1980 Ford Thunderbird
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 26 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 61 |
| 1988 | 92 |
| 1989 | 124 |
| 1990 | 140 |
| 1991 | 112 |
| 1992 | 184 |
| 1993 | 423 |
| 1994 | 300 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 233 |
| 1997 | 169 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2002 | 93 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
DYNACRAFT SEMI METALIC BRAKE PAD MODEL MX152. CLAMP ON OUTSIDE ROTOR DISC SHEARED OFF SLID FORWARD RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950322
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
DEFECTIVE MARKET BRAKE PADS, DYNACRAFT CORP MANUFACTURED PADS MODEL MX 152. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950224
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE GOING INTO A CURVE AT 50 MPH, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BUT SOON REGAINED CONTROL OF VEHICLE BUT DRIVER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF BRAKES. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960214
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES INTENDED FOR OTHER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE INVOLV
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ANY INCORRECT WHEEL CYLINDERS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Campaign 79V262000 — check if this car was fixed
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILT
Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
Campaign 08E019000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1980 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 79V262000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E019000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1980 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1980 Ford Thunderbird?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1980 Ford Thunderbird have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.