FaultScore

FaultScore report

1993 Ford Thunderbird problems

Owners have filed 559 complaints about the 1993 Ford Thunderbird with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Thunderbird.

How this is worked out

The numbers

559

Complaints

13

Crashes reported

8

Fires reported

11

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

97,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

0%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 30 vs 50 Early failure 0 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Thunderbird. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1993 compares with every other Ford Thunderbird

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1993 Ford Thunderbird

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 195 34.9%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Lights 144 25.8%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 116,000 mi

Brakes 40 7.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 93,000 mi

Seat Belts 31 5.5%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,400 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 96,000 mi

Median failure at 111,700 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires

Median failure at 102,500 miles

Suspension 7 1.3%

Median failure at 98,000 miles

Seats 6 1.1%
Steering 6 1.1%
Equipment & Accessories 5 0.9%
Airbags 4 0.7%

4 crashes, 0 fires

Tires 3 0.5%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Engine 128 41.7%
Switch 47 15.3%
Headlights 47 15.3%
Gasoline 39 12.7%
Rotor 14 4.6%
Cooling System 12 3.9%
Switch 10 3.3%
Switch 10 3.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 12.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 8 50.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 6 37.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jan 1995 peak 27 Mar 2016

NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Ford Thunderbird

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA99005 Opened 20 Jan 1999 Closed 14 Dec 1999 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HEADLIGHT SWITCH

SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH AN INTERNAL, BIMETAL CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT CAN OPEN DUE TO OVERHEATING DURING HEADLING OPERATION.

RQ98015 Opened 29 Sep 1998 Closed 22 Jan 1999 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKER

HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH AN ITERNAL, BIMETAL CIRCUIT BREALER THAT MAY OPEN DUE TO OVERHEATING DURING HEADLIGHT OPERATION

RQ97011 Opened 25 Sep 1997 Closed 16 Nov 1998 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

FUEL LINE JUMPER

TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE ALLEGED FUEL LINE FAILURES OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL GEOGRAPHIC REGION AND IF THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED NATIONALLY

Recalls on the 1993 Ford Thunderbird

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

99V275000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

97V159000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

96V071000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1999193 4,154 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the high electrical current flowing through the headlamp switch during simultaneous operation of the headlamps and fog lamps may cause the switches internal bimetal circuit breaker to open due to overheating. Should this occur, the vehicle's headlights may go out for brief intervals (flickering or blinking). Extended cycling of the circuit breaker due to continued overheating can result in longer duration outages. Correction: Dealers will install a headlamp switch which incorporates a circuit breaker of revised design, and a wiring harness connector, if needed.

Recall 1997193 9,271 units in Canada

Fuel System

MOVEMENT OF FUEL LINES, RESULTING FROM NORMAL VEHICLE BODY VIBRATIONS. CAUSES THE NYLON FUEL LINES TO WEAR BY RUBBING AGAINST THE METAL FLOOR PAN. THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: FUEL LINES WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY. ALSO, A PLASTIC CONVOLUTE COVERING WILL BE INSTALLED AROUND THE FUEL LINES WHICH WILL PREVENT WEAR THROUGH.

Recall 1995212 834,368 units in Canada

Electrical

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. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 96,000 miles Oregon City, OR Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

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).

NHTSA complaint #10327593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Oregon City, OR Fire

VISIBILITY

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).

NHTSA complaint #10327593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VAN Nuys, CA Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

NHTSA complaint #10076092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VAN Nuys, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10076092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, CA 2 injured

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

CONSUMERS VEHICLE ALSO HAD A RECALL ON LIGHT SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #563925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, CA 2 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

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

NHTSA complaint #563925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 98,485 miles Conway, NC

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10851797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

SEAT BELTS

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

NHTSA complaint #10479704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Oregon City, OR Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

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).

NHTSA complaint #10327593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Oregon City, OR Fire

VISIBILITY

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).

NHTSA complaint #10327593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sarasota, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

NHTSA complaint #10245758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,400 miles Fresno, CA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

PASSIVE RESTRAIN SHOULDER HARNESS, DRIVERS SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #10200645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Sutherlin, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10154985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

NHTSA complaint #10144017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Everett, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #10137736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodbury, GA

TIRES:SIDEWALL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10131454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wolcottville, IN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10107160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Newton, WV

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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

NHTSA complaint #10081373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Depew, NY

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT

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

NHTSA complaint #10024450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Huntington Beach, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10076246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VAN Nuys, CA Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

NHTSA complaint #10076092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VAN Nuys, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10076092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterloo, UN

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10071396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Kenosha, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #10071147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles NEW York, NY

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10063574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Salem, OR

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #10061601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Salem, OR

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH

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

NHTSA complaint #10061601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Halifax, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10060483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,075 miles West Chester, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10039391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Youngstown, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10039074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newhall, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLE STALLS THEN SHUTS OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10031261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.