MYRModel Year Report

1995 Ford Thunderbird

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1995 Ford Thunderbird
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Thunderbird Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1995 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 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
1995: 261 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.

SERVICE BRAKES 46%

46% of complaints: service brakes — 121 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH DEATH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 20%

20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR FOR RADIATOR COOLING FAN SHORTED OUT, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE THE PLASTIC SHROUD TO CATCH ON FIRE.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040813

NOTICED SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD---ENGINE COOLING FAN BURNED UP AND IT NEVER BLEW THE FUSE

NHTSA ODI report, 20021010

POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

CRASH FIRE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7%

7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and back up lights.

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130528

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD, FRONT END COMPLETELY TOTALED - AND THE AIR BAGS ON EITHER SIDE DID NOT GO OFF. I CALLED FORD DEALER AND WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030808

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1995 — complaint volume: 261
R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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

1995 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (121 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (52 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (44 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 2004 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1994 ◆ 1996

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1995 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1995 Ford Thunderbird is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1995 Ford Thunderbird?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1995 Ford Thunderbird have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.