2002 Ford Thunderbird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 23%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,350miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, 23% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,350 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I've seen numerous complaints for this same issue and I've done a lot of research on it. My 2002 Ford Thunderbird began having this problem at 43,700 miles. I did not know what the issue was and it was intermittent. Within the past month (september, 2011), I have personally replaced all eight plugs, boots and coils. While doing this I found three plugs that were oil fouled. After completing this repair the car continues to drive rough. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428109, filed 2011-10, 43,700 miles“The cluster lights have gone out on my 2002 Ford Thunderbird. When this actually happened I really don't know since the car is mainly a show car and while driving the car at dusk coming back from a car show the cluster lights did not come on. We parked the car and only drove it during daylight hours. Then the fuel system quit working so we had to have the car towed to a dealer. After doing some research I found that this issue could cause headlight failure, taillight failure, turn signal failure, tilt steering wheel failure, parking lights failure, and driving lights failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11244929, filed 2019-08, 18,775 miles“I am writing today to express grave concerns for my 2002 Ford Thunderbird. It is my understanding that Ford motor company has extended the warranty for model years 2003-2005 for the coil over plug (cop) ignition system, but has chosen to omit the 2002 model year even though a majority of 2002-2005 thunderbirds were produced in model year 2002. My concern is that many owners of the 2002 model year have experienced cop failures which have rendered their cars virtually inoperable without notice of the impending failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10412142, filed 2011-07, 38,000 miles“I am writing today to express grave concerns for my 2002 Ford Thunderbird. It is my understanding that Ford motor company has extended the warranty for model years 2003-2005 for the coil over plug (cop) ignition system, but has chosen to omit the 2002 model year even though a majority of 2002-2005 thunderbirds were produced in model year 2002. My concern is that many owners of the 2002 model year have experienced cop failures which have rendered their cars virtually inoperable without notice of the impending failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10260381, filed 2009-03, 3,200 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10884413, filed 2016-07, 8,237 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 4 | 12% |
| 2003 | 4 | 12% |
| 2002 | 21 | 23% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 | 24 | 8% |
| 1993 | 37 | 9% |
| 1992 | 27 | 15% |
| 1991 | 13 | 12% |
| 1990 | 38 | 27% |
| 1989 | 22 | 18% |
| 1988 | 29 | 32% |
| 1987 | 24 | 39% |
| 1986 | 5 | 22% |
| 1985 | 9 | 64% |
| 1984 | 10 | 38% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird
24 complaintsAir bags
13 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 27, 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