1FABP64T2JH2058081988 FORD ThunderbirdSuper Coupe
1988 FORD Thunderbird was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 101 owner complaints include 8 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1988 FORD Thunderbird
1988 FORD Thunderbird was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 101 owner complaints include 8 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 8 injuries reported across 101 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: fire, electrical problems
- High fire risk — 18 complaint(s) involved a fire
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
101 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (40%), Safety Systems (17%), Other (14%). Common issues: fire, electrical problems. 5 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Thunderbird
- Year
- 1988
- Trim / Series
- Super Coupe
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 5.0L 200 hp
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Assembly
- LORAIN, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: LORAIN, OHIO
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fire/ignition recall
- ▸18 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ⚠8 injuries reported in complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 1988 FORD Thunderbird report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1988 FORD Thunderbird report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1988 FORD Thunderbird report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
2 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SummaryTHE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
SummaryA DESIGN CHANGE TO FACILITATE CHANGEOVER IN REAR AXLE SHAFT FLANGES INADVERTENTLY PRODUCED THE POSSIBILITY FOR INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE FLANGE AND DISC BRAKE ROTOR.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
8 injuries reported across 101 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
101 complaints analyzed across 10 system categories
Electrical System leads owner complaints (31%), most reported when the vehicle was 6–8 yrs old. Also common: Seat Belts (18%), Exterior Lighting (11%).
Based on 79 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (1) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME101 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD THUNDERBIRD EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR ASSURANCE FUEL MAX TIRES, SIZE: P225/60R16. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TIRES MADE AN ABNORMAL RUMBLING NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND BOTH PASSENGER SIDE TIRES WERE GETTING FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VALVE STEMS WERE THE REASON FOR THE TIRE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 290,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR
DT: THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. IT CAUGHT FIRE ON OCTOBER 1, 2000. THERE WAS NO FOREWARNING. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. HAD MECHANIC LOOK AT VEHICLE TO REPAIR IT, AND THEY SAID IT WAS TO FAR GONE.*AK
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
NO REPAIRS YET...HAHA..JUST WEAK BRAKES,BAD PAINT AND WIERD SPEED CONTROL...LOOK TO THE CRUISE CONTROL..TO MUCH ELECTRIONICS IN THIS CAR MAN!
THE VEHICLE LURCHED FOWARD, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. *JB
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 STATED ON RECALL INVOICE.PER JERRY'S FORD PARTS DEPT THESE PART NUMBERS INTERCHANGE.THE REMOVED PART SHOWED SIGNS OF MELTING AND CHARRING.*AK
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.CONTACTED DEALER. REASON UNKNOWN.*AK
CAR OFF. FIRE UNDER HOOD DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT-PER FIRE DEPT.
WITH THE MIRROR GLUED TO THE WINDSHIELD, AN OBJECT HIT THE ROOFLINE OF THE CAR, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER, AND AT 65MPH, THE WINDSHIELD COLAPSED WITH THE MIRROR ATTACHED, HITTING ME IN THE THE FACE, AND THE MIRROR EDGE HIT ME IN THE RT SIDE OF MY HEAD, BREAKING MY SKULL, CAUSING BONE FRGMENTS IN MY BRAIN, AND DAMAGE . UN RELATED INSIDENT IN MY 92 CARAVAN, A BIG BIRD HIT MY PASSENGERSIDE WINDSHIELD, AND THE REARVIEW MIRROR LAUNCHED TO THE BACK. BOTH COULD BE PREVENTED WITH A TEATHERING STRAP TO THE ROOF, KEEPING MIRROR IN THE GENERAL MOUNTED AREA, AS NOW ALL MINE ARE SO ATTACHED. I ALSO KNOW OF ANOTHER WHERE THE MIRROR FLEW OFF IN A REAR END COLLISION, HITTING THE DRIVER'S HEAD. THE MIRRORS ALWAYS FALL OFF IN THIS TEXAS HEAT, IN A STATIC POSITION.
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED. I ALSO OWNED A 1987 T-BIRD PRIOR TO THIS ONE THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE OLDER T-BIRDS.*AK
IGNITION SWITCH IS CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL OUT IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS.*AK
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AND THERE WAS A BURN/ ELECTRICAL SMELL, BUT NO SMOKE. CONSUMER TURNED TO START VEHICLE BACK UP, AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. A MECHANIC FOUND THAT IGNITION SWITCH BURNED OUT FROM OVERHEATING. RECALL 96V071000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 95S28 WAS SERVICED IN JANUARY 1997. *AK
THE FEMALE PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS BROKEN.
PLASTIC COVERING ON HEADLIGHTS HAVE FADED TO YELLOW MAKING VISIBILITY DIFFICULT. OWNER HAS TO BUY WHOLE LIGHTING UNIT TO FIX PROBLEM.*AK THE CONSUMER SAYS IT IS NOT REASONABLE TO BUY THE ENTIRE UNIT TO REPLACE AN INFERIOR QUALITY COVERING FOR THE HEAD LIGHT. *YH
ALTERNATOR OVERHEATED, AND HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE WITHIN IGNITION SWITCH. *AK TWO DEALERS HAD DIFFERING OPENION ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S DESIGN EXCITES THE ELECTRICAL CHANGING SYSTEM. *YH
BOUGHT CAR FRM OLD LADY WHO RARELY DROVE IT. AFTER BOUGHT NOTICED FRNT END CLUNK ALL SPEEDS REPLACED STRUTS CLUNK STILLTHERE REPLACED STRUT BEARINGS AND ALL BUSHINGS IN FRONT END. CLUNKING STILL THERE REAR END CLUNKING BAD WHEN PUT INTO GEAR AND WHEN CAR SHIFTS REPLACED REAR SHOCKS....STILL THERE ....AT FRONT ALSO ...WAS TOLD BY SANTA MARIA FORD THE FRONT CLUNK IS FROM THE REAR SOMEWHERE?...I FINALLY FOUND IT IN STEERING RACK THE ROD ENDS WERE DRY (NO LUBE FROM FACTORY) THE BALL SOCKETS IN THEM WERE JUST SHORT OF A WRECK WEAR WISE ....REPLACED THEM AND BEHOLD NO CLUNK FROM FRONT....REAR STILL CLUNKS TO THIS DAY.RECALL FOR ING SWITCH AFTER THIS WAS REPLACED THE ENGING SURGES AND SOMETIMES STALLS AT SPEED AND IDLE THE DEALER (JIM BURKE IN BAKERSFIELD) SAYS ITS MY PROBLEM AND THEY COULD CHECK IT OUT FOR $$$$$ I HAD PAYED THEM FOR DIAGNOSES AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED INJECTOR CLEANED @495.00FOR #4 INJ. WELL I INSTALLED NEW ONE FOR $40.00 AND PRICE OF GASKETS CAR PASSED SMOG BUT STILL SURGES AT ALL SPEEDS..........THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE STOPPED LATCHING ABOUT THE TIME OF INGNITION RECALL FORD SAID TUFF LUCK GO TO A JUNKYARD
IN COLLISION SEAT BELT FAILED; DRIVER HIT WINSHIELD AND STEERING WHEEL. *AK
NO SUMMARY
NO SUMMARY
NO SUMMARY
BELT BUCKLE DOESN'T LOCK ANYMORE. BUCKLE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER.*AK
WHEN THE LEVER IS USED TO RECLINE THE DRIVER'S SEATBACK, IT CANNOT BE REPOSITIONED. ALSO, HEADLIGHTS WOULD FOG UP & HAVE VERY LITTLE PROJECTION, EVEN WITH HIGH BEAMS ON. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CHECK. *AK
HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY: IMMEDIATELY, OR UP TO 20-30 MINUTES AFTER TURNING THEM ON, HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS.. HAVE REPLACED 3 TURN SIGNAL/BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCHES, DUE TO THEM OVERHEATING AND MELTING. WHEN HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, INTERIOR FILLS WITH BURNING PLASTIC SMELL, BUT NO FIRE. ALMOST EVERY POWER ACCESSORY INSIDE CAR DOESN'T WORK, OR ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES. DRIVER'S POWER SEAT SOMETIMES SHORTS OUT AND HAS A BURNING SMELL: NO FIRE DETECTED. AT TIMES, INTERIOR OF CAR FILLS WITH BURNING PLASTIC SMELL SO STRONG THAT YOU HAVE TO EXIT THE CAR: HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF OVERHEATING/SMOLDERING, NO FIRES. ABS BRAKES FAIL WHEN STOPPING SUDDENLY. BRAKES LOCK AND CAR SKIDS, STEERING VERY DIFFICULT WHEN BRAKES LOCK. *AK
TURBOCHARGER GONE BAD
HEADLIGHT COVER IS PLASTIC WHICH HAS TURNED A YELLOWISH COLOR, AND HAS CAUSED HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME DIM. *AK
THE FRONT BRAKES ARE NOT CATCHING REGULARLY, THE REAR BRAKES CATCH EVERYTIME. FORD SAYS CONSUMER HAS WEAR AND TEAR PROBLEMS, THE PUMP MOTOR IS DEFECTIVE. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED INTERMITENTLY FOR THE LAST FOUR MONTHS. *AK
THIS SWITCH WAS REPLACED W/ RECALL @ DEALER! CALLED DEALER, WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE OF TIME LAPSE. SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL! THEY REPLACED A FAULTY ELECTRICAL ELEMENT WITH ANOTHER FAULTY ELECTRICAL ELEMENT (I HAVE SWITCH) AND LET ME DRIVE AWAY, 7 MONTHS PREGNANT! (PLUS, MY BABY & I WERE ON THE ROAD LATE WHEN EVENT OCCURRED. SHORTED EVERYTHING, SMOKED US OUT, DISCONNECTED BATTERY TO STOP FIRE IGNITION, BY MYSELF W/ ONLY LIGHTING A SPARKING COLUMN INSIDE!CONNECTED AGAIN & IT RESET SO WE COULD GET HOME, BUT HAD NO BRAKES (BOOSTER IS ELECTRONIC) CALLED DEALER AFTER RECALL INSTALL BECAUSE WHEN I'D TURN THE KEY, WOULDN'T "SEAT" PROPERLY IN IGNITION. SAID, "DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, IT'S JUST BREAKING IN" EXACT WORDS--"IT WILL LEARN YOUR KEY ASSEMBLY" WAS THAT SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN BEFORE OR AFTER IT BURNED TO THE GROUND?? I GOT NO HELP FROM THE DEALER HERE IN PLANT CITY, FLORIDA. *AK
HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 96V071000 IN THE MAIL. CONTACTED DEALER. HAD THE IGNITION REPAIRED AT DEALER. PROBLEM WITH SMOKING OCCURRED. TOOK VEHICLE BACK & PAID FOR ANOTHER IGNITION. HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SMOKING OF THE IGNITION. *AK
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AND BECAUSE NO CODES ARE SHOWING, THE SHOP CANNOT DETECT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC AND THE ENGINE SPEED IN CREASES TO 3,000 RPM'S, I'M HAVING TO APPLY THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I CAN TO STOP THE CAR FROM LURCHING FORWARD. BELIEVE ME, IF I WERE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, I WOULD LITERALLY BE DRIVEN INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT SEEMS TO ME THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE FROM READING THE OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS. THIS PROBLEM IS PRETTY SCAREY AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. SOMEONE NEEDS TO ADVISE ME WHAT I NEED TO DO TO GET THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IT'S VERY HARD TO SEE, THE PLASTIC COVER OF HEADLAMPS HAS BECOME A MILKY WHITE COLOR. CONSUMER HAS TO DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS AT ALL TIMES. IN RAINY WEATHER THE VISIBILITY IS THREE TIMES WORSE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER SAID IT WAS DEFECTIVE WIRING IN THE ALTERNATOR. *AK *ML
THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF THE GARAGE HITTING A PARKED CAR, THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE WITH HIS FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD HITTING A BRICK WALL AND CONCRETE FOUNDATION. INVESTIGATION NUMBER PE88097. *NLM
HEAD LIGHTS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY.
GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR DOSE NOT SHOW THE PROPER GEAR SELECTION. OWNER NOTES THAT VEHICLE MAY SHOW THAT IT IS IN DRIVEE BUT ITS IN REVERSE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE WOULD GET UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD TAKE OFF WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES WITH ALL THE FORCE SHE HAD IN HER FOOTDRIVER WOULD TAKE FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD TAKE OFF. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT SEVERAL YEARS. DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS ABOUT 1/5 OF THE TIME NOW. *AK
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN THE FIRST FAILURE ON THE SWITCH OCCURRED THERE WAS NO BRAKE POWER AND INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES OR TURN SIGNALS. AFTER RECALL FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN WITH SAME CONSEQUENCES, LOSS OF BRAKES AND GAUGES, WITH OVERHEATING OF THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSES THE WIRE HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO BURN.
VEHICLE SURGES AT INTERMITTENT TIMES, VARYING FROM 1600 TO 2600 RPMS. *AK
CONSUMER HAS BEEN HAVING VEHICLE REPAIRED BY DANA MOTORS LTD. (718-983-8700) STANTEN ISLAND NY. SINCE AUG. 96, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE EXHAUST NEEDS TO BE CLEANED FROM THE MANIFOLD. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FIVE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM (ACCELERATES UNEXPECTENTLY TOO MANY TIMES). *AK
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED.
SWITCHED POST ON HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER THEN RESUMED HIGH POSITION AND VEHICLE STARTED TO GET HOT; HOWEVER, FUSE DID NOT BLOW. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT. *AK
IGNITION SWITCH FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL.
STEERING WHEEL MELTS AND DRIPS HOT BLACK SUBSTANCE DURING HOT WEATHER.
AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED THE CAR WOULD START CUTTING AND SPARKS IN THE STEERING COLUMN FROM THE BOTTOM HALF WAY DOWN TO THE COLUMN, OTHER DAY AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 5MINS. THE CAR STARTED CRANKING ITSELF AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE ON THE FLOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE. *AK
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR IGNITION SWITCH, HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AUG.22, 1996. DEC 6, 1996 CAR PARKED IN GARAGE FOR HALF HOUR, HEARD A NOISE, CAR WAS IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT SEEMED TO BE ELECTRICAL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, VEHICLE IS AT A SALVAGE LOT. *AK
THROTTLE LINKAGE STUCK, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC LAP/SHOULDER RED RELEASE BUTTON WILL NOT LOCK PROPERLY, CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO RELEASE. *AK
AIR CONDITIONER LEAKS.
FUEL TANK CORRODED.
BRAKES REPLACED.
VEHICLE DESTROYED IN A FIRE, DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION.
BEFORE RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS COMPLETED VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH DESTROYED VEHICLE DUE TO FIRE.
WHILE DRIVING THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK *SLC
.THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH. *AK
EACH YEAR FOR EIGHT YEARS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED , PURCHASED CAR NEW . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
THE DEALERSHIP PAUL O'BAUGH STAUNTON HAS HAD THE CAR FOR 26 DAYS AND THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN WORKED ON FOR 21 DAYS AND NOW THE DEALERSHIP WILL BE TAKING THE RENTAL CAR. PLEASE GIVE MORE INFORMATION.
PURCHASED CAR USED, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BURNED UP , TOOK TO DEALER IS ONLY GOING TO REPLACE THE THE IGNITION SWITCH # 96V071000. *AK CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL AND TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD BURNED WIRES THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN TO THE WIRE HARNESS BEHIND THE DASHBOARD, FORD WANTED TO TOTAL VEHICLE AND OFFER CONSUMER A VERY LOW PRICE, CONSUMER OWED MUCH MORE THAN WHAT WAS OFFERED SO CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED, FORD DENIED REQUEST AND STATED THE ONLY THING THEY WOULD DO IS REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, NOT THE OTHER DAMAGES, WHEN CONSUMER RECIEVED VEHICLE FROM DEALERSHIP IT HAD 2 CRACKS IN THE DASH, BROKED ODOMETER READING FRAME, ENGINE NOISES OVER RADIO FREQUENCY, WIRES HANGING BELOW THE DASH, AND LIGHTS BEGAN FLICKERING, BATTERY HAD FAILED TWO TIMES, A MECHANICE STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT SOMEWHERE CAUSING BATTERY TO DRAIN. CLUTCH FAILED. *SLC
AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE THREE MONTHS AGO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE IGNITION WAS STARTING TO GET HOT RECALL#96V071000. *AK NEW IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO CONSUMER. *SLC
THE HEADLIGHT LENS ASSEMBLY GETS DISCOLORED AND RESTRICTS THE LIGHT. REPLACED LENS IN 1992 AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.*AK
THE ENGINE ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY. *AK *SLC
OUTER TIE ROD END BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. *DH
WIRING TO HOODS COURTESY LIGHT INSULATION WORN AWAY, CAUSING FIRE. *DH
THE DRIVER'S POWER ADJUSTABLE SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED A FIRE. *AK
THE HI AND LOW AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH GOT TOO HOT AND BURNED ALL THE WIRES AND ALMOST CAUSED A FIRE.*AK CONSUMER HAD AIR CONDITIONING ON AND SMELLED SMOKE TURNED AIR OFF THEN CHECKED OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND FOUND WIRES HAD OVER HEATED AND MELTED TO FAN SWITCH WIRE ASSEMBLY REPLACED WITH HEAVY DUTY WIRES BY MANUFACTURER AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*JB
HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND CONNECTOR MELTED.(OTHER VEHICLES ON 504408,601598)
INCOMPLETE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSED LEAK/ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. *DH
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
DRIVING WHEN EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. *AK
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE JUMPED/HALT ALSO KEY GETS HOT. *SD
VEHICLE FIRE UNDERHOOD DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE.
THE IGNITION SHORT CIRCUTS AND THE WHOLE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE SWITCH TO MELT HAD TO REPLACE THE SWITCH TWICE. *AK
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. *AK
FAILURE ON THE BRAKES, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE A ACCIDENT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE WENT DOWN. *AK
WIRING HARNESS UNDERHOOD CAUGHT FIRE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. *AK
FAILURE ON THE BRAKES, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE A ACCIDENT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE WENT DOWN. *AK
WIRING HARNESS UNDERHOOD CAUGHT FIRE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
PURCHASE CAR NEW WITH 62,300 MILES THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE WEARING OUT CONSUMER HAD THE PART . TT
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED. *DSH
THE VEHICLE LOST ALL BRAKES AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP.THE VEHICLE HAS ABS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
BRAKES FAILED 3 TIMES, ONCE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
MATERIAL USED FOR HEAD LIGHT LENSES BECOME YELLOW OVER TIME, CAUSING REDUCED VISIBILITY.
SMOG PUMP BRACKET FAILED. *DSH
#EA95-021 THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE . TT
DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS SHOWING FALSE LATCHING, BUCKLE COMES UNLATCHED. TT
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILURE, LATCH ON SEATBELT FAILED. TT
EA95-021 ACTIVE, FRONT LAP/SHOULDER BELT FAILURE RETRACTOR WON'T RETRACT, BELTS ARE VERY LOOSE. TT
HEADLIGHT LENS MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH IN TIME YELLOWS, CAUSING HEADLIGHT BEAMS TO APPEAR DIM. *AW
SEAT BELT BUCKLES ARE NOT HOLDING. TT
SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKEN, CAUSING FASTEN FAILURE. TT
THE DRIVERS SEATBELT BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH AND DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
THERE IS BRASS OR COPPER RING THAT ARE IN THE STEERING FALL APART PEICE FALL OUT AND HORN DON'T WORK. TT
THERE IS BRASS OR COPPER RING THAT ARE IN THE STEERING FALL APART PEICE FALL OUT AND HORN DON'T WORK. TT
SEATBACKS ON THE FRONT SEATS WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE UPON FRONTAL COLLISION. TT
ROLLOVER ACCIDENT CAUSING THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT TO BECAME SEPERATED. TT
DRIVER'S FRONT SHOULDER/LAP BELT BUCKLES INOPERATIVE, WHEN SNAP MALE PORTION INTO FEMALE BUCKLE COMES UNDONE. TT
DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP INSIDE GAS TANK, GAS TANK IS LEAKING. TT
FRONT HEADLIGHTS PLASTIC COATING VISIABILITY IS NOT CLEAR FOR PROPER LIGHTING; HAS ONLY 5O% OF HEADLIGHT CANDLE LIGHT POWER DUE TO POORLY USED MATERIALS. *AK
INTERNAL SPRING OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DO NOT LATCH. MAKING IT INOPERATIVE. TT
VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL FOR NO APPARENT REASON. TT
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 101 total NHTSA complaints filed over 12 years, with the worst year being 1996 (35 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2000.
Notably, despite 101 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 5 years (1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $40,114 (~$669/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1988 FORD Thunderbird — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1FABP64T2JH205808 |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | Thunderbird |
| Trim | Super Coupe |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.0 |
| Horsepower | 200 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | LORAIN |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FA |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 2 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | J |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | H |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 205808 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 101 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/1/2026, 3:36:09 PM.