2002 Ford Thunderbird Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, 4% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 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.
“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“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10895573, filed 2016-08“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 while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to turn the steering wheel while using excessive force and veered to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled after driving approximately 3-feet. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. …”
NHTSA complaint #11542638, filed 2023-09, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014594Dec 1, 2004Vibration felt for a few miles of driving after parking.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 9 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 13 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 2% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1984 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird
24 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
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