1991 Ford Thunderbird
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
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
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
HEADLIGHT FAILURE INTERMITTENT OPERATION. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20021231
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960310
PART TO REPAIR NOT AVAILABLE. DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021211
5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
THE NUTS WHICH HOLD WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO THE WIPER MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED AND MAY LOOSEN OR COME OFF. THIS CAUSES CHANGED WIPER PATTERNS, OR THE WIPERS MAY JAM IF TWO OF
Remedy: APPLY TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL TO WIPER MOTOR STUDS AND NUTS AND RETORQUE.
Campaign 91V076000 — check if this car was fixed
THE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY CONTAINS A PARK CAM WITH INADEQUATE SURFACE HARDNESS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PARK DISENGAGEMENT OR NO PARK ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE LEVER IS PLACED IN PARK.
Remedy: REPLACE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Campaign 91V048000 — check if this car was fixed
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V076000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V048000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Ford Thunderbird is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Thunderbird?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Thunderbird have?
4 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.