What is the fuel economy of a 1988 Ford Thunderbird?

EPA figures for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird reach 21 MPG combined depending on configuration; the table on this page lists every tested engine and transmission combination.

Are there recalls on the 1988 Ford Thunderbird?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird. Check your specific vehicle by VIN on the official NHTSA site - recalls are fixed free of charge by dealers.

What are common problems with the 1988 Ford Thunderbird?

Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird, most often about: Electrical System, Seat Belts, Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Complaint counts reflect what owners report, not confirmed defects.

Ford · 1988

1988 Ford Thunderbird

Official EPA fuel economy and NHTSA recall record, best combined figure 21 MPG.

Fuel economy (EPA)

Engine	Transmission	Fuel	City	Highway	Combined	CO2 g/mi
2.3L 4-cyl	Automatic 4-spd	Regular	15	21	17	523
2.3L 4-cyl	Manual 5-spd	Regular	16	24	19	468
3.8L 6-cyl	Automatic 4-spd	Regular	18	25	21	423
5.0L 8-cyl	Automatic 4-spd	Regular	16	24	19	468

Safety recalls (NHTSA)

2 campaigns on record for this model year. Recall repairs are free at dealers; check your exact vehicle by VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Campaign 88V033000

A DESIGN CHANGE TO FACILITATE CHANGEOVER IN REAR AXLE SHAFT FLANGES INADVERTENTLY PRODUCED THE POSSIBILITY FOR INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE FLANGE AND DISC BRAKE ROTOR.

Campaign 96V071000

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Owner complaints (NHTSA)

79 complaints filed by owners for this model year (5 involving a crash, 11 a fire). Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects - browse them in full on nhtsa.gov.

Electrical System 22 Seat Belts 17 Service Brakes, Hydraulic 7

Decode this car's VIN All Ford models

Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, the NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings databases (all US public data), refreshed monthly. Recall texts are quoted from the official record. Details on About & Data Sources.