MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Thunderbird

○ Not enough data
1986 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:55.596Z

Only 23 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 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
23

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 23 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 34 complaints 2005: 27 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 26 complaints 1984 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 23 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 34 complaints 2004 2005: 27 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1984 1985: 14 complaints 1985 1986: 23 complaints 1986 23 1987: 63 complaints 1987 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1991 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1993 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 34 complaints 2004 2005: 27 complaints 2005

1986: 23 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19810
19820
19833
198426
198514
198623
198763
198892
1989125
1990141
1991112
1992186
1993425
1994315
1995261
1996233
1997169
19983
19992
200293
200333
200434
200527

Known problem areas

Only 23 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

9 of 23 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-31

Electrical system

7 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Ignition switch caught on fire due to an electrical short.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-07

Phone ext 4708; while parked, vehicle started smoldering until flames appeared. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-09

Seat belts

5 of 23 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

3 of 23 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASH

Tires

2 of 23 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  2. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Thunderbird have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.