 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 1990 Ford Thunderbird
38 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsSeat belts
23 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