We found the following complaints for FORD THUNDERBIRD (1989)
Read complaints for FORD THUNDERBIRD (1989)
Electrical system failure resulting in vehicle fire.
Battery failed two times, at 28k, 56k miles.tt
Parked vehicle and smoke was coming from under the hood. Then all of an sudden the alternator caught on fire.
While driving owner noticed fowl smell pulled over opened hood vehicle on fire. Possible faulty wires of alternator. Please describe details.tt
Alternator fire.*aw
No summary listed for above vehicle.
In our local paper on 8/31/2000, there was a story about the alameda county (calf) superior court judge's preliminary decision concerning a posssible recall of of ford vehicles in the model years 1983-1995 concering the thick film ignition (tfi) module being placed on the distributor near the engine block where it overheats and casues the car to stall. Can you give me any updates as to where this situation is currently and will i be notified in case of a recall by ford. I saw this story after i spent over $700.00 getting my fuel pump and fuel pump module replaced by a local mechanic who thought that would stop the stalling. It didn't.once my car car reaches a certain temperature, it stalls.thanks for your help and if you need any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me.ken kelly
While driving at any rate of speed vehicle will completely shutdown without warning, due to a malfunction within the ignition module. The vehicle does not restart at all now.
Vehicle fire due to electrical short in the ignition switch, recall related.
Car destroyed due to a fire in the steering column-possible ignition switch.
While backing out of driveway, ignition started to smoke; got out of car, steering column caught fire, then entire dashboard caught on fire; vehicle totaled.
Ignition switch failed causing vehicle fire.
Ignition switch failure causing wiring to burn under dash area prior to recall notice.
Faulty ignition switch.
While driving fire broke out under the hood,totaled vehicle.
While driving owner noticed foul smell, pulled over opened hood, vehicle on fire.extensive damage.
Pulling into driveway noticed smoke from under the hood. Lifted hood & noticed gray smoke & then flames appeared near alternator. A neighbor put flames out. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to have it checked.
While driving at about 20 mph, consumer heard horns blowing. Consumer pulled over, and openedhood, and noticed flames.
The electrical system failed, recall on electrical defects were done, however this apparently was not sufficient. There were wires inside harnesses in the fire wall that were burned and chaffed causing electrical failure.
Consumer had driven vehicleall day.10 minutes after parking vehicle was in flames, mechanic said thatwire disconnected from the wiring harness.*ml
The vehicle caught on fire from wiring harness under the hood. Please describe.
Connection to wiring harness underhood failed resulting in fire.
Vehicle was parked in the driveway all of a sudden a loud explosion was heard . Noticed vehicle on fire under the hood. Fire department arrived and extinguished fire. Reason for fire was undeterrmined. Can nhtsa help in this matter or provide additional information.
Bought brand new in 1989.first early problems with cigarette lighter/electrical/heating up inside dash.- serviced 3-4 times, under warranty.freon leaks in air conditioner - repaired twice. Fuel line replaced.steering colum jam of somesort - no key access.replaced 3 alternators.cannot shift transmission into overdrive. Rebuilt by aamco. Blew head gasket.radiator coolant comming out from muffler.got rid of car at this time.
Head gaskets failed.
Possibly head gasket problem. Heard 3.8l had recall on them and should contact you.
Defective resent clip does not work falls from underneathand kills motor resent eats up the glue.resulting in total engine failure.
Head gaskets failed.
Engine head gasket failure on ford 3.8l v-6 engine, resulting in overheating and cracked cylinder head.estimated repair cost $1,500 to $2,000.this is a widespread problem with this engine covering many years and different ford model cars.ford has extended existing warranties for some models but only back to year 1994.problem is due to insufficient head gasket thickness and cylinder head bolt tension.aluminum heads eventually warp, and engine coolant is drawn into one or more cylinders causing misfiring, potential bearing damage, exhaust system contamination, overheating, cracked cylinder heads, cracked engine block.cars affected include windstar, mercury sable, mustang, thunderbird, lincoln, taurus, from 1988 to 1997.center for auto safety, wash d.c., has written to ford ceo and chairman of the board, demanding that ford cover all such failures for the prevously stated period.ford has refused to do so.in addition to engine/exhaust damage, sudden engine failure while driving at speed can result in a rear end collision by vehicles following, especially in heavy traffic, and/or loss of steering control.ford refused to acknowledge this problem is due to a design defect, but redesigned the gasket and head bolts, and issued a technical service bulletin specifying the use of the new parts whenever head gasket repairs are made by a ford dealer.
Consumer pulled into the driveway and vehiclecaught on fire. Please describe .
20 minutes after parking vehicleexploded, vehiclewas totalled.
Rpm stays at 1500 to 2000, usually occurs after vehicle has been driven/turned off/turned back on.
After returning home, parked vehicle, vehicle started smoking then was engulfed in flames, fire dept arrived,put flames out, said location of fire in engine area, police arrived on scene.
Car was parked in a barn and caught on fire. Please describe.
If i can get it fixed free let me know.... I'll be happy to cooperate with about any actions taken...
Gasket in middle section of engine was so narrow it failed completely.the car over heated many times and no problem could be found at times it over heated.replaced many parts thermastat, radiator,catilitic converter tested.when mid section disassembled the gasket was shown to me and it was undoutedly a poor design. Too narrow to hold on any vehicle.
While driving, vehicle engine caught on fire.please describe.
Engine head gasket failure on ford 3.8l v-6 engine, resulting in overheating and cracked cylinder head.estimated repair cost $1,500 to $2,000.this is a widespread problem with this engine covering many years and different ford model cars.ford has extended existing warranties for some models but only back to year 1994.problem is due to insufficient head gasket thickness and cylinder head bolt tension.aluminum heads eventually warp, and engine coolant is drawn into one or more cylinders causing misfiring, potential bearing damage, exhaust system contamination, overheating, cracked cylinder heads, cracked engine block.cars affected include windstar, mercury sable, mustang, thunderbird, lincoln, taurus, from 1988 to 1997.center for auto safety, wash d.c., has written to ford ceo and chairman of the board, demanding that ford cover all such failures for the prevously stated period.ford has refused to do so.in addition to engine/exhaust damage, sudden engine failure while driving at speed can result in a rear end collision by vehicles following, especially in heavy traffic, and/or loss of steering control.ford refused to acknowledge this problem is due to a design defect, but redesigned the gasket and head bolts, and issued a technical service bulletin specifying the use of the new parts whenever head gasket repairs are made by a ford dealer.
The brakes make loud noise. And the ventilation does not work, no air conditioner. The dlr has fixed the brakes.
When the fog lights are operating the headlights would start blinking after an half an hour of driving and at any speed.please describe details.
While driving vehicle the headlight switch becomeshot and causes the headlights to flicker on and off. This happens when using the high or low position.switch has been replaced by owner. Mechanics at dealership stated that this is a common problem with other ford vechicles.
Auto had fire under hood which developed while driving-no one was injured.tt
Plastic fuel lines chaffed against body causing fuel leak. Replaced with steel lines and installed chafing guard. Recall on other model years, however consumer's vehicle is not included.
Consumer states that the fuel hose rubs on the driveshaft, causing large amounts of gasoline to spew out and blow down onto the exhaust system . Dealer fixed the vehicle. Owner contacted the manufacturer, and was not satisfied with the service received from the representative.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
After auto was driven approx 8 miles and parked for approx 4 hours,then horn started to blow ,the door was opened and black smoke poured out.
Design of fuel injection lines created chafing against body, causing leakage, recall issued (97s84), however vehicle denied due to year built.
Driving at approximately 55 mph when suddendly hood flew open,causing windshield to shatter and break.hood has opened once prior to this incident.
Bought brand new in 1989.first early problems with cigarette lighter/electrical/heating up inside dash.- serviced 3-4 times, under warranty.freon leaks in air conditioner - repaired twice. Fuel line replaced.steering colum jam of somesort - no key access.replaced 3 alternators.cannot shift transmission into overdrive. Rebuilt by aamco. Blew head gasket.radiator coolant comming out from muffler.got rid of car at this time.
Transmission passing gears engaged, causing sudden acceleration/accident.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
At 37,000 miles the transmission blew .tt
Transaxle failed.
Passenger's side automatic seatbelt does not retract. Also, none of seatbacksstay in a locked position. Consumer feels this is a very unsafe way to drive a vehicle.
Passive restraint upon entry fails locking up preventing exit. Passenger side constantly remains in open position.ttconsumer disconnected the clip under the header panel, which resulted in the automatic seat belt being permanently closed so now the passenger hs to manuallyplace the harness around them.
Motorized driver's shoulder belt becomes inoperative, resulting in loss of protection.
Drivers side seat belt failure, automatic belts failed.tt
Motorized seatbelt locked in the open position, the motor continues to grind.
Motorized shoulder belt failed to lock in accident, allowing drivers head to impact steering wheel.
Driver was restrained by seatbelt.during collision, seatbelt became unanchored from the floor and came loose causing driver to be thrown into steering wheel, under dashboard and into windshield.please note that the speed and mileage are stated as approximates by counsel , will supplement if necessary. The driver was operating the vehicle at a lawful speed within the speed limit.
The driver's side seat belt shoulder harness does not move. You can hear motor running but it stays in one position.consumer states the plastic track that harness runs on is not visible as on the passenger side, the track is either broken or stuck down inside motor area.
Automatic seat belt sticks/noisy. *sd
Driver's side lap seat malfunctioned after clipping it into buckle.
Drivers lapbelt buckle occasionally unlatches. *dsh
Passenger's side seat belt has failed, red release button is broken.
Passenger's side seat belt has failed, red release button is broken.
Driver and passenger seat belt buckle does not stay fastened.tt
Passenger's side seat belt has failed, red release button is broken.
Experience intermittent malfunction of driver's lap belt buckle when won't engage or while driving sometimes disengages.tt
Both front seatbelts do not retract or hold the occupant. Please describe.tt
The driver's side belt retractor broke. Please desccribe .
The driver's side seat belt retractor doesn't work. Please describe .
The driver's side seat belt shoulder harness does not move. You can hear motor running but it stays in one position.consumer states the plastic track that harness runs on is not visible as on the passenger side, the track is either broken or stuck down inside motor area.
While driving vehicle smelled smoke and the passenger seat caught on fire.tt
Electrical short in driver's power seat, causing a fire from underneath. *sd
Passenger's side automatic seatbelt does not retract. Also, none of seatbacksstay in a locked position. Consumer feels this is a very unsafe way to drive a vehicle.
Abs relay/master cylinder module fails occasionally while stopping, resulting in loss of the abs system.
Consumer's daughter was drivingwhen she applied brakes and they did not apply fully. Then vehicle started to roll down an enbankment.vehicle was totaled.brake failure due to malfunctioned master cylinder. *ml
The antilock brake system malfunctioned.
Whileaccelerating to get on the freeway twice in jacksonville, fl, and the last time in kingsland, ga, the foot pedal stuck. It did not release itself the third time. At approximately 100 miles per hour i finally put the car in neutral onlyto find out that my brakes didn't work. I have thanked god every day since. I was headed into road construction site and the state line bridge. This could have been a great tragedy to alot of people and their families, including my own. I just can't imagine why a recall has not been put inforce for the linkages on the acceleration cables to which they break and get hung up on other equipment which causes the acceleration. Does it take innocent lives before something is done?if there hase been a recall on the part i think a lot of folks would sure like to know about it. May car was manufactured in may of 1989.
Driving, had applied brakes, no braking (abs) power, vehicle came to a rolling stop.had no stopping ability.
On three different occasions the abs anti-lock brakes failed with no wraning , took to dealer,replaced the electrical relay twiceand hydraulic pumping unit.
Consumer was driving went to apply the brake failed have abs anti lock brake .tt
This car has abs on it but it fails to work properly.there has been no accidents occuring from it on my car, but has been a few close calls. I have heard of alot of failures of the brake system, and the master cylinder is a dealer only item with a price tag of $1800!!!!!!!if someone like me owns this car, and has a brake problem, how do i save my kids lives and replace the failing part if i can't afford to buy the parts?the close calls i have had is if i slam on the brakes, either the abs doesn't work at all and the tires lock,,, or the pedal is real spongy... Like i say, there has been no accidents yet, but at least 2 close calls that could have been avoided much easier if the system was working right.
Abs braking problems.please describe.tt
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
The brakes make loud noise. And the ventilation does not work, no air conditioner. The dlr has fixed the brakes.
Steering wheel was shaking as a result of brake failure.tt
The vehicle accelerated suddenly almost to 100mph. The brakes were ruined trying to stop the car,had to be turned off and down shifted in order to stop.
Brakes failed to stop vehicle when vehicle in front stopped suddenly, causing accident. *dsh
Front brakes, when applied, vibrate front end.tt
Front brakes, when applied, vibrate front end.tt
Brake calipers stick, causing damage to rotors from overheating.
Brake calipers are defective (lock up/stick) causing numerous brake system failures.
Brake calipers are defective (stick) causing the rotors to overheat, warp, resulting in vibration.
Brake rotors warped twice, causing vehicle to shimmy when brakes applied.*aw
Right front brake rotor rusted/separated.
While driving, experienced brake failure when center hub broke away from rotor, causing deminished braking ability.
While driving, experienced brake failure when center hub broke away from rotor, causing deminished braking ability.
Intermittently when brakes were applied, pedal became hard, resulting in extended stopping distance due to master cylinder.dealer and manufacturer were notified.dealer has informed consumer that the part needed to repairvehicle was no longer manufactured. Brakes fail intermittently, they are leaking brake fluid and the ford dealerships cannot repair it.there are no rebuild kits available for this vehicle.consumer was informed to purchase a master cylinder from a junk yard.consumer feels fords responsibilty is to repair or replace the vehicle.*jg
When the brakes where applied at some point the brake pedal fell off.please give more detail information.
Bought brand new in 1989.first early problems with cigarette lighter/electrical/heating up inside dash.- serviced 3-4 times, under warranty.freon leaks in air conditioner - repaired twice. Fuel line replaced.steering colum jam of somesort - no key access.replaced 3 alternators.cannot shift transmission into overdrive. Rebuilt by aamco. Blew head gasket.radiator coolant comming out from muffler.got rid of car at this time.
Steering column loose due to broken tapered pin.
There is no power steering within the vehicle and the powrsteering pump was replaced.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
While driving approximately 40 mph a loud snap came from the front passenger's side wheel. This caused the vehicle not to be able to turn left, andthen ended up crashing with the guard rail. The cause was undetermined.
Wheel bearing failed.nlm
Nut that holds the rear axle in place and the hub the rear wheel in mounted on had backed off and the rear wheel was about to fall off.
Two of the michelin xh4 as ws 205 70 r15 tires on the vehicle experienced tread separation and were replaced, later the two of the four that were replaced experienced separation also. *mjs
While driving noticed rocking movement invehicle due to tread separationonfront passenger's tire andrear driver's tire. Tire size p20570r15. Please give any further details. Michelin p205/70/r/15 *mw
Dunlop gt qualifier, dot#dbbfa13047 p215/65r15; tread separated at middle of tread right front at 70 mph, causing damage. Dunlop has been notified.two tires have experienced tread separation, replacement tires had less than 30000 miles.
Dunlop, g t qualifier, p215/65r15, dot#dbbfa13047; left rear tire separated on side oftread. Dunlop was notified. Another tire had experienced tread separation prior to this, replacement tires had less than 30000 miles on it.
Bought brand new in 1989.first early problems with cigarette lighter/electrical/heating up inside dash.- serviced 3-4 times, under warranty.freon leaks in air conditioner - repaired twice. Fuel line replaced.steering colum jam of somesort - no key access.replaced 3 alternators.cannot shift transmission into overdrive. Rebuilt by aamco. Blew head gasket.radiator coolant comming out from muffler.got rid of car at this time.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Owner states while starting vehicle applied the brakes and shifted from park, the vehicle suddenly took off at a high rate off speed. Owner furthers notes that the ignition had to be turned off to stop engine.
Sudden acceleration, causing accident.
Rapid and sudden acceleration; vehicle surged when shifted from park to drive, brakes had no effect. Vehicle lost control, resulting in an injury.
Throttle sticking; the consumer put the vehicle in reverse and the vehicle suddly accelelerated, causing the consumer to have an accident.
Consumer experienced suddenaccelerationwhile driving, transmissionwas placed in reverse andvehicle just accelerated, resulting in loss of control/crash.
While putting car in reverse, backing out of driving car accelerated at a high rate of speed, tried to stop vehicle and tried to put into park but the car accelerated foward at a very high speed and hit the corner of the residence and garage door, and finally came to a stop with very severe damges to vehicle and residence.
When hitting the brakescruise control would not disengage. Driver turned off the ignition to stop vehicle. Driver was able to avoid a crash. Ford is aware of the problem. The dealer was not able to duplicate the problem.
While driving 35 mph, put cruise control on 70 mph, and the vehicle accelerated upto 80 mph. Vehicle was uncontrollable. Dealer contacted and problem cannot be remedied. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
At crosswalk when engine started to rev up & then suddenly took off. Had to apply brakes to stop. Cruise control not on at time. Took to dealer & was informed was defective iac motor. This caused the motor to rev up.
Car accelerated when brake pedal was fully depressed to floor...smashed into corner of house, damaging brickwork and front, right corner of the car. Vehicle is inoperable but not yet towed due to financial restrictions (unable to attach photos...please provide email address where i can send photos.)
When brakes were applied, engine accelerated suddenly.consumer had to stand on brakes and shift vehicle into park to stop.this has been an intermittent problem.dealer has been contacted.
While backing out, vehicle accelerated and hit a fence. Consumer never applied the gas pedal.brakes would not stop vehicle.*jg
Car excelerated to very high speed when any exceration was applied, would not disengage until i turned the key off or shifted into neutral
While driving oninterstate vehicle began to accelerate on its own.vehicle accelerated from 40 - 80 mph in about 2 seconds. Applyingbrakes slowed the vehicle down. As soon as foot was taken off the brake,vehicle continued to accelerate.evenwhen vehicle was in park it continued to accelerate.driver slammed on the brakes, threwvehicle in park, and turned off ignition to stop.vehicle was driven to the nearest dealership two miles away. Vehicle will be checked. Please provide any further information.
During vehicle operation. Consumershifted from park to drive position, and experienced a sudden acceleration.consumer was injured in accident.
After starting vehicle with foot on the brake pedal, put into reverse, throttle went into open position, impact 6:00 position , rpms unknow, brakes could stop vehicle.
The vehicle accelerated suddenly almost to 100mph. The brakes were ruined trying to stop the car,had to be turned off and down shifted in order to stop.
Sudden acceleration resulting in collision.
Sudden acceleration, vehicle went open throttle position impact 12:00 position speed 20 mph.tt
Whileaccelerating to get on the freeway twice in jacksonville, fl, and the last time in kingsland, ga, the foot pedal stuck. It did not release itself the third time. At approximately 100 miles per hour i finally put the car in neutral onlyto find out that my brakes didn't work. I have thanked god every day since. I was headed into road construction site and the state line bridge. This could have been a great tragedy to alot of people and their families, including my own. I just can't imagine why a recall has not been put inforce for the linkages on the acceleration cables to which they break and get hung up on other equipment which causes the acceleration. Does it take innocent lives before something is done?if there hase been a recall on the part i think a lot of folks would sure like to know about it. May car was manufactured in may of 1989.
Consumer states that when she went to pass another car on highway the acceleratorpedal got stuck and car accelerated to (70) mph.had to hit pedal (4) times before it would disengage.
The car has serious problems with the throttle, when the air conditioner has used throttle will stick and the car will go racing down the road. The brake has to be applied frequently to stay within the spped limit. *et
Consumerwas backing out. Lightly applied gas pedal, and the vehicle jumped out of gear and hit a tree.back wheel and tires were demolished.
Cruise control was set on 65 mph.without prior warning the vehicle suddenly accelerated to a speed of almost 85 mph and the brakes would not function.the driver turned the vehicle off, while in motion, and pulled over to the shoulder.there were no injuries or fatalities.the consumer had the cruise control disconnected.the dealer was notified. *ph *nlm
Got into car put in gear did not have foot on pedal and the car accelerated on it's own at a high rate of speed. Tried to controla and couldn't the car ran into the house.
While driving at 60 mph the with cruise control on, went to cut the cruise control off and the throttle got stuck ,causingvehicle to travel very fast.the consumer ran off the road and had to cut the vehicle off.the engine was racing very loud and when trying to start again the noise got real loud, causing the consumer to go under the hood and disconnect the cable that controls the cruise control.
The brakes make loud noise. And the ventilation does not work, no air conditioner. The dlr has fixed the brakes.
Heater fan switch parts melted together.
Defective resent clip does not work falls from underneathand kills motor resent eats up the glue.resulting in total engine failure.
Left front wheel collapsed while driving.
Large nut holding rear axle in place and the hub that rear whel is monted on backed off, almost causing rear wheel to fall off.
The lug nut that holds the rear axle in placefailed, leaving the rear wheel to fall off.
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