MYRModel Year Report

1987 Ford Thunderbird

▲ Better than typical
1987 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:09.243Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Thunderbird Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1987 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: 63 complaints 1987 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 2005
1987: 63 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 41%

41% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE, ELECTRICAL WIRE AROUND STEERING WHEEL CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960419

THE ELECTRIC WIRES ON THE VEHICLE MELTED AND BURNED. *BF *TC

NHTSA ODI report, 20041026

SEAT BELTS 22%

22% of complaints: seat belts — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS TO FASTEN/LATCH. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19941226

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11%

11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

DT: THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE THREE TIMES. IT WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. CONTACTED FORD, THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER PUT TWO OF THE FIRES OUT, AND FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT ONE OF THE FIRES OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050913

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

LEFT FRONT ENGINE MOUNT FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO RAISE AND JAM ACCELERATOR LINKAGE INTO FULL THROTTLE POSITION, RESULTING IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19941111

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

I 19880831 — PE (closed 19881202)

FLOORMAT/ACCEL PEDAL INTRF

I 19890601 — PE (closed 19891031)

PWR SEAT MALFUNC - FIRE

I 19891031 — EA (closed 19910312)

POWER SEAT MALFUNC/FIRE

I 19950327 — PE (closed 19950731)

FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES

I 19950731 — EA (closed 19970930)

FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 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 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1994 ■ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1987 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Thunderbird is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Thunderbird?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Thunderbird have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.