1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

559

Owner Complaints

13 Crashes 8 Fires 1 Death

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD

The 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD has received a total of 559 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. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingengine (128 complaints), Exterior Lightingheadlights (47 complaints), and Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch (47 complaints).

Recalls for the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1993 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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD

559 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 128
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 47 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 47 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 39 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 14
Seat Belts
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 12
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 11
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 10 3 Fires
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 9
Exterior Lightingback Up Lights
Complaints: 9
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 8
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 8
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8 1 Injury 1 Death
Exterior Lightingfog Lightsswitch
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 7
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 7
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 6 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 4
Power Train
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 4 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 4
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 3
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 3
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tankselector Devices
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 2
Air Bags
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwarning Lightdevices
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10851797 | ENGINE | | 98,485 miles
NEVER GOT A NOTICE OF RECALL FOR THE FAULTY ENGINE HEAD GASKET ON A FORD THUNDERBIRD 1993 MODEL.. I HAVE CHECKED WITH THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HE NEVER GOT A LETTER TELLING OF THE FAULTY HEAD GASKET AND THAT THE 3.8 V6 ENGINE WAS BEING RECALLED TO REPLACE IT, THE CAR HAS 98 THOUSAND ORIGINAL MILES. AND I BOUGHT THE CAR USED.. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF I CAN GET THE HEAD GASKET STILL REPLACE UNDER FORD WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE IT STARTED OVERHEATING
#10479704 | SEAT BELTS | | N/A miles
THE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT THAT IS LOCATED AROUND THE TOP OF THE WINDOW FAILED TO MOVE BACK TO THE SAFE DRIVING POSITION. (DRIVERS SIDE). *TR
#10327593 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH | | 96,000 miles Fire
THIS IS THE RECALL. MY CAR DID EXACTLY THIS. MY CAR IS A 93 THUNDERBIRD SUPER COUPE WITH FACTORY FOG LIGHTS AND THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS BURNT AND NEEDS REPLACED. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AFTER FLICKERING. RECALLS FOR THE 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD ELECTRICAL & LIGHTS: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V275000 DATES MANUFACTURED: 06/1991 TO 09/1993 NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 164,731 MODEL YEARS AFFECTED: 1992, 1993 DATE OWNER NOTIFIED: 11/1999 DEFECT SUMMARY: 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 SUMMARY: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. CORRECTIVE SUMMARY: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH INCORPORATES A CIRCUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN, AND INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, IF NEEDED. RECALL NOTES: FORD RECALL NO. 99S30.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 15, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). *TR
#10327593 | VISIBILITY | | 96,000 miles Fire
THIS IS THE RECALL. MY CAR DID EXACTLY THIS. MY CAR IS A 93 THUNDERBIRD SUPER COUPE WITH FACTORY FOG LIGHTS AND THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS BURNT AND NEEDS REPLACED. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AFTER FLICKERING. RECALLS FOR THE 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD ELECTRICAL & LIGHTS: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V275000 DATES MANUFACTURED: 06/1991 TO 09/1993 NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 164,731 MODEL YEARS AFFECTED: 1992, 1993 DATE OWNER NOTIFIED: 11/1999 DEFECT SUMMARY: 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 SUMMARY: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. CORRECTIVE SUMMARY: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH INCORPORATES A CIRCUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN, AND INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, IF NEEDED. RECALL NOTES: FORD RECALL NO. 99S30.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 15, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). *TR
#10245758 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH HEADLIGHTS THAT FAIL WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FAILURE STARTS WITH FLICKERING AND BLINKING CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY. *TR

View all Engine And Engine Coolingengine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD

Ford Motor Company has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

01181 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

985111 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

SOME VEHICLES WITH NON-FUNCTIONAL WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY REQUIRE WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT. *TT

BC1017497120 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

AS OF OCTOBER, 1996 FORD ENGINEERING HAS RELAESED FERODO NT8 REAR SERVICE LININGS PART NUMEBER (#F3SZ-2200-BA) FOR REAR DISC BRAKE APPLICATIONS.

BC8899950401 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

UNKNOWN

NHTSA Investigations for the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD.

Investigation RQ98015 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Closed

Opened:

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKER

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