1988 Ford Thunderbird electrical system problems
29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1988 Ford Thunderbird — 32% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“When the key was turned in the ignition steering column started smoking. This was due to the defect described in the ignition recall 96v071000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak”
filed Jun 21, 2004
“Ignition switch was recalled in 1999. Car was returned to ted britt ford for compliance.invoice states pn f29z-11572d installed.ignition switch failed 8/17/02 engine running fine but abs inop-loss of brake power boost not just anti lock.defective switch found to be pn f29a11572da not f29z11572d as…”
filed Sep 9, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999
Electrical System problems in other Thunderbird years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Thunderbird | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 Thunderbird | 4 | 12% |
| 2003 Thunderbird | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 Thunderbird | 21 | 23% |
| 1997 Thunderbird | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 Thunderbird | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 Thunderbird | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 Thunderbird | 24 | 8% |
| 1993 Thunderbird | 37 | 9% |
| 1992 Thunderbird | 27 | 15% |
| 1991 Thunderbird | 13 | 12% |
| 1990 Thunderbird | 38 | 27% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Ford Thunderbird
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.