CarRecallWatchThe 1988 Ford Thunderbird has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 15 fires, 7 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (33 reports).
1988 Ford Thunderbird recalls
Most common 1988 Ford Thunderbird problems
Problem areas named in the 92 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 33 |
| Seat Belts | 18 |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 10 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 |
| Steering | 6 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 |
| Seats | 3 |
What owners report
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD THUNDERBIRD EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR ASSURANCE FUEL MAX TIRES, SIZE: P225/60R16. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TIRES MADE AN ABNORMAL RUMBLING NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND BOTH PASSENGER SIDE TIRES WERE GETTING FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VALVE STEMS WERE THE REASON FOR THE TIRE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 290,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR
DT: THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. IT CAUGHT FIRE ON OCTOBER 1, 2000. THERE WAS NO FOREWARNING. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. HAD MECHANIC LOOK AT VEHICLE TO REPAIR IT, AND THEY SAID IT WAS TO FAR GONE.*AK
WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. THIS WAS DUE TO THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE IGNITION RECALL 96V071000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NO REPAIRS YET...HAHA..JUST WEAK BRAKES,BAD PAINT AND WIERD SPEED CONTROL...LOOK TO THE CRUISE CONTROL..TO MUCH ELECTRIONICS IN THIS CAR MAN!
THE VEHICLE LURCHED FOWARD, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. *JB
1988 Ford Thunderbird questions
Does the 1988 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird: Electrical System:Ignition; Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Thunderbird?
Based on 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (33), Seat Belts (18), Exterior Lighting (11).
How do I check if a recall on my 1988 Ford Thunderbird has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.