MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Thunderbird

○ Not enough data
1986 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:53:42.272Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Thunderbird Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 61 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 124 complaints 1989 1990: 140 complaints 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 184 complaints 1992 1993: 423 complaints 1994: 300 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 2005
1986: 23 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19810
19820
19833
198426
198514
198623
198761
198892
1989124
1990140
1991112
1992184
1993423
1994300
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.

SEAT BELTS

3 of 23 total reports mention: seat belts.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 23 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19961231

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 23 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960807

PHONE EXT 4708; WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE STARTED SMOLDERING UNTIL FLAMES APPEARED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960509

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 23 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19860326 — EA (closed 19890728)

SEATBACK FAILURE

R 19871012 — fuel system, gasoline

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 2004 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1994 ■ 1995

See all years ranked →

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 seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Thunderbird have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.