2002 Ford Thunderbird recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford Thunderbird has 1 safety recall and 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 0

Injuries / deaths

4 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford Thunderbird vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford Thunderbird recalls

Recall 02V-169: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 14, 2002 · 15,355 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the driver's side seat belt contacted the seat recliner during a 35 MPH ncap full-frontal barrier impact test.

Risk: The edge of the recliner mechanism caused a partial cut in the lap portion of the webbing. If the webbing is cut, it increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: 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 date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

2002 Ford Thunderbird problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	24
Electrical System	22
Air Bags	13
Engine	12
Vehicle Speed Control	11
Structure	4
Exterior Lighting	4
Steering	4
Seat Belts	3
Seats	2
Power Train	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 10
Air Bags › Frontal — 3
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 2
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 2
Electrical System › Horn — 1
Parking Brake › Indicator Light — 1
Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 35,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Ford Thunderbird complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 75,000 miles · reported Sep 5, 2023

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. The…

Steering · at 70,000 miles · reported Sep 5, 2023

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.

Tires · at 3,500 miles · reported Mar 14, 2019

The contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird equipped with a firestone tempa spare tire, size: t185-60-r17 (Na). While cleaning the vehicle, the contact found that the spare tire that was stored in the trunk was blown out and the tire wires, rubber, and cords were exposed. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to visit firestone to have the tire replaced. The contact was informed that the tire was no longer manufactured. The contact was concerned that there was no tire available to replace the spare tire. The vehicle failure mileage was 3,500 and the tire failure mileage was 2.

Air Bags · at 50 miles · reported Feb 25, 2019

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. She was on interstate 95n near manning, sc when a semi truck did not see her & came into her lane grazing the car. She had to go off the road or the truck would have crushed her. The thunderbird rolled over & she was severely injured.

Air Bags · at 56,000 miles · reported May 21, 2018

Air bag needs to be replaced and ford has no repair parts available to provide occupant protection in the event of a crash.

Other Ford Thunderbird years

2005 2004 20032002

Compare all Ford Thunderbird years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird: 02V-169 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Thunderbird?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (24 reports), followed by electrical system (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 35,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.