2002 Ford Thunderbird
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 26 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 61 |
| 1988 | 92 |
| 1989 | 124 |
| 1990 | 140 |
| 1991 | 112 |
| 1992 | 184 |
| 1993 | 423 |
| 1994 | 300 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 233 |
| 1997 | 169 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2002 | 93 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CLOCK SPRING ,ON BOTH OF MY 02 TBIRDS,VIN# [XXX] [XXX] I THINK THIS IS A VERY POOR PART INSTALLED IN MY BIRDS,SINCE I PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR THESE CARS,$4000.00 OVER LIST PRICE EACH AT THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120509
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HAD NUMBER 8 IGNITION COIL REPLACED AUGUST 1ST 2011,OTHER PARTS AND LABOR ($1007.02). SEVEN DAYS LATER,AUGUST 8TH 2011 HAD NUMBER 2 IGNITION COIL REPLACED ($210.91).
NHTSA ODI report, 20120319
13% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230905
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171221
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190225
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CONTACTED THE SEAT RECLINER DURING A 35 MPH NCAP FULL-FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSERT BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT LOWER TRIM PANEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE
Campaign 02V169000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V169000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford Thunderbird is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Thunderbird?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.