2002 Ford Thunderbird: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 93 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering suddenly failed and the steering wheel would not turn in either direction, before the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird equipped with a firestone tempa spare tire, size: t185-60-r17 (na). While cleaning the vehicle, the contact found that the spare tire that was stored in the trunk was blown out and the tire wires, rubber, and cords were exposed. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to visit firestone to have the tire replaced. The contact was informed that the tire was no longer manufactured. The contact was concerned that there was no tire available to replace the spare tire. The vehicle failure mileage was 3,500 and the tire failure mileage was 2. *dt*jb”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2019
“Air bag warning light appeared on instrument panel and owner's manual instructed to return to dealer. Dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty air bag that should be replaced. Ford motor co. Said service parts are not available and dealer did not repair the air bag. I was allowed to leave the service department with no idea if the air bag would function in a crash. Is the vehicle safe to drive and should ford motor co. Have done more to assure the vehicle is safe to drive?”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Air bag needs to be replaced and ford has no repair parts available to provide occupant protection in the event of a crash. *js”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2018
“1st had to have 8 coils replaced ,2002 not covered on recall, but 2003 and after were. Yesterday had to have it towed to a ford dealer, car would not start. After a diagnosis, found the fuel pump needed replaced and fuel filter. The cost was $1500.00. There were 4 other t-birds there plus mine with the same problem. What next? Do I need a tow truck to follow me all the time.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2017
“My car was running and I exited the vehicle to put garage door down. I put vehicle in parked with it running and door shut and when I came back to the vehicle all the doors were locked and car was running. Very dangerous I was unable to get into vehicle all doors locked with car running. I never locked the door when I exited.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2017
“My daughter was in a rollover accident on 09 -06 -2016 in a 2002 ford thunderbird convertible. The air bag did not sufficiently deploy & she was severely injured as a result. She was on interstate 95n near manning, sc when a semi truck did not see her & came into her lane grazing the car. She had to go off the road or the truck would have crushed her. The thunderbird rolled over & she was severely injured.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2016
“The dashboard lights for speedometer, tachometer, temp and fuel gauges fail to turn on with headlights. The dimmer switch is functional since other lights for odometer, radio, a/c function correctly. Fuses check out. Cannot view speed while driving at night. This makes driving at night dangerous. Ford dealer claims that the cluster for the dash might need to be changed. However, none are available anymore. The car only has 8237 miles on it.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2016
“Took the car in for a oil change the dealer wrote up a list of problems need to repair on this car .this car was in the garage and driven weekly it only has 30,600 miles on it. I think it will cost me 2500 dollars to repair this car. I never had anything like this before with a car.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2016
“While driving at 35 mph on state route 179 my vehicle started running rough than stalled completely making it difficult to steer and stop the vehicle. I had it towed to a repair shop where they replaced the fuel pump. When the engine stalled, it was in a curve and I barely was able to keep from going off the roadway. I shudder to think of what would have happened at higher speed.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CONTACTED THE SEAT RECLINER DURING A 35 MPH NCAP FULL-FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSERT BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT LOWER TRIM PANEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
How other years compare
Check your exact Thunderbird by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
NHTSA has 93 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Thunderbird problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 37,500 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.