45 of the
179 complaints about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird are about the
braking system — 25% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
93,664 miles.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED IN RESOLVING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM WITH A DANGEROUS AND CLAIMED UNREPAIRABLE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS 1990 FORD THUNDERBIRD SUPER COUPE VIN#[XXX]. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITH AN ABS BRAKING SYSTEM THAT IS DANGEROUS UPON FAILURE. THIS ABS SYSTEM UPON FAILURE RESULTS IN THE "COMPLETE" LOSS OF BRAKING ON THIS VEHICLE AND POSES A SERIOUS THREAT OF INJURY TO UNSUSPECTING OCCUPANTS OPERATING THIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE EARLY TEVIS II ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH HAS BEEN DESCRIBED BY FORD BRAKE TECHNICIANS AS THE "WORST" BRAKING SYSTEM EVER INSTALLED ON A VEHICLE TO REPAIR. UNLIKE OTHER ABS BRAKING SYSTEMS, WHICH ALLOW A VEHICLE'S HYDRAULIC BRAKING SYSTEM TO CONTINUE TO FUNCTION WITH A FAILURE IN THE ABS PORTION OF THE SYSTEM, THIS VEHICLE'S "ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS" WITH THE LOSS OF ITS ABS COMPONENT. FORD WAS APPARENTLY AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AND APPARENT DANGER, BECAUSE THIS SYSTEM WAS UPGRADED ONLY AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3-YEARS OF PRODUCTION. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000.00 OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS ON THIS BRAKING SYSTEM. I INITIALLY TOOK IT TO A PEARSON'S FORD IN SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA IN 2001 FOR BRAKE SYSTEM REPAIR AND UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM DEALER, I EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMING ON PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SUGGESTED I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UPON PEARSON FORD'S RECOMMENDATION UNTIL I EXPERIENCED A FULL SYSTEM FAILURE. THEODORE ROBBINS FORD OF COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA HAS ATTEMPTED REPAIRS AND THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED AFTER EACH REPAIR. THEY STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE. FORD STATES THEY NO LONGER SUPPORT THIS BRAKE SYSTEM AND DID NOT SEE A NEED TO ISSUE ANY ALERTS OR RECALLS ON THIS SYSTEM, WHICH DISCONTINUED. YOUR ASSISTANCE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10053138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dinuba, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN COMING TO A STOP DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WILL LOCK UP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8010956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
MODUAL FIRST FAILED SEP 00. CAR LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES AT 60 MPH. CAR WAS PARKED FROM SEP 00 TO 26 JULY 01 WHILE FORD GOT PART. NEW MODUEL WAS INSTALLED 26 JULY 01 AND FAILED 8 AUG 01 AGAIN AT 60 MPH WITHOUT POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. FORD DEALER IS NOW LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE. PART WAS LISTED AT $100.00 AT TIME OF SEP 00 FAILURE. MODUAL OBTAINED IN JUL 01 THAT FAILED IN AUG 01 COST $306.00
NHTSA complaint #750455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, KYCrash3 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
YOU KNOW MY HUSBAND AND HIS FRIEND HAD NO IDEA ONT HIS CAR THAT THE BRAKES WENT OUT, UNTIL THEY WERE GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE, AND IT WAS TOO LATE. WRECKED INTO A SEMI-TRUCK, THAT GUY IS LUCKY- SO IS MY HUSBAND AND HIS FRIEND. I THINK THIS SGHOULD BE AN ISSUE OF CONCERN. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #740925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Commack, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
REPORTING A SECOND REOCCURRING FAILURE WITH BRAKR MASTER CYINDER, FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT 80,000 MILES, AND AGAIN CURRENTLY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #881035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKE MODULE COST $1,400 SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #736545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Christiansburg, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THROTTLE STICKS AND CAUSES BRAKES NOTTO WORK. DRIVER HAS TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #871945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newbury Park, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
PROCEEDING NORTH ON CA HWY 101 NEAR VENTURA. ANTILOCK AND BRAKE LIGHTS ACTIVATED. ATTEMPTED TO STOP WHILE AT 70 MPH. PEDAL "HARD" CAN WOULD NOT STOP. USED STICK SHIFT GEARS TO BRING VEHICLE SPEED DOWN, USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO BRING CAR TO HALT AT SIDE OF FWY. SHUT OFF IGNITION. RESTARTED VEHICLE THINKING COMPUTER WAS AT FAULT AND NEEDED RESETTING. ANTILOCK AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OUT--VEHICLE COULD BE "STOPPED" BUT SYSTEM WENT OUT PERMANANTLY AFTER DRIVING APPROX. 5 MORE MILES. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER IN THOUSAND OAKS CA ( KEMP) AND INFORMED THAT THE "RELAY BANK" HAD SHORTED OUT. COSTS APPROX. $200.00 TO REPAIR. PROBLEM---ABS DID NOT FUNCTION AT ALL!!!
NHTSA complaint #723033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmdale, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH SQUEALING FRONT DISC BRAKES. FRONT BRAKES SEEM TO BE DOING MOST OF THE BRAKING. REPLACED CALIPERS TWICE, DISC PADS SEVERAL TIMES, REBUILT REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS, REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER. REQURES A LOT OF PEDAL BEFORE BRAKES SEEM TO START TAKING EFFECT - MANUALLY ADJUSTED REAR BRAKES, SEEMED TO HELP PROBLEM WITH PEDAL TRAVEL, PEDAL TRAVEL PROBLEM RETURNED, READJUSTED REAR BRAKES AND PEDAL TRAVEL IMPROVED AGAIN. SQUEELING FRONT DISC BRAKES CONTINUE. IS THERE ANY HISTORY OF THIS WITH POSSIBLE CORRECTIVE ACTION?
NHTSA complaint #720651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmdale, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH SQUEALING FRONT DISC BRAKES. FRONT BRAKES SEEM TO BE DOING MOST OF THE BRAKING. REPLACED CALIPERS TWICE, DISC PADS SEVERAL TIMES, REBUILT REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS, REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER. REQURES A LOT OF PEDAL BEFORE BRAKES SEEM TO START TAKING EFFECT - MANUALLY ADJUSTED REAR BRAKES, SEEMED TO HELP PROBLEM WITH PEDAL TRAVEL, PEDAL TRAVEL PROBLEM RETURNED, READJUSTED REAR BRAKES AND PEDAL TRAVEL IMPROVED AGAIN. SQUEELING FRONT DISC BRAKES CONTINUE. IS THERE ANY HISTORY OF THIS WITH POSSIBLE CORRECTIVE ACTION?
NHTSA complaint #720651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmdale, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH SQUEALING FRONT DISC BRAKES. FRONT BRAKES SEEM TO BE DOING MOST OF THE BRAKING. REPLACED CALIPERS TWICE, DISC PADS SEVERAL TIMES, REBUILT REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS, REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER. REQURES A LOT OF PEDAL BEFORE BRAKES SEEM TO START TAKING EFFECT - MANUALLY ADJUSTED REAR BRAKES, SEEMED TO HELP PROBLEM WITH PEDAL TRAVEL, PEDAL TRAVEL PROBLEM RETURNED, READJUSTED REAR BRAKES AND PEDAL TRAVEL IMPROVED AGAIN. SQUEELING FRONT DISC BRAKES CONTINUE. IS THERE ANY HISTORY OF THIS WITH POSSIBLE CORRECTIVE ACTION?
NHTSA complaint #720651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmdale, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH SQUEALING FRONT DISC BRAKES. FRONT BRAKES SEEM TO BE DOING MOST OF THE BRAKING. REPLACED CALIPERS TWICE, DISC PADS SEVERAL TIMES, REBUILT REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS, REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER. REQURES A LOT OF PEDAL BEFORE BRAKES SEEM TO START TAKING EFFECT - MANUALLY ADJUSTED REAR BRAKES, SEEMED TO HELP PROBLEM WITH PEDAL TRAVEL, PEDAL TRAVEL PROBLEM RETURNED, READJUSTED REAR BRAKES AND PEDAL TRAVEL IMPROVED AGAIN. SQUEELING FRONT DISC BRAKES CONTINUE. IS THERE ANY HISTORY OF THIS WITH POSSIBLE CORRECTIVE ACTION?
NHTSA complaint #720651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamboldt, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ABS CONTROL UNIT WENT OUT. APPLIED THE BRAKES & THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. USED EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO PRIVATE MECHANIC & WAS INFORMED INSIDE CONTROL UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE & COULD NOT BE REBUILT.
NHTSA complaint #858527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unk., UN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
ABS BRAKES SYSTEM COMPLETE FAILURE DUE TO MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
AFTER ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY FORD THUNDERBIRD, I NOW REFUSE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD CAR AND I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND A FORD VEHICLE TO ANYONE. BETWEEN THE POWER WINDOW FAILURES, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, AIR COMPRESSOR FAILURE, BATTER FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, THROTTLE FAILURE, ETC... I COULD KEEP GOING ON HOW MUCH TROUBLE IT HAS PUT ME THROUGH AND WASTE OF MONEY THAT THIS CAR HAS COST ME. I AM COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED. I WANTED TO PURCHASE AN AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE FOR CERTAIN ASPECTS OF KNOWING I AM HELPING OUT THE US(JOB WISE), BUT MY VIEWS HAVE SINCE CHANGED. BESIDES THE FACT THAT I REFUSE TO BUY ANOTHER FORD CAR, I REALIZE THAT QUALITY AND SAFETY ARE NOT FORD'S STRENGTH AND MAY LEAVE TO PURCHASE A FOREIGN CAR TO WHICH I MAY FIND SOME HAPPINESS. IT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP EVER OTHER WEEK. IF IT'S NOT ONE PROBLEM, IT IS ANOTHER. I AM TRULY FED UP. AND BY THE WAY, I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THESE PROBLEMS. I KNOW OTHERS, WHO THROUGH BAD EXPERIENCES ALSO REFUSE TO BUY FORD VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #715488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Englewood, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ROTORS WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES/ PADS WERE REPLACED 4 TIMES, AND THE CALIPERS HAVE BEEN REBUILT. OWNER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #826844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prescott, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT GO DOWN WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. ALSO, THROTTLE WAS STUCK ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. OCCURRED DURING VERY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #834183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuba City, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ABS BRAKES KEEP COMING ON AND OFF. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT WHEN ABS LIGHT BEGINS TO COME ON THE SYSTEM IS ABOUT TO FAIL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA complaint #833826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuba City, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
THE ABS BRAKES KEEP COMING ON AND OFF. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT WHEN ABS LIGHT BEGINS TO COME ON THE SYSTEM IS ABOUT TO FAIL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA complaint #833826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Canada, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, CAUSING BRAKES TO SHIMMY UPON BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #781140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Canada, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
LEFT FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARPED, CAUSING BRAKES TO SHIMMY WHEN APPLIED.
NHTSA complaint #781090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dorchester, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
WHILE DRIVING PEDAL SNAPPED, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. ALSO, THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE ROTORS RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED IN HALF. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #823367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dorchester, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WHILE DRIVING PEDAL SNAPPED, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. ALSO, THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE ROTORS RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED IN HALF. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #823367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST. Lucie, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ABS BRAKE BOOSTER IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #816832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP (12) TO (15) TIMES FOR NUMEROUS BRAKING PROBLEMS, ROTORS/PADS/DRUMS OR ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS.
NHTSA complaint #801361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP (12) TO (15) TIMES FOR NUMEROUS BRAKING PROBLEMS, ROTORS/PADS/DRUMS OR ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS.
NHTSA complaint #801361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP (12) TO (15) TIMES FOR NUMEROUS BRAKING PROBLEMS, ROTORS/PADS/DRUMS OR ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS.
NHTSA complaint #801361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP (12) TO (15) TIMES FOR NUMEROUS BRAKING PROBLEMS, ROTORS/PADS/DRUMS OR ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS.
NHTSA complaint #801361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norristown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #509829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richardson, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #509358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.