2002 Ford Thunderbird Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,066miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, 4% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,066 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“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10818532, filed 2016-01, 12,000 miles“Vehicle stalls and wont restart unless you put in a new 15 amp fuse for the fuel pump circuit. Fuel pump is failing. This is a known product problem on the forums and Ford has not announced a recall. I called Ford and they said sorry nothing we can do.”
NHTSA complaint #10461858, filed 2012-06, 22,456 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the fuel pump caused the failure to occur. The fuel pump was replaced. The failure occurred again after driving approximately 400 miles. The fuel pump was replaced a second time. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the parts were unavailable. The current mileage was 28,079. The failure mileage was 27,676. Updated 07/08/11 updated 09/19/11”
NHTSA complaint #10404034, filed 2011-06, 27,676 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 13 | 8% |
| 1996 | 14 | 6% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 10 | 3% |
| 1993 | 16 | 4% |
| 1992 | 25 | 14% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 6 | 4% |
| 1989 | 6 | 5% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1986 | 2 | 9% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird
24 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsExterior lighting
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 29, 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