1989 Ford Thunderbird engine and engine cooling problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1989 Ford Thunderbird — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Bought brand new in 1989. First early problems with cigarette lighter/electrical/heating up inside dash.- serviced 3-4 times, under warranty. Freon leaks in air conditioner - repaired twice. Fuel line replaced. Steering colum jam of somesort - no key access. Replaced 3 alternators. Cannot shift…”
filed Apr 22, 2004
“Gasket in middle section of engine was so narrow it failed completely. The car over heated many times and no problem could be found at times it over heated. Replaced many parts thermastat, radiator,catilitic converter tested. When mid section disassembled the gasket was shown to me and it was…”
filed Sep 5, 2000
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt
99816 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 3, 1999A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc
9874 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 1998
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Thunderbird years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Thunderbird | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 Thunderbird | 5 | 15% |
| 2003 Thunderbird | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 Thunderbird | 24 | 26% |
| 1997 Thunderbird | 54 | 32% |
| 1996 Thunderbird | 65 | 28% |
| 1995 Thunderbird | 49 | 19% |
| 1994 Thunderbird | 61 | 20% |
| 1993 Thunderbird | 171 | 40% |
| 1992 Thunderbird | 27 | 15% |
| 1991 Thunderbird | 14 | 13% |
| 1990 Thunderbird | 11 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1989 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.