2002 Ford Thunderbird Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 14%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,930miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, 14% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,930 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The most recent problem started in june 2009 when the airbag indicator light came on for no reason and wouldn't go off (is it working or not? Safety issue?) then within a matter of weeks everything on the steering column controls quit working or went berserk. The cruise controls suddenly went haywire accelerating when any button was pushed now they don't work at all (safety issue). A car pulled out in front of me, I slammed on the brakes and laid on the horn and nothing!!! A terrible crash was missed by literally inches( safety issue)...30 minutes later the horn worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10279466, filed 2009-08, 26,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11182303, filed 2019-02, 50 miles“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?”
NHTSA complaint #11089780, filed 2018-04, 56,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning. Lou fusz Ford in chesterfield, missouri was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 800.”
NHTSA complaint #11061933, filed 2018-01, 800 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that the drivers side air bag warning light had been illuminated on the instrumenatl panel for approximately two months. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they stated that the drivers side air bag had a high resistance failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. Updated 09/19/11 updated 2/22/12”
NHTSA complaint #10416705, filed 2011-08, 90,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 15% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 | 13 | 14% |
| 1997 | 6 | 4% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 17 | 7% |
| 1994 | 17 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird
24 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology