Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 90 of 124 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Speed control
26 complaint records9 crash reports
"WHILE BACKING OUT, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT A FENCE. CONSUMER NEVER APPLIED THE GAS PEDAL. BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. *JG *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Brakes
25 complaint records3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE WHEN CENTER HUB BROKE AWAY FROM ROTOR, CAUSING DEMINISHED BRAKING ABILITY. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
23 complaint records17 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 20 MPH, CONSUMER HEARD HORNS BLOWING. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND OPENED HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE95019 opened Mar 1995 | closed Jul 1995 | Seat Belts | FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES There is no summary currently available |
| EA93033 opened Dec 1993 | closed Dec 1994 | Vehicle Speed Control | THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING There is no summary currently available |
| PE93075 opened Aug 1993 | closed Dec 1993 | Vehicle Speed Control | THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING There is no summary currently available |
| EA90034 opened Jun 1990 | closed Feb 1992 | Structure | HOOD LATCHES FAIL There is no summary currently available |
| EA90009 opened Feb 1990 | closed Feb 1991 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE STICKING There is no summary currently available |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE90001 opened Oct 1989 | closed Feb 1990 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE STICKING === |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96V071000 | Electrical System | THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT. | Normally free |
| 89V081000 | Service Brakes, Air | 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. | Normally free |
| 89V080000 | Suspension | IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE. | Normally free |
| 88V165000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995212 1995-11-29 | Electrical | 834,368 | A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. |
| 1994162 1994-10-24 | Emissions | 1,693 | Certain Cougar XR-7, Tunderbird turbo, and Merkur XR4TI vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. |
| 1992108 1992-09-04 | Seats And Restraints | 10,242 | NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 91066 (91S32). A CABLE IN THE TENSION RELIEVER MECHANISM IN EITHER THE SAFETY BELTS PROVIDED IN THE KITS FOR RECALL 91066 (91S32) OR THE FACTORY INSTALLED FRONT SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY BREAK OR BIND... |
| 1992077 1992-06-30 | Lights And Instruments | 464,543 | NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. |
| 1992036 1992-03-31 | Emissions | 9,939 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1105 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. FUEL VAPOUR HOSE MAY NOT BE CONNECTED AT THE FUEL TANK VAPOUR VALVE. |
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991066 1991-04-24 | Seats And Restraints | 10,217 | NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 92-108. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RETRACT AFTER EXTENSION DUE TO A BROKEN TENSION ELIMINATOR CABLE WHICH IS TOO LONG AND PRONE TO BREAKAGE. |
| 1989080 1989-06-02 | Suspension | 939 | IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES ON THESE VEHICLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE. |
| 1989079 1989-06-01 | Brakes | 5,344 | A FULL-LOCK, LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVER MAY RESULT IN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF THE INBOARD FRONT WHEEL CONTACTING THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, CAUSING MOVEMENT OF THE CALIPER PISTON AND DISPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID FROM THE CALIPER BACK TO THE... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT |
Show 22 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9874 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 9848 Mar 1998 | Equipment | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC | |
| 97111097234 Nov 1997 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC | |
| 97610 Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96221 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW | |
| 95203 Oct 1995 | Visibility | A 'GROANING' NOISE MAY COME FROM THE FRONT POWER WINDOWS AFTER THE GLASS IS POWERED FULL UP. THIS NOISE IS CAUSED BY IMPROPER LUBRICATION ON THE WINDOW REGULATOR MECHANISM SLIDING SURFACES. THE GREASE GETS WIPED OFF FROM SLIDING SURFACES DURING NORMAL OPERATION. | |
| 95212 Oct 1995 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. | |
| 9582 Apr 1995 | Visibility | A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW | |
| BC8899950401 Apr 1995 | Service Brakes | UNKNOWN | |
| 9562 Mar 1995 | Service Brakes | ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW | |
| 9546 Feb 1995 | Visibility | WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT - UPGRADED SERVICE KITS. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Thunderbird →