1986 Ford Thunderbird Base
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1983 Ford Thunderbird, front right, 07-19-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 83Thunderbird by Ryanandlenny, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1986 Ford Thunderbird in Black, rear view by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, Rear Left, 10-09-2021 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe interior 2 by TKOIII, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1986 Ford Thunderbird Base is a 120-hp 3.8-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $11,328 MSRP and is rated at 19 mpg combined.
It makes 120 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 205 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (19 mpg combined).
The Thunderbird measures 197.0 inches long on a 104.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,091 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $11,328 ($33,591 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.8L Essex OHV V6 |
| Displacement | 3.8 L |
| Horsepower | 120 hp @ 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 205 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves/cylinder |
| Injection Type | Central Fuel Injection (CFI) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 17 MPG |
| Highway | 24 MPG |
| Combined | 19 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 14" |
| Wheels Rear | 14" |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 197 in |
| Width | 71 in |
| Height | 53 in |
| Wheelbase | 104 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,091 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36 in |
| Legroom Front | 41 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 56 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 55 in |
| Hip Room Front | 55 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 55 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1986 Ford Thunderbird Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sep 4, 1987 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
NHTSA campaign 87V139000
24 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1986 Ford THUNDERBIRD
Owner Complaints
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford THUNDERBIRD (2 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 7 |
| Seat Belts | 5 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Fuel System | 2 |
| Gasoline | 2 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1986 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.