Ford / Thunderbird / 1993
1993 Ford Thunderbird problems
Owners have filed 559 complaints about the 1993 Ford Thunderbird with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 34.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of exterior lighting at 25.4%.
Complaints559
Crashes13
Fires8
Injuries14
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 34.7% · 194
Exterior lighting 25.4% · 142
Electrical system 7.0% · 39
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.0% · 39
Seat belts 5.5% · 31
Fuel system, gasoline 2.9% · 16
Visibility 2.5% · 14
Vehicle speed control 2.5% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 13 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire, 14 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Ford Thunderbird in this data, 1993 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings are rising — 4 in the last three years against 3 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 97,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving in normal traffic the engine check light came on, and temperature gauge went up, consumer had to stop 10 times for water. The head gasket blew soon after. Other Ford models have had their engines recalled, but this vehicle is not included. Consumer also complains that the oil pressure gauge is not effective, it doesn't give the owner sufficient information regarding the level of pressure. *Ak Engine and engine cooling
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. Engine and engine cooling
Engine check light kept coming on/ over heated and loss of coolant. Taken to an independent shop, and informed consumer of a head gasket failure. Manufacturer notified, and informed that vehicle was not covered under an extened warranty. *Ak consumer states she contacted Ford motor co. And was advised they would not cover repairs due to consumer taking vehicle to an independent mechanic. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Ford Thunderbird years
1990 179 complaints · 25.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1991 130 complaints · 14.6% service brakes, hydraulic 1992 234 complaints · 19.2% exterior lighting 1994 426 complaints · 23.9% power train 1995 353 complaints · 33.4% service brakes, hydraulic 1996 295 complaints · 23.1% engine and engine cooling