How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Thunderbird have?

The 1989 Ford Thunderbird has 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 1989 Ford Thunderbird has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 1989 Ford Thunderbird?

Of 147 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is vehicle speed control.

1989 Ford Thunderbird Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1989 Ford Thunderbird has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 8,023,924 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the vehicle speed control. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 96V071000 1996-04-25 7,900,000 affected

Defect

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 89V081000 1989-05-19 113,200 affected

Defect

DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, THERE MAY BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL FOLLOWING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCETHAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL ACORN TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT NUTS TO ELIMINATE STABILIZER BAR TO BRAKE CALIPER CONTACT.

SUSPENSION 89V080000 1989-05-19 10,600 affected

Defect

IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE AT THEAFFECTED WHEEL WITH AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE KNUCKLES THAT HAVE THE AFFECTED LOT CODES.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 88V165000 1988-10-18 124 affected

Defect

PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.

Consequence

FUEL OR VAPOR COULD LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEFIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FUEL TANK.

Complaints by component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

SEAT BELTS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Total complaints147

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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.)”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2016-08-13

“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, and then ended up crashing with the guard rail. The cause was undetermined.*ak”

SUSPENSION:FRONT · reported 2005-03-03

“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…”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2003-09-19

“While backing out, vehicle accelerated and hit a fence. Consumer never applied the gas pedal. Brakes would not stop vehicle. *jg *ak”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2002-02-15

“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. *ak”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2001-12-15

“Passenger's side automatic seatbelt does not retract. Also, none of seatbacks stay in a locked position. Consumer feels this is a very unsafe way to drive a vehicle. *ak”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2001-06-26

“Passenger's side automatic seatbelt does not retract. Also, none of seatbacks stay in a locked position. Consumer feels this is a very unsafe way to drive a vehicle. *ak”

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · reported 2001-06-26

“No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · reported 2001-03-31