- The problem
- 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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Ford Thunderbird Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1989 Ford Thunderbird have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Thunderbird year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1989 Ford Thunderbird recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- The risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
- The problem
- Due to contact between the brake caliper of the inboard front wheel and the front stabilizer bar, there may be increased brake pedal travel following low speed turning maneuvers.
- The risk
- This could cause a reduction in brake performancethat could result in an accident.
- The fix
- Install acorn type front suspension strut nuts to eliminate stabilizer bar to brake caliper contact.
- The problem
- Improperly heat treated rear suspension knuckles could experience high mileage fatigue cracks and eventual fracture.
- The risk
- This could result in rear suspension failure at theaffected wheel with an adverse affect on control of the car, which couldcause an accident.
- The fix
- Replace knuckles that have the affected lot codes.
- The problem
- Plastic rollover valve mounting plate may not be properly sealed to the plastic fuel tank.
- The risk
- Fuel or vapor could leak, which could result in a vehiclefire.
- The fix
- REPLACE FUEL TANK.
What owners say
Be the first Thunderbird owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1989 Ford Thunderbird yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Ford Thunderbird: every year compared
All Thunderbird years1989 Ford Thunderbird vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 0 | 5 | F | |
| 1989 Ford Aerostar | 261 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 1989 Ford Bronco | 85 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Ford Bronco II | 39 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Ford Club Wagon | 8 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Ford B700 | 3 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Ford B600 | 2 | 2 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1989 Ford Thunderbird
Does the 1989 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1989 Ford Thunderbird: exterior lighting (April 2009); ignition (April 1996); caliper (May 1989); springs (May 1989) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1989 Ford Thunderbird had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1989 Ford Thunderbird a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford Thunderbird year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Thunderbird years have the most complaints?
1960 (1), 1965 (1). See every Ford Thunderbird year compared.
What should I do if my 1989 Ford Thunderbird has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data