1991 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 12%of 112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1991 Ford Thunderbird, 12% of the 112 complaints for this model year. 10 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While consumer was driving she smelled smoke. Put vehicle in park and it caught on fire. Fire department was called, and they disconnected engine cooling system fan motor . Fire department said that it was an electrical fire.”
NHTSA complaint #839791, filed 1999-06“While entering a parking lot, noticed smoke coming from steering column, near ignition, parked vehicle, everyone out of vehicle; went to make phone call, vehicle was engulfed in flames; called 911; someone was putting flames out before fire dept. Arrived.”
NHTSA complaint #809986, filed 1997-03“Electrical system shorted out. Mechanic stated that car has had overheating problems. Consumer also indicated that master cylinder locked up twice, as well as steering column and entire dashboard went out. The electrical system shut down the anti- lock brake system. Then the engine wires shorted out. Causing brake fluid to pour down to exhaust system onto the engine manifold, resulting in a fire. Was forced to shut down vehicle because consumer did not have power while driving on the highway. Also she was almost killed twice. …”
NHTSA complaint #828589, 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
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 1991 Ford Thunderbird
19 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 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