1992 Ford Thunderbird Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1992 Ford Thunderbird, 5% of the 184 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.
“Head gasket- car began skipping and then white smoke came out of exhuast. I drove it home (3 miles). I pulled the spark plugs and found that the number 3 cylinder plug clean and wet. I did some research and found this to be a common problem with this motor and cylinder. Why won't Ford help? I have yet to bring it to a garage so I don't know if the head or block is damaged. I am hoping not! Transmission- aod model starting at about 79,000 miles it began to shift funny and got progressively worse as time went on. …”
NHTSA complaint #764519, filed 2002-07“The orginal speedometer was replaced at 7,000 miles, the second one was replaced at 5,000 miles and the third one at 8,000 miles. Please describe further details. The needle will not program past 38 MPH also heater not working properly low heat and also A/C low..”
NHTSA complaint #805023, filed 1996-11“Vehicle did not go into drive or reverse. The owner changed the transmission fluid and filter, which is recommended in the owner manual. Vehicle currently will not go into reverse. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #827264, filed 1998-08“The brakes switch goes out, consumer loses brakes lights, no cruise control and is unable to shift from park into drive. The switch has been replaced (6) time since owning vehicle in july 92.”
NHTSA complaint #805426, filed 1996-11Transmission 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 1992 Ford Thunderbird
40 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsElectrical system
27 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsSeat belts
18 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 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