1993 Ford Thunderbird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1993 Ford Thunderbird: 3 recalls, 423 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #96V071000 · 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Why it matters: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #97V159000 · 1997 · 125,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Movement of the fuel lines causes the nylon fuel line jumper to chafe against the floor pan. This wear can cause a pin hole in the fuel line resulting in fuel leakage.
Why it matters: This fuel leakage results in dampness and fuel odor, and if an ignition source was present, a fire could result.
The fix: Dealers will install a plastic convolute covering around the fuel lines. If the lines show a leak, the lines will be replaced first.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V275000 · 1999 · 164,731 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: Driver's could experience a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a headlight switch which incorporates a circuit breaker of revised design, and install a wiring harness connector, if needed.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (171): the most common themes are fire / smoke (27), overheating (21), leaks (17).
- Exterior lights (119): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), fire / smoke (11).
- Electrical (37): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), fire / smoke (5), stalls / loses power (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (33): the most common themes are noise or vibration (12), brake failure / soft pedal (6).
The 1993 Ford Thunderbird has 423 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 14 Thunderbird model years for complaints (2.9× the average Thunderbird year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (147 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 97,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1992 (184 complaints, 3 recalls), 1994 (300 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1993 Ford Thunderbird.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1993 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1993 Ford Thunderbird, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1993 Ford Thunderbird problems?
Owners have filed 423 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (171), exterior lights (119), electrical (37).
What gas mileage does the 1993 Ford Thunderbird get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1993 Ford Thunderbird repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.