1992 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 15%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 1992 Ford Thunderbird, 15% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 9 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer' s vehicle experienced the same problems as stated in NHTSA recalls 96v071000 and 99v27500 concerning ignition system and headlights. The dealership indicated consumer's vehicle not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10092913, filed 2005-01, 98,000 miles“The harness at the alternator has caught fire twice and I have replaced the alternator three times in two years. This is a very dangerous situation. It starts smoking and suet comes out and you think the car is going to blow up. It is a very frightening experience. The mechanic found service bullentin article #96-21-4 which describes this. It has happened to me twice in less than two years. I am very distrubed. Please help me.”
NHTSA complaint #766004, filed 2002-08“Vehicle exhibits symptoms similar to earlier models with tfi; sudden stall at any speed or configuration. Always associated with high ambient/engine temperature. Problem has occured on highway, creating extraordinarily dangerous situation. Dealer technician dismissed possible ignition failure when asked.”
NHTSA complaint #764003, filed 2002-07“While placing the key in the ignition switch vehicle failed to start. Consumer turned off the vehicle, and then restarted it. Drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced solenoid switch inside the ignition due to a burnt out wire.”
NHTSA complaint #10073541, filed 2004-05“While driving consumer smelled smoke coming in from the vents. Consumer pulled over, lifted the hood up, and vehicle caught on fire. Consumer was able to extinguish the fire. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10089668, filed 2004-08Related 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 1992 Ford Thunderbird
40 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 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