2002 Ford Thunderbird Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 13%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, 13% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles.
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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11055850, filed 2017-12, 30,500 miles“Driving 45 to 50 MPH, engine starts cutting out, running rough. Check engine light starts flashing which required the coil pack to be replaced by Ford. This is a constant issue with this model and year Ford Thunderbird. It is an expensive repair and yet Ford has not redesigned the coil pack for this car and the coil pack continues to fail time and time again. I'm just grateful that I was not on some remote highway stranded on the side of the road when this happened or trying to pass another vehicle. I consider this a safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10594453, filed 2014-05, 73,000 miles“Re:2002 Ford Thunderbird at 43,237 miles the engine suddenly began running rough and misfiring.the passenger area immediately began to fill with exhaust fumes. The check engine light illuminated but did not flash to indicate a serious problem. Upon letting the top down the vehicle was slowly driven to a nearby Ford dealership. The cylinder eight coil and spark plug were replaced which seemed to solve the problem. At 45,280 miles the same situation occurred and the cylinder six coil and spark plug were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10610942, filed 2014-07, 43,237 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11542652, filed 2023-09, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the number 8 coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10692070, filed 2015-03, 45,000 milesEngine: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird
24 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsAir bags
13 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