MYRModel Year Report

1998 Ford Thunderbird

○ Not enough data
1998 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:54:30.767Z

Only 3 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 3 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, 1998 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
1998: 3 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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN DECLINING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED IT CAUSED VEHICLE TO INCREASE ITS SPEED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS NORMAL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20001009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.

Show complaint excerpts

CONNECTOR BURNED AND BLEW THE BULB. PH

NHTSA ODI report, 20030207

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUME RHAD PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICALWIRES WHICH CASED HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL NOT TO WORK. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020705

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUME RHAD PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICALWIRES WHICH CASED HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL NOT TO WORK. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020705

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
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 1998 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 1998 Ford Thunderbird?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Thunderbird have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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