2002 Ford Thunderbird engine problems
36 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, which is 31% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 36 31% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 38,000 miles 32 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 6 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 11 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 32 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 38,000 miles, and 78% were reported before 60,000 miles.
None of the engine complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What owners wrote
Twice my 2002 thunderbird's engine has stopped while I am driving it. Both times, it occurred as I was making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic in a 55 MPH zone. When it quit, I was unable to steer or control the vehicle in any way. I had to put it in park and restart it before I could leave the oncoming lane. Ford has an unpublished oasis special service message 16581 which states: "2000-2002 lincoln ls & 2002 thunderbird - intermittent engine quit on decel/stops/turns.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford thunder bird. The contact stated that while having the vehicle service, the mechanic advised him that the engine coils and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
Other problems reported for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird
- Electrical system 22 complaints