1993 Ford Thunderbird

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 423 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Thunderbird years to avoid: 2.7× the complaints of a typical Thunderbird year. Which Ford Thunderbird years to avoid →

Most common 1993 Ford Thunderbird problems

163 of the 423 complaints (39%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine117
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch · headlights40
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights40
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine32
002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes11
000
Seat Belts9
000
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights · headlights9
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine9
000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch9
030
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor7
202

1993 Ford Thunderbird engine problems

39% of all complaints

163 of the 423 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • smokes or smells of burning15% · 25
  • overheats15% · 24
  • leaks oil or fluid10% · 17
  • stalls5% · 8

Share of the 163 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,000 mi
median of 5 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
97 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“Head gasket blew 3 times, causing car to stall up in middle of highway just stopped. Also blowing white steam thru back end making impossible for drivers behind to have a clear vision, also steam white smoke in front end, blowing anifreeze thru the exhuast. This seems to be a common problem among fords 3.8l engines. I get no help from manufacture or dealer. I am very disapointed in FORD co.*ak”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 27, 2001
“While starting vehicle noticed white smoke coming from tail pipe. Dealer was contacted, and stated that head gasket needed to be replaced. Please provide further information. *ak”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 12, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 26 complaints, 2 about the engine'951996: 31 complaints, 1 about the engine1997: 24 complaints, 2 about the engine'971998: 38 complaints, 3 about the engine1999: 50 complaints, 11 about the engine'992000: 146 complaints, 97 about the engine2001: 58 complaints, 28 about the engine'012002: 23 complaints, 13 about the engine2003: 9 complaints, 4 about the engine'032004: 8 complaints, 1 about the engine2005: 4 complaints, 0 about the engine'052006: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2007: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'072008: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2009: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'092010: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2011: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'112012: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2013: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'132014: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2015: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'152016: 1 complaints, 1 about the engineRecall 96V071000 (electrical system)Recall 97V159000 (fuel system)Recall 99V275000 (headlights)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation EA99005NHTSA investigation RQ98015NHTSA investigation RQ97011
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1993 Thunderbird peaked in 2000, with 146 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 39% of the complaints. In 2016 owners filed 1 so far.

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch99V275000
Filed Oct 12, 1999164,731 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings97V159000
Filed Sep 22, 1997125,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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. THIS WEAR CAN CAUSE A PIN HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Ignition96V071000
Filed Apr 25, 19967,900,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

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

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 1993 Thunderbird.

HEADLIGHT SWITCHEngineering analysis EA99005Closed
Opened Jan 20, 1999Closed Dec 14, 1999Led to recall 99V275000headlights

Subject vehicles have a headlight switch with an internal, bimetal circuit breaker that can open due to overheating during headling operation.

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKERRecall query RQ98015Closed
Opened Sep 29, 1998Closed Jan 22, 1999Led to recall 98V009000headlights

Headlight switch with an iternal, bimetal circuit brealer that may open due to overheating during headlight operation

FUEL LINE JUMPERRecall query RQ97011Closed
Opened Sep 25, 1997Closed Nov 16, 1998Led to recall 97V159000fuel system

To determine the scope of the alleged fuel line failures outside of the recall geographic region and if the recall should be expanded nationally

Technical service bulletins

73 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1993 Thunderbird. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

brakes 14engine 12visibility 11transmission 10equipment 7electrical system 5headlights 4fuel system 4
0214Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 21, 2002engine

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

99816Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 3, 1999engine

FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT

982310Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 23, 1998engine

MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK

982010Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 12, 1998engine

EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC

9874Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 13, 1998engine

A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC

9864Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 30, 1998engine

INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 12 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Mar 26, 201698,485 milesNC

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

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 10, 2012KY

THE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT THAT IS LOCATED AROUND THE TOP OF THE WINDOW FAILED TO MOVE BACK TO THE SAFE DRIVING POSITION. (DRIVERS SIDE). *TR

VisibilityFire
Filed Apr 26, 201096,000 milesOR

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

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 17, 2008FL

1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH HEADLIGHTS THAT FAIL WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FAILURE STARTS WITH FLICKERING AND BLINKING CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY. *TR

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Aug 24, 200786,400 milesCA

PASSIVE RESTRAIN SHOULDER HARNESS, DRIVERS SIDE. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 10, 200693,000 milesOR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VOLTAGE INDICATOR WOULD DECREASE AND THE TURN SIGNALS, RADIO, AND DEFROST WOULD BE INOPERABLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 96V071000, REGARDING THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Nov 30, 2005TN

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V275000 CONCERNING THE HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONSUMER FIRST EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM IN LATE 1997, AND HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE HER EXPENSE. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED A SECOND TIME THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.*AK UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 9, 2005WA

COMPLAINT REGARDING TWO STOLEN VEHICLES 1987 BMW AND A 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD.*MR *NM

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Aug 3, 2005GA

DT: CONSUMER BOUGHT TIRES FROM A LOCAL DEALER ON JUNE 15, 2005. WHILE DRIVING ON I 85 BETWEEN NEWNAN AND FAYETVILLE ONE OF THE PASSENGER REAR TIRES BLEW OUT. THE TIRE RIPPED APART, THE SIDE WALL CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE TIRE. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 30, 2005. THEN, HE CHANGED THE TIRE IN THE RAIN AND CONTINUED ON THE TRIP. CONSUMER HAD TO BUY A NEW RIM DUE TO THE RIM ON THE TIRE BEING BENT OUT OF SHAPE. HE PULLED CAR OVER AS SOON AS BLOW OUT HAPPENED. CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER WHO SOLD HIM THE TIRES, AND DEALER REFUSED TO PRODUCE A COPY OF THE WARRANTY, AND TOLD HIM THAT TIRE WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BECAUSE HE DID NOT BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. ALSO, DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE TIRE. FUTURA GLS SUPER SPORT. P215/65/R15. DOT U9VFXBH1505.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 11, 2005IN

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN, AND THE HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. CONSUMER STATES IT IS THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL NUMBER 99V275000/HEADLIGHTS.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 6, 2004120,000 milesWV

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEAD LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF. DEALER STATED THEATHEAD LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 15, 2004CA

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE IGNITION RECALL 96V071000, BUT THE VEHICLE'S VIN DIDN'T INCLUDE THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION BUT THE PROBLEM FAILURE RECURRED. *LA

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 2004CA

WHILE DRIVING20 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. A LOUD STREAKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch
Filed Apr 29, 2004112,000 milesOR

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE SIGNAL LIGHT. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, THEN SMOKE CLEARED, BUT THE DRIVER HAD TO HOLD THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH WHILE DRIVING. *AK *LA

Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Mar 22, 200498,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER LOST THE CONTROL, WAS ABLE TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM BROKE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 5, 200480,000 milesPA

BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH 80,000 ORIGINAL MILES. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200493,000 milesWI

PAINT FAILED. CAME OFF AS IF IT WERE WASHING OFF. PROBLEM WORSEDED TO THE POINT OF GETTING TO BARE METAL ON ROOF OF CAR. ALL HORIZONTAL SURFACES EFFECTED (HOOD, TRUNK, ROOF, AND TOPS OF FENDERS). ENTIRE CAR NEEDED TO BE REPAINTED. CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEM. THEY CLAIMED "THE CARS' VIN DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT". I FEEL THEY WERE NOT ENTIRELY TRUTHFUL. THIS PAINT PROBLEM WAS FAR TOO BAD AND COVERED TOO MUCH OF THE CAR NOT TO BE DEFECTIVE. I FEEL FORD SHOULD PAY MOST IF NOT ALLL OF THE REPAINTING COST. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE.

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 2004UN

WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR. I AM NOT SURE WHEN THIS PROBLEM STARTED SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Sep 23, 200358,075 milesPA

HEAD GASKET FAILED IN A CAR WITH 58,000 MILES. FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN THE 3.8 LITER V6 AND THE INTERNET IS FULL OF SITES DOCUMENTING HORROR STORIES ABOUT THESE ENGINES.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2003103,000 milesOH

BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON THE 3.8L V6. ONLY 103,000 MILES ON IT. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2003CA

VEHICLE STALLS THEN SHUTS OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 14, 2003IL

CONSUMER STATES THAT HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Jul 1, 2003NY

DRIVER'S SEAT AUTOMATIC SAFETY BELT DOES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. CONSUMER HEARS MOTOR RUNNING, BUT BELT DOES NOT MOVE ON THE TRACK.*AK

Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
Filed Jun 18, 2003NY

NAR 06/19/2003. *MR WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO USE THE CAR JACK, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO SUPPORT IT SELF ON THE DESIGNATED CAR JACK. THE CONSUMER QUESTIONS FORD AS TO WHETHER THE VEHICLE CAN HOLD IT'S OWN WEIGHT, DOES A NEW CAR JACK NEED TO BE BROUGHT WHICH WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION GIVEN BY FORD, AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THERE IS A ANOTHER EMERGENCY. PLEASE GIVE PROMPT RESPONSE. *CB *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jun 3, 2003140,786 milesCA

THE VEHICLE HEAD LAMPS FLICKERED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (99S30). THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACED SWITCH. *MR *SCC *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 3, 200367,000 milesNY

ENGINE HEAD GASKETBLEWOUT, CAUSING AND ENGINE TO LEAK. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. PH. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Jan 27, 2003111,700 milesNY

UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION DUE TO UNCOMMANDED FULL THROTTLE. // WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY DESPITE REMOVING ALL PRESSURE FROM THE GAS PEDAL. WITH HEAVY BRAKING CAR WAS STOPPED. AFTER STOPPING VEHICLE, I PUT TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATED TO 5000 RPM BEFORE BEING TURNED OFF WITH THE KEY. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE HAD DISCONNECTED FROM GAS PEDAL CONTROL CABLE. THROTTLE THEN MOVED TO & BECOME JAMMED AT HIGH POWER BY NEARBY TRANSMISSION LINKAGE (WHICH COMMANDED DOWNSHIFT AS THROTTLE DEMAND INCREASED). DISCREPANCY ORIGINATED WITH FAILURE OF PLASTIC THROTTLE LINKAGE BUSHING WHICH CONNECTS THE END OF THROTTLE CABLE TO ENGINE THROTTLE BODY. DIGITAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. I PROMPTLY REPORTED INCIDENT TO SERVICE DEALER VERBALLY & VIA LETTER WITH PHOTOS - NO FOLLOWUP RESPONSE RECEIVED. PURCHASED ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT BUSHING (PART# E1FZ*7F330*A INS-TRANS THRO $2.12) WHICH HAS SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN REDESIGNED AND MADE FROM METAL (PART# F3SZ*7H303*B KIT TRANS THRO $1.20). DEALER ADVISED THAT ORIGINAL BUSHING WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM. DEALER'S MECHANIC WAS FAMILIAR WITH FAILURE/REPLACEMENT OF SUBJECT PLASTIC BUSHING. I SUSPECT THIS FAILURE WILL BECOME MORE COMMON AS THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC BUSHINGS REACH SIMILAR AGE.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Nov 19, 2002WA

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE HEADLIGHT WILL GO OFF AND THE FOG LIGHT WILL STAY ON. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Nov 13, 2002IL

VERY LARGE BLINDING CLOUD OF SMOKE EXPELLED FROM EXAUST BLINDING DRIVERS FROM BEHIND AND IT MIGHT NOT BE HEALTHY TO BREATHE. DT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Nov 10, 2002WA

BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 LITER V-6 ENGINE. FORD RECALLED THE '94 TBIRD WITH THE SAME ENGINE, BUT LEFT THE '93 OWNERS OUT IN THE COLD. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, BUT CLAIMS THERE AREN'T ENOUGH FAILURES TO WARRANT A RECALL OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE CAR OWNERS. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN NOT DRIVE, AND THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE REPAIRED. I CAN'T SELL IT, AND I CAN'T TRADE IT IN. I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY A FORD VEHICLE. DT

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch
Filed Aug 26, 2002OH

WHILE SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAM, HIGH AND LOW BEAMS GO OUT. *AK *SCC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2002MI

ENGINE WOULD OVERHEAT/RUN ROUGH, AND COOLANT WOULD GET INTO OIL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND INFORMED CONSUMER OF A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFROMATION.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 30, 2002TN

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING AND SMOKING. MECHANIC SAYS IT DUE TO HEAD GASKETS.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 14, 2002IL

WHILE STOPPING VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. DEALERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND REPLACED HEADLIGHT SWITCH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 10, 2002CT

THE HEAD GASKET WAS DESIGNED TOO SMALL AND WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE UNDRIVABLE. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPAIRING THE DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. *YH

Visibility › Windshield
Filed May 3, 2002NV

WHEN TRYING TO WASH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IT CRACKED.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 20, 2002PA

THE HEAD GASKET FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE WITH WHAT I CONSIDER VERY LOW MILEAGE, LESS THAN 43K MILES. FORD HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON '94 AND '95 MODEL YEARS TO COVER THIS REPAIR. THIS CAR WAS NOT ABUSED AND HAD EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE OVER THE YEARS. THERE'S NO REASON FOR THE FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET OTHER THAN A DESIGN DEFECT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc
Filed Apr 11, 2002WI

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE VIBRATES. REPLACED PARTS 3 TIMES, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 28, 2002MN

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT CONSUMERS HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS COULD CATCH FIRE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND PARKED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 15, 2002IL

THE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT AT 62032 MILES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRS, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER DENIED CONSUMERS CLAIM. *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 7, 2002CT

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Mar 6, 2002MD

RECALL 99V275000; HEADLIGHTS WOULD STILL BLINK OUT AFTER RECALL WAS SERVICED. CURRENTLY, HEADLIGHTS HAVE COMPLETELY GONE OUT.*AK CONSUMER HAD TO REPAIR TWICE PRIOR TO RECALL AND THREE TIMES SINCE HAVING THE RECALL DONE. *TT

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Feb 28, 2002MA

I RECEIVED A RECALL TO NOTIFY ME OF THE PROBLEM WITH MY HEADLAMP SWITCH THIS CAUSED MY HEADLIGHTS TO TURN OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I THEN WENT TO RODMAN FORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM . THE HEADLIGHTS SEEMED TO WORK FINE UNTIL ONE YEAR WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED ONE YEAR LATER. WHEN I CALLED RODMAN TO RECTIFY THE SECOND DEFECTIVE HEADLAMP SWITCH THEY REFUSED DUE TO A WARRANTY ON THEIR REPLACEMENT PARTS. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS THE SECOND FAULTY PART (HEADLAMP SWITCH) AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE RECALL, SINCE THE SECOND ONE LASTED LESS TIME THAN THE FIRST HEADLAMP SWITCH. WHILE I CAN UNDERSTAND WARRANTY LIMITATIONS ON OTHER PARTS, THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING THIS PART YEARLY. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS SWITCH THAT THE FORD MOTOR VEHICLE COMPANY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO. I HAVE RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION FROM FORD. THIS COMPANY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO HANDLE SAFETY ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLES IN SUCH A POOR MANNER. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS IN THE FUTURE TO UNAWARE CONSUMERS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FURTHER ACTION TAKEN ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU CARRIE CALLAHAN. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 25, 2002IN

PREMATURE HEADGASKET FAILURE LED TO $1750 IN REPAIRS. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 25, 2002PA

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights
Filed Feb 22, 2002TX

1. HEADLIGHTS - REGULAR BEAMS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED ON BOTH SIDES FOLLOWING INTERMITTENT FLICKERING, FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF NORMAL HIGH BEAMS. ONLY RECOURSE IS TO USE 'PASS & GO' HIGH BEAMS TO GET HOME. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (E9SZ-13K359-D) 4 TIMES DURING 5-YR PERIOD, PLUS SCORCHED/MELTED PLUG CONNECTOR 3 TIMES. 2. HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LAMP - BOTH SOCKETS SCORCHED/MELTED & BULBS EXTINGUISHED; REPLACED 3 TIMES DURING SAME PERIOD. QUESTION: ARE THESE RELATED TO EACH OTHER OR TO RECALL# 99V275000 ? *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 14, 2002CA

HEAD GASKET FAILURE; TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR; LEFT VEHICLE AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP. PLANNED TO BUY A NEW FORD, BUT NOT AFTER REVIEWING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed Feb 11, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, DEALER REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, FORD RECALL 99S30 COMPLIED TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT HEADLIGHT FAILURE, DEALER SAYS CURRENT FAILURE IS NOT RECALL RELATED. *JG *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Feb 8, 2002MI

FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALL NOTICE 99S30 WAS ACCOMPLISHED ON 12/27/1999 AT VARSITY FORD TO REPAIR FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH POSSIBILITY. FAILURE OCCURRED LAST WEEK AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN. THE FORD FIX IN 1999 DID NOT WORK AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING A CRITICAL TIME OF DRIVING. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASROPHE AND I WANT FORD TO FIX THIS PERMANENTLY AND COVER THE COST OF MY REPAIRS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline2 injured
Filed Jan 8, 2002CA

CONSUMER COMPLAINS THAT THE ENGINE STALLED AS HE WAS PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING AREA. *JG

Complaints 1-50 of 423, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200527100Routine
200434100Routine
200333000Routine
200293201Fatalities reported
19992000Routine
19983000Routine
1997169230Routine
1996233441Fatalities reported
19952611112Fatalities reported
19943001102Fatalities reported
1993 — this page423471Fatalities reported
19921844111Fatalities reported
19911124130Routine
19901404192Fatalities reported

Compare every Thunderbird year →

1993 Ford Thunderbird: questions buyers ask

Is the 1993 Ford Thunderbird a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Thunderbird years to avoid: owners filed 423 complaints, 2.7 times as many as a typical Thunderbird year. The most common complaint is about the engine (39%).

What is the most common problem with the 1993 Ford Thunderbird?

The engine: 163 of the 423 complaints (39%) are about it. Owners most often say it smokes or smells of burning (15%), overheats (15%) and leaks oil or fluid (10%). The typical report comes at 80,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1993 Ford Thunderbird have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 7, 2009. The largest, 96V071000, covered 7,900,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1993 Ford Thunderbird problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 98,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 80,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1993 Ford Thunderbird?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, EA99005 ("HEADLIGHT SWITCH"), was opened Jan 20, 1999 and closed Dec 14, 1999.

Are there service bulletins for the 1993 Ford Thunderbird?

The manufacturer filed 73 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the brakes (14), the engine (12) and the visibility (11). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.