MYRModel Year Report

1987 Ford Thunderbird

▲ Better than typical
1987 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:25.365Z

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
63
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

41% of complaints

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 1987: 63 complaints 1987 63 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 125 complaints 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 1987: 63 complaints 1987 63 1988: 92 complaints 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 1987: 63 complaints 1987 63 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

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% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Ignition switch fire, electrical wire around steering wheel caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-19

The electric wires on the vehicle melted and burned.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-26

Seat belts

22% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Driver's seat belt buckle fails to fasten/latch.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-26

Vehicle speed control

11% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
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, 2005-09-13

Service brakes

11% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 5 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-11

Safety timeline

1 recall · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. I
    1988-08-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-12-02 Floormat/accel pedal intrf
  3. I
    1989-06-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-10-31 Pwr seat malfunc - fire
  4. I
    1989-10-31Engineering analysisClosed 1991-03-12 Power seat malfunc/fire
  5. I
    1995-03-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-31 Faulty seatbelt buckles
  6. I
    1995-07-31Engineering analysisClosed 1997-09-30 Faulty seat belt buckles

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 26 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 7 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 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.