MYRModel Year Report

2002 Ford Thunderbird

▲ Better than typical
2002 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:24:09.883Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Thunderbird Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 34 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2005
2002: 93 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19810
19820
19833
198426
198514
198623
198763
198892
1989125
1990141
1991112
1992186
1993425
1994315
1995261
1996233
1997169
19983
19992
200293
200333
200434
200527

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 26%

26% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%

24% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and starter assembly.

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

Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

AIR BAGS 14%

14% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show 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

Also filed under STRUCTURE

WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB *NM

NHTSA ODI report, 20041228

VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF THE ROAD AND HIT AN OBJECT AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER DIED FROM CHEST INJURIES. *MR *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20020927

ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230905

Also filed under STEERING

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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20020621 — seat belts

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

R 20060804 — fuel system, gasoline

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 engine and engine cooling issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V169000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 2004 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1994 ■ 1995

See all years ranked →

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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.