Owners have filed 353 complaints
about the 1995 Ford Thunderbird with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 9 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 76
Against the median year of the Ford Thunderbird. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 85
16.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1995 compares with every other Ford Thunderbird
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
15.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
15.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
952.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
317.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
317.6%
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 1995peak 16Jun 2016
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 65,000 milesRandleman, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CRASHED AGAINST A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A FRACTURED COLLARBONE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE HEART CAGE, A KIDNEY AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS LATER INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED BY BOTH. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesRandleman, NCCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CRASHED AGAINST A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A FRACTURED COLLARBONE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE HEART CAGE, A KIDNEY AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS LATER INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED BY BOTH. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CACrash
STEERING
WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN OUT OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN HEAD ON INTO A PARKED CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10435082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,400 milesLOS Angeles, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND HIS FOOT SLIPPED FROM THE PEDAL DUE TO THE BRAKE COVER FRACTURING.THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FRONT END OF BOTH VEHICLES WAS DAMAGED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE COVER WAS NOT SECURED PROPERLY AND HE BELIEVED THE PEDAL SHOULD HAVE HAD MORE RUBBER TO PREVENT SLIPPAGE. HE NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10394461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapel Hill, NCFire1 injured
SEATS
DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRIC SEAT BURST INTO FLAME. DRIVER(OWNER) SUSTAINED SEVERE BURNS THAT CHARACTERIZE AS LIFE THREATENING, AND REQUIRED ADMISSION TO THE BURN CENTER AT UNC HOSPITAL. PT WAS NOT SMOKING AND CAN NOT IDENTIFY ANY REASON WHY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE IN HIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10265951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapel Hill, NCFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRIC SEAT BURST INTO FLAME. DRIVER(OWNER) SUSTAINED SEVERE BURNS THAT CHARACTERIZE AS LIFE THREATENING, AND REQUIRED ADMISSION TO THE BURN CENTER AT UNC HOSPITAL. PT WAS NOT SMOKING AND CAN NOT IDENTIFY ANY REASON WHY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE IN HIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10265951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pomona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10872844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomona, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10872844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesRandleman, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CRASHED AGAINST A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A FRACTURED COLLARBONE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE HEART CAGE, A KIDNEY AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS LATER INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED BY BOTH. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesRandleman, NCCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CRASHED AGAINST A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A FRACTURED COLLARBONE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE HEART CAGE, A KIDNEY AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS LATER INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED BY BOTH. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CACrash
STEERING
WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN OUT OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN HEAD ON INTO A PARKED CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10435082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,400 milesLOS Angeles, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND HIS FOOT SLIPPED FROM THE PEDAL DUE TO THE BRAKE COVER FRACTURING.THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FRONT END OF BOTH VEHICLES WAS DAMAGED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE COVER WAS NOT SECURED PROPERLY AND HE BELIEVED THE PEDAL SHOULD HAVE HAD MORE RUBBER TO PREVENT SLIPPAGE. HE NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10394461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sulphur, OK
VISIBILITY
THE SUN ROOF OF MY 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD BLEW OFF MY CAR AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE BRACKETS THAT HELD IT UP BROKE OFF AND THE GLASS WENT FLYING ACROSS TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10268970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapel Hill, NCFire1 injured
SEATS
DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRIC SEAT BURST INTO FLAME. DRIVER(OWNER) SUSTAINED SEVERE BURNS THAT CHARACTERIZE AS LIFE THREATENING, AND REQUIRED ADMISSION TO THE BURN CENTER AT UNC HOSPITAL. PT WAS NOT SMOKING AND CAN NOT IDENTIFY ANY REASON WHY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE IN HIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10265951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapel Hill, NCFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRIC SEAT BURST INTO FLAME. DRIVER(OWNER) SUSTAINED SEVERE BURNS THAT CHARACTERIZE AS LIFE THREATENING, AND REQUIRED ADMISSION TO THE BURN CENTER AT UNC HOSPITAL. PT WAS NOT SMOKING AND CAN NOT IDENTIFY ANY REASON WHY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE IN HIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10265951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesCleveland, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHIN MINUTES OF BEING STARTED. HE NOTICED THICK, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND THE "LOW COOLANT" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,890 milesMedford, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY THE REAR BRAKES SQUEAKED. THERE WAS AN INTENSE GRINDING NOISE. AT 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION . NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 1/4/2006 - THE TRIES JUST NEEDED TO NE BALANCED AND ROTATED. THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS WOULD GRIND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE PRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10141775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesBrewer, ME
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCES BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE FOUND TO BE BROKEN. BOTH SPRINGS WERE BROKEN IN THE SAME MANNER AND LOCATION. THE CAR ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT!
NHTSA complaint #10141336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shorewood, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DT: 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD 3.8. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ENGINE PROBLEM ON OCTOBER 3, 2005. TOOK VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY WANTED $4600 TO PUT IN A NEW ENGINE. IN DECEMBER 2003 VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE FROM TIMING CHAIN GASKET. HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY. VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT NOR HAVE THERE BEEN ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE. POLICE HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 32,000 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE . THE CONSUMER CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, AND THEY SAID THE WARRANTY EXPIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10139060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,600 milesWimauma, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
DT: AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. TOOK CAR TO HERTZ, AND THEY SAID IT HAD A SHORT TO GROUND. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A BLOWN FUSE IN THE MODULE. DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT ON RECALL. MANUFACTURER SAID TO CONTACT DEALER.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT REPLACING THE FUSE IN THE MODULE WILL NOT HELP FOR LONG UNLESS WIRING IS REPLACED. *SB
NHTSA complaint #10124412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesArlington, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD 1995 THUNDERBIRD CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS PARKED EARLY IN THE MORNING. NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION. *AK THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED FROM THE FLAMES SHOOTING OUT FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WELL. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE POWER ANTENNA MOTOR HAD NOT WORKED PROPERLY FOR YEARS. TEN DAYS LATER BEFORE THE FIRE, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED AND THE FUSE WAS REPLACED. THE DOOR LOCK POWER FUNCTION WAS RESTORED AND THE FUSE WAS REPLACED. THE FUSE WAS BEING CHECKED FOR BEING TOO HOT TO TOUCH. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10122223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton Bays, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
UNSAFE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IN CONSUMER'S 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD.
NHTSA complaint #10114872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesNashville, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AFTER STRIKING A DEER, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CRACKING THE DASH AND BROKE THE WINDSHIELD AND KNOCKED THE CONSUMER OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10099193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
INITIALLY IT FELT AS THOUGH A TIRE WAS OUT OF BALANCE, LATER IN THE TRIP THE TIRE BEGAN THUMPING AS IF IT WERE SQUARE. INSPECTING THE TIRE I FOUND THAT THE TREAD WAS TWISTING OUT OF SHAPE AND THAT CHUNKS OF RUBBER HAD COME OFF OF THE TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10093308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLumberton, NCCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE OWNER WENT INSIDE OF THE STORE BUT WHEN HE RETURNED THE VEHICLE HAD GONE COMPLETELY ACROSS THE PARKING LOT AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF A VEHICLE. ALL OF THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNATTENED AND IN PARK. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10091465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverhead, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DUE TO A UNSAFE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, CONSUMER BELIEVED THE DEALERSHIP PUT USED PARTS ON HIS NEW VEHICLE. (NAR) *PH
NHTSA complaint #10064951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesMentor, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. CAR IS IN MINT CONDITION ND NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10086998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesMentor, OH
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. CAR IS IN MINT CONDITION ND NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10086998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesMentor, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR FOR RADIATOR COOLING FAN SHORTED OUT, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE THE PLASTIC SHROUD TO CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10086788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eight Mile, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10066846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. (SOMETIMES RITE TURNS TOO). CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO JERK SEVERELY TO THE LEFT OR RITE.
NHTSA complaint #10052949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.