1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

234

Owner Complaints

8 Crashes 14 Fires 1 Death

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

2

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD

The 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD has received a total of 234 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Exterior Lightingheadlights (23 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingengine (22 complaints), and Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD, potentially affecting up to 8,206,001 vehicles.

Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 99V275000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

| 164,731 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOG LIGHTS, IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS MAY GO OUT FOR VARIOUS INTERVALS AND WHICH MAY BE PRECEDED BY FLICKERING OR BLINKING AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING.

Consequence: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH INCORPORATES A CIRCUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN, AND INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, IF NEEDED.

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Recall 97V159000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 125,000 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WEST VIRGINIA. MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINES CAUSES THE NYLON FUEL LINE JUMPER TO CHAFE AGAINST THE FLOOR PAN....

Consequence: THIS FUEL LEAKAGE RESULTS IN DAMPNESS AND FUEL ODOR, AND IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC CONVOLUTE COVERING AROUND THE FUEL LINES. IF THE LINES SHOW A LEAK, THE LINES WILL BE REPLACED FIRST.

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Recall 96V071000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 7,900,000 vehicles 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD

234 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 23
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 22
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 14
Seat Belts
Complaints: 12 1 Crash 1 Death
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 9 2 Fires
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 9
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 6 2 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 6 2 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulic
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 2 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warning Lamp
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries

Most Recent Complaints

#10473290 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
THE REAR BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION AND NO POWER BRAKES AT ALL REALLY HARD PEDAL HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET IT TO STOP THIS HAPPENED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO STOP I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE FORD.COM SAID NO RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND IT COST $1500 TO FIX . *TR
#10355763 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD RECALLED FOR REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION SWITCH A FEW YEARS BACK (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA95002). DEFECTIVE SWITCH WAS REPLACED WITH EXACT SAME PART THAT WAS RECALLED AND FAILED AGAIN WITHIN ONE YEAR WITH TWO HALVES OF UNIT AGAIN COMING APART. I HAVE JUST REPLACED FOR THE FIFTH TIME WITH EXACT SAME DEFECTIVE UNIT, THIS BEING THE ONLY THING AVAILABLE FROM FORD AND FROM AFTERMARKET SUPPLIERS. HOW DOES REPLACING DEFECTIVE PART WITH EXACTLY SAME PART ELIMINATE FIRE HAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PART WHICH PROMPTED RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE??? *TR
#10355763 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | | N/A miles
1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD RECALLED FOR REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION SWITCH A FEW YEARS BACK (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA95002). DEFECTIVE SWITCH WAS REPLACED WITH EXACT SAME PART THAT WAS RECALLED AND FAILED AGAIN WITHIN ONE YEAR WITH TWO HALVES OF UNIT AGAIN COMING APART. I HAVE JUST REPLACED FOR THE FIFTH TIME WITH EXACT SAME DEFECTIVE UNIT, THIS BEING THE ONLY THING AVAILABLE FROM FORD AND FROM AFTERMARKET SUPPLIERS. HOW DOES REPLACING DEFECTIVE PART WITH EXACTLY SAME PART ELIMINATE FIRE HAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PART WHICH PROMPTED RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE??? *TR
#10246190 | SEAT BELTS | | 177,749 miles
I GOT INTO MY CAR THIS MORNING AND THE DRIVER POWER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT WORK. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO MY PASSENGER SIDE THE POWER SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ATTEMPTED TO WORK BUT DIDN'T WORK COMPLETELY. THERE WAS NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. THIS ISN'T SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. I HAVEN'T MADE AN ATTEMPT TO GET IT FIXED YET AS IT JUST HAPPENED ONLY A HALF HOUR AGO. *TR
#10205039 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | | 58,800 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD. IN APRIL OF 2000, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED AT THAT TIME BECAUSE THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, THE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF AND TWO PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER TO CALL FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,800.

View all Exterior Lightingheadlights complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD

Ford Motor Company has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

5244 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

SOME VEHICLES MAY REQUIRE HEADLAMP SWITCH (11654) REPLACEMENT DURING A NORMAL SERVICE VISIT. ENGINEERING IS INVESTIGATING. *TT

BC8899950401 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

UNKNOWN

NHTSA Investigations for the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1992 FORD THUNDERBIRD.

Investigation RQ97011 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Closed

Opened:

FUEL LINE JUMPER

Investigation EA95030 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Closed

Opened:

REAR FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE

Other Model Years of the FORD THUNDERBIRD

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Other FORD Models

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