U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Ford THUNDERBIRD: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

93 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

35,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 73 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 18 of 93 complaints (19.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	13	14.0%
Engine operation	11	11.8%
Steering behavior	5	5.4%
Fuel system concerns	4	4.3%
Electrical and battery issues	1	1.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Engine

Engine And Engine Cooling

Air Bags

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Vehicle Speed Control

Steering

Air Bags:Frontal

Electrical System: 18; Engine: 12; Engine And Engine Cooling: 12; Air Bags: 10; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 10; Vehicle Speed Control: 8; Steering: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 25; 25,000 to 49,999: 24; 50,000 to 74,999: 17; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (25). 20 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2023

2002: 2; 2003: 14; 2004: 1; 2005: 4; 2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2008: 11; 2009: 9; 2010: 5; 2011: 9; 2012: 6; 2013: 4; 2014: 3; 2015: 3; 2016: 5; 2017: 5; 2018: 4; 2019: 3; 2023: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 11 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000996 · 2003-01-13 (January 13, 2003)

WATER LEAKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WITH THE HARDTOP INSTALLED, PASSENGER SEAT AND FLOOR WERE VERY WET. CONSUMER WAS CONCERN ABOUT THE AIR BAG IN PASSENGER SEAT AS WELL AS ELECTRONICS UNDER PASSENGER SEAT.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000996 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003664 · 2003-01-13 (January 13, 2003)

THE VEHICLE'S HORN IS VERY STIFF, CONSUMER STATED A LOT OF FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER FOR THE HORN TO WORK.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003664 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003667 · 2003-01-13 (January 13, 2003)

AFTER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT HAD BEEN FASTENED, IT WOULD ALLOW ANY MOVEMENT. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 5,509 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003667 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003668 · 2003-01-13 (January 13, 2003)

BOTH FRONT SEATBACKS TILT FOWARD WITHOUT PRESSING THE ADJUSTER. CONSUMER STATED THE BACKS SHOULD BE IN THE LOCK POSITION UNTIL RELEASED BY THE ADJUSTER. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. DEALER STATED THEY ALL ARE LIKE THAT. JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003668 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10012305 · 2003-03-24 (March 24, 2003)

THE VEHICLES VISOR(S) DID NOT MOVE TO THE SIDE WINDOW(S). THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM SCC

Owner-reported narrative. 4,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10012305 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10012481 · 2003-03-25 (March 25, 2003)

THE DRIVER SEAT BELT FAILED TO RELEASE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10012481 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014291 · 2003-04-11 (April 11, 2003)

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. SOME 2000-2002 LINCOLN LS & 2002 THUNDERBIRD VEHICLES MAY EXH…

Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014291 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014770 · 2003-03-31 (March 31, 2003)

THE SUN VISORS COULD NOT BE TILTED TOWARD THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER WINDOWS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RESPONSE. *JB *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10014770 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

02V169000 · Seat Belts:Front:Webbing

Reported: 2002-06-14 (June 14, 2002)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CONTACTED THE SEAT RECLINER DURING A 35 MPH NCAP FULL-FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST.

Consequence: 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.

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 DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

93 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

78.5%Usable mileage73 / 93 records

95.7%Valid incident date89 / 93 records

100.0%Valid filing date93 / 93 records

94.6%Ordered incident and filing dates88 / 93 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2002	2003	2004	2005
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	119.8% ODI 10013562 · 73,000 mi HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 73,000 ON MY 1991 TBIRD WITH THE 3.8 V6. LOOKS LIKE FORD IS TRYING TO COVER THIS UP! *NLM Look up ODI 10013562 at NHTSA ↗	2212.0% ODI 531298 HEAD GASKET FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL IN TRAFFIC. Look up ODI 531298 at NHTSA ↗	12329.1% ODI 10006154 · 67,000 mi ENGINE HEAD GASKETBLEWOUT, CAUSING AND ENGINE TO LEAK. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. PH. *AK Look up ODI 10006154 at NHTSA ↗	4013.3% ODI 10008313 · 63,237 mi ENGINE FAILURE AT 63000 MILES. FRONT SEAL FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT INTO ENGINE. CAR WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR, AND DRIVEN CAREFULLY. *JB Look up ODI 10008313 at NHTSA ↗	2810.7% ODI 10014211 · 74,000 mi BY NOW IT IS QUITE APPARENT OF THE NOTORIOUS FORD 3.8L HEAD GASKET FAILURE ISSUE. WELL, JUST TO KEEP PEOPLE UP TO DATE ON FORD'S BUSINESS PRACTICES. MY WIFE BOUGHT A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD IN NOV 1995. (I MUST FIRST START OFF BY SAYING THAT I AM THE COMPUTER LITERATE ONE, THAT IS WHY I AM COMPLAINING, AND I AM THE ONE WHO WILL BE FORCED TO FIX/PAY FOR THE HEAD GASKETS IN HER THUNDERBIRD). TODAY IS APRIL 9TH 2003, I AM BEGINNING TO NOTICE SYMPTOMS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR (LOSING COOLANT, ERRATIC TEMPERATURE CHANGES) WHICH WOULD INDICATE A B… Look up ODI 10014211 at NHTSA ↗	208.6% ODI 10021760 · 86,000 mi VEHICLE STALLED AND MADE A WEIRD NOISE. DUE TO OIL PUMP BEING DEFECTED. NOW THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TT Look up ODI 10021760 at NHTSA ↗	105.9% ODI 10022442 THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. *JB Look up ODI 10022442 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1010.8% ODI 10014291 · 10 mi 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. SOME 2000-2002 LINCOLN LS & 2002 THUNDERBIRD VEHICLES MAY EXH… Look up ODI 10014291 at NHTSA ↗	13.0% ODI 10130105 · 6,000 mi DT: WHILE DRIVING AT 55-60 MPH THE ENGINE STARTED TO BOG DOWN AND SLOWLY DIED. HAD BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM AND A TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE HAD BEEN CHECKED DIAGNOSTICIANS, AND WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. DEALER HAD NEVER INDICATED WHAT WAS WRONG. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE OTHER THAN A REBUILD OF THE TRANSMISSION WHEN FIRST PURCHASED. PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE DYING WAS INTERMITTENT. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. AK NM Look up ODI 10130105 at NHTSA ↗	25.9% ODI 10095550 · 4,000 mi WHILE DRIVING A WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN GEAR. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN RESTART THE ENGINE. AFTER DOING THIS THE CAR RAN OK FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS TIME WHEN RESTARTED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. THE DEALER RESET THE COMPUTER. ON 10-09-04 THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE DEALER NOW HAS THE CAR TRYING TO FIND THE TROUBLE. EACH FAILURE CAME WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR A REAR-END COLLISION, BECAUSE THE C… Look up ODI 10095550 at NHTSA ↗	13.7% ODI 10314167 · 35,471 mi ON NOV 24,2009, THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR FAILED AND CAUSED MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO METRO FORD FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE PART WOULD TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS. METRO SAID I COULD DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL THEY REPAIR MY CAR BECAUSE FORD COULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE JULY 2009. AFTER SEVERAL PROMISES TO NO AVAIL, I DECIDED TO WRITE SEVERAL EXECUTIVES. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE YET. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE CAR OFF IN TRAFFI… Look up ODI 10314167 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	21.8% ODI 484694 TRANSMISSION FAILED, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AK Look up ODI 484694 at NHTSA ↗	52.7% ODI 563622 VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK KNOCKING CONSUMER OVER AND RUNNING OVER HER ANKLE/LEG. Look up ODI 563622 at NHTSA ↗	61.4% ODI 480530 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *AK Look up ODI 480530 at NHTSA ↗	6622.0% ODI 10048796 · 45,000 mi I NOTICED IMMEDIATLY AFTER BUYING THIS CAR THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED THAT WAS 11/98 IT TOOK SEVERAL CALLS TO THE DEALER AND A COARSE OF A YEAR FOR THEM TO FINALLY FIX IT. SECOND TIME I BROUGHT IN TO SHOP REPLACED WHOLE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS 12/99. NOW IN 6/03 THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SLIP AGAIN. ALSO HAD RECALL LETTER ABOUT HEAD GASKETS, FORD REFUSED TO WORK WITH ME ON REPLACEMENTS, HAD TO BE REPLACED OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. PRIVATE DEALER LIED ABOUT CONDITION OF VEHICLE, IT HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. FORD MADE NO ATT… Look up ODI 10048796 at NHTSA ↗	2710.3% ODI 10039096 · 75,000 mi I HAVE A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH A V8 ENGINE AND AUTO TRANS. IT DOWN SHIFTS RANDOMLY WITH THE OVERDRIVE ON OR OFF. *JB Look up ODI 10039096 at NHTSA ↗	114.7% ODI 10041483 · 150,000 mi THE 1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD'S HEAD GASKET BLEW AND TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. IT HAS BEEN USING WATER SINCE WE BOUGHT IT FROM THE DEALER. *LA Look up ODI 10041483 at NHTSA ↗	105.9% ODI 10020735 · 71,568 mi I BOUGHT MY 1997 THUNDERBIRD 4-15-2003 W/70000 MILES, AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS PAGE I CAN ONLY RELATE TO 2 OF THEM, THE VIBERATION IN THE TRANSMISSION ON UPSHIFT,AND THE FRONT END SHAKING ABOVE 50 MPH.BUT I'M SO GLAD. *AK I BOUGHT A 2 YR.EXTENTED WARRENTY,BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE I'M IN FOR SOME PROBLENS. I CAN BE CONTACTED AT [email removed] Look up ODI 10020735 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	39.1% ODI 10038992 MY TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH SHIFTING. LIGHTS FLASHED ON DASHBOARD. *JB Look up ODI 10038992 at NHTSA ↗	25.9% ODI 10119325 CONCERNS REGARDING 2004 THUNDERBIRD AND THE CHANCE OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILING AFTER THE WARRANTY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.MR THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID FORMULATION THAT, OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE DELAYED/HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM BY INITIATING A RECALL TO ADD AN ADDITIVE TO THE FLUID. THE CONSUMER FELLS THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SHOULD BE TOTALLY DRAINED AND REPLACED WITH THE PROPER FLUID. BF *NM Look up ODI 10119325 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	65.4% ODI 485151 SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD Look up ODI 485151 at NHTSA ↗	42.2% ODI 526808 GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR DUE TO THROTTLE CABLE FAILURE. Look up ODI 526808 at NHTSA ↗	81.9% ODI 536923 RUNAWAY ENGINE/SUDDEN ACCELERATION. Look up ODI 536923 at NHTSA ↗	217.0% ODI 10132882 DT: THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED THERE WAS ODOMETER FRAUD. WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT SHOWED 91,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HE GOT A CARFAX REPORT WHICH SHOWED THAT IN 9-20-99 IT SHOWED 118,090 WHEN TAKEN TO THE TN DMV. ALSO, THE REPORT SHOWED ON 4-20-00 THAT THERE WAS 125,035 MILES ON A SERVICE RECORD. ANOTHER RECORD INDICATED THAT IT HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE TN DMV BUT THE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE HIGH MILEAGE . THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN INDEPENDEN… Look up ODI 10132882 at NHTSA ↗	103.8% ODI 10513854 · 65,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CRASHED AGAINST A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A FRACTURED COLLARBONE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE HEART CAGE, A KIDNEY AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS LATER INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAUSE… Look up ODI 10513854 at NHTSA ↗	31.3% ODI 10004156 CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE COLLIDES WITH GARAGE DOOR. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS Look up ODI 10004156 at NHTSA ↗	105.9% ODI 10015785 · 50,000 mi THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. JB TS Look up ODI 10015785 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 872560 WHEN DECLINING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED IT CAUSED VEHICLE TO INCREASE ITS SPEED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS NORMAL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 872560 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 10065521 WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE DUPLICATE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM Look up ODI 10065521 at NHTSA ↗	88.6% ODI 10108837 · 25,500 mi WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD ABOUT TWO CAR LENGTHS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK TIRES SPIN AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF RUBBER. JB THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NM Look up ODI 10108837 at NHTSA ↗	39.1% ODI 10059567 · 11,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED. *AK Look up ODI 10059567 at NHTSA ↗	926.5% ODI 10140599 · 16,028 mi ON AUGUST 19, 2004 I WAS PARKING MY 2004 T-BIRD IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. AS I EASED IN, I REALIZED I WANTED TO EDGE FORWARD AN INCH OR TWO SO I SLOWLY BEGAN TO RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD HITTING THE CURB AND FLEW FORWARD 4-5 FEET WHILE I WAS PUTTING EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT FINALLY STOPPED AS THE CAR ACTUALLY HIT THE COMPANY SIGNAGE. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED TO THE TUNE OF ------. NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW IT HAPPENED, I CHALKED IT UP TO HUMAN ERROR, ALTHOU… Look up ODI 10140599 at NHTSA ↗	414.8% ODI 10314167 · 35,471 mi ON NOV 24,2009, THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR FAILED AND CAUSED MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD TO CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO METRO FORD FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE PART WOULD TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS. METRO SAID I COULD DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL THEY REPAIR MY CAR BECAUSE FORD COULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE JULY 2009. AFTER SEVERAL PROMISES TO NO AVAIL, I DECIDED TO WRITE SEVERAL EXECUTIVES. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE YET. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE CAR OFF IN TRAFFI… Look up ODI 10314167 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	65.4% ODI 804423 DRIVER EXPERIENCES A TOTAL LOSS OF ABS BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 804423 at NHTSA ↗	116.0% ODI 522284 BRAKE WARNING LAMP CAME ON AND DRIVER EXPERIENCED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. Look up ODI 522284 at NHTSA ↗	61.4% ODI 10076092 WHILE DRIVING20 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. A LOUD STREAKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. *AK Look up ODI 10076092 at NHTSA ↗	165.3% ODI 708839 WE PURCHASED A USED 1994 FORD THUNDERBIRD, FROM A DEALER, WITH 49,000 MILES ON IT AND WE ARE WONDERING IF THERE WERE EVER ANY RECALL OR REPAIR CAMPAIGNS ON THAT YEAR AND MODEL? PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY AND WHAT THEY ENTAIL. WE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF. SEVERAL THINGS WILL HAPPEN. 1. ONE SITUATION IS AT ENGINE START-UP THE ANTI-LOCK LIGHT DOES NOT GO OUT, AS IT SHOULD. 2. ANOTHER SITUATION IS THAT THE LIGHT GOES OUT THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO, THEN WHILE DRIVING … Look up ODI 708839 at NHTSA ↗	166.1% ODI 10046346 CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS CHECKING THE BRAKES, HE TOLD HER THAT TRANSMISSION WAS MALFUNCTIONING. CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE HESITATED AND SHOOK. THEN, MADE A FUNNY NOISE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN DOING THIS FOR A LONG TIME. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON TRANSMISSION. *AK Look up ODI 10046346 at NHTSA ↗	83.4% ODI 519450 ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING VIBRATION. Look up ODI 519450 at NHTSA ↗	74.1% ODI 10131043 DT: THE CONSUMER STATED A YEAR AGO WA SINVOLVED IN 2 REAR END COLLISIONS WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IT WAS NOT LOOKED AT, THEY INSTEAD TRIED TO SELL CONSUMER ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT CONSUMER'S OWN EXPENSE AT ANOTHER MECHANIC. DEALERSHIP STATED THEY KNEW THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED. . THE MANUFACTURER TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE VEHIC… Look up ODI 10131043 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.1% ODI 10014673 · 27,000 mi THE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP WHEN A TURN WAS MADE, ALSO THE ABS DID NOT WORK. *JB Look up ODI 10014673 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor	43.6% ODI 515421 DISC BRAKE ROTORS WARPED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHAKE UPON BRAKING. *AK Look up ODI 515421 at NHTSA ↗	42.2% ODI 480612 REPLACED RIGHT/LEFT SPINDLE. Look up ODI 480612 at NHTSA ↗	133.1% ODI 480530 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *AK Look up ODI 480530 at NHTSA ↗	175.7% ODI 484526 INTERMITTENT SURGING WHILE IN DRIVE/COMING TO A STOP. Look up ODI 484526 at NHTSA ↗	3914.9% ODI 505782 FAN MOTOR REPLACED 3 TIMES. *AK Look up ODI 505782 at NHTSA ↗	198.2% ODI 10048182 PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE ROTORS ON VEHICLE ARE WARPED. MR THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED, LEFT AND RIGHT (2 TIMES) AND WERE WARPED AGAIN. SCC *JB Look up ODI 10048182 at NHTSA ↗	21.2% ODI 564201 NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, CONSUMER BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BRAKING EFFECTS CAUSED BY WARPED ROTORS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM AT NO COST, HOWEVER 12 MONTHS LATER ROTORS WERE WARPED AGAIN, CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING WARPED ROTOR PROBLEMS. *JG Look up ODI 564201 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.0% ODI 10173327 · 14,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A NOISE AS THOUGH THE WHEEL WAS GOING TO COME OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CALIPER, BRAKE SHOE AND ROTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10173327 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	76.3% ODI 10000441 · 165,000 mi HEADLIGHT FAILURE INTERMITTENT OPERATION. TS Look up ODI 10000441 at NHTSA ↗	2111.4% ODI 10003283 MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON. THEY DO THIS ALL THE TIME. Look up ODI 10003283 at NHTSA ↗	4410.4% ODI 10027212 CONSUMER STATES THAT HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK Look up ODI 10027212 at NHTSA ↗	10.3% ODI 10020013 THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED THEN WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. *NLM Look up ODI 10020013 at NHTSA ↗	62.3% ODI 715023 THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC LENS AND HALOGNE LIGHT BULBS, THE PLASTIC LENS CRACKS DEVELOPING A SPIDER WEB EFFECT AND ALLOWS CONDENSATION TO ENTER DRAMATICALLY REDUCING VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. NLM SLC JB Look up ODI 715023 at NHTSA ↗	73.0% ODI 10102226 THERE IS A WHITRE CLOUDY FILM ON THE HEADLIGHTS CREATING POOR VISABILITY AT NIGHT.*AK Look up ODI 10102226 at NHTSA ↗	10.6% ODI 10135141 · 52,244 mi HEADLIGHT LENSES ON 1997 THUNDERBIRD CLOUD OVER DUE TO WEATHERING AND LIMIT AMOUNT OF LIGHT EMITTED. NIGHT VISION AND OBJECT ILLUMINATION IS SERIOUSLY COMPROMISED. VIGOROUS POLISHING TEMPORARILY REMOVES HAZE, BUT IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT THE CONDITION RETURNS MORE QUICKLY. I RECENTLY HAD TO SWERVE INTO A LARGE POT HOLE TO AVOID A CITY RECYCLE CAN THAT HAD OVERTURNED AND, BEING DARK GREEN, IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. I DAMAGED MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL. *AK Look up ODI 10135141 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	22.2% ODI 10145968 · 34,000 mi THE HEADLIGHT BRACKETS ON THE 2002 THUNDERBIRD CRACK AT THE REAR, WHERE THE HEADLIGHT ATTACHES TO THE FRAME WITH A BOLT. ALSO CRACKS IN THE ENTIRE REAR BODY OF THE HEADLIGHT... DESIGN WAS CHANGED IN 2003, FORD WILL ONLY REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, AFTER WARRANTY FORD WILL NOT REPLACE OR ADMIT THIS IS A PROBLEM... THERE ARE OVER 280 MESSAGES AT WWW.THUNDERBIRDNEST.COM RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. *JB Look up ODI 10145968 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	10.9% ODI 718286 $2250.00 REPAIR BILL ON KNOWN PRODUCT PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK Look up ODI 718286 at NHTSA ↗	42.2% ODI 515147 ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. Look up ODI 515147 at NHTSA ↗	368.5% ODI 10039391 · 58,075 mi HEAD GASKET FAILED IN A CAR WITH 58,000 MILES. FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN THE 3.8 LITER V6 AND THE INTERNET IS FULL OF SITES DOCUMENTING HORROR STORIES ABOUT THESE ENGINES. Look up ODI 10039391 at NHTSA ↗	93.0% ODI 10044226 · 115,000 mi CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE JERKING FORWARD WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY THREE CERTIFIED MECHANICS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HEAD GASKETS WORE OUT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AK THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH IT'S POWER WINDOW'S, AIR CONDITIONER AND TRANSMISSION. NLM Look up ODI 10044226 at NHTSA ↗	51.9% ODI 502737 DASHBOARD RATTLE. *SD Look up ODI 502737 at NHTSA ↗	62.6% ODI 507489 PCM CHIP PROBLEM CAUSED ENGINE TO CUT OUT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. Look up ODI 507489 at NHTSA ↗	53.0% ODI 605913 GOODYEAR TIRES NOISY AND DO NOT PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE RIDE. NLM Look up ODI 605913 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11.1% ODI 10215711 · 64,000 mi THIS IS A DESIGN/ENGINEERING FLAW ADDRESSED ON 2003 MODEL, BUT LEFT OUT 2002. THE PROBLEM STATED BY--VEHICLE NOT STARTING AT THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND GOT WORSE ON 1/11/2008. THE ENGINE VALVE COVERS WARPS ALLOWING OIL TO SEEP INTO COIL/SPARK PLUG CAVITIES SHORTING-OUT THE COILS, FOULING SPARK PLUGS. RIGHT NOW I HAVE A $2000.00 REPAIR BILL AND FORD FAILED TO RECOGNIZED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN AVOIDED BY INSPECTING THE COIL/SPARK PLUG CAVITIES FOR EVIDENCE OF OIL. IF OIL PRESENT, TO RESEAL/REPLACE VALVE C… Look up ODI 10215711 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.9% ODI 10193156 · 55,000 mi WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. Look up ODI 10193156 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	43.6% ODI 504097 IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED TWICE, FIRST TIME CAUSING FIRE. *DSH Look up ODI 504097 at NHTSA ↗	63.3% ODI 10073541 WHILE PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE FAILED TO START. CONSUMER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND THEN RESTARTED IT. DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED SOLENOID SWITCH INSIDE THE IGNITION DUE TO A BURNT OUT WIRE. *AK Look up ODI 10073541 at NHTSA ↗	102.4% ODI 505177 VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK Look up ODI 505177 at NHTSA ↗	10.3% ODI 563174 FIRE DEVELOPED FROM THE THUNDERBIRD WHICH WAS SITTING IN THE CARPORT ATTACHED TO THE HOUSE, THE FIRE ADVANCED FROM THE CAR TO THE HOUSE AND KILLED BOTH THE CONSUMERS WIFE AND HER FATHER, CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT FIRE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH.*YD Look up ODI 563174 at NHTSA ↗	20.8% ODI 756337 AFTER STARTING MY CAR AT 5:30 AM TO PROCEED TO WORK THE KEY FELT A BIT STRANGE AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. UPON DRIVING THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY I DREW MY ATTENTION BACK TO THE KEY AND FELT THAT IT WAS SPINNING FREELY, AND COULD BE REMOVED, AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, ( THE START POSITION APPEARED TO WORK OK). I HAD NO WAY I COULD TURN THE CAR OFF. A TECHNITIAN ON THE 800 PHONE LINE TO FORD SUGGESTED I HIT THE FUEL SHUT OFF IN THE TRUNK ONCE I REACHED MY LOCATION. THIS WOULD SIMULATE A CRASH AND SHUT OFF THE FUEL. I ELECTED TO PULL A LARG… Look up ODI 756337 at NHTSA ↗	10.4% ODI 895018 WHEN DRIVING AT 25 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE WILL SHUT COMPLETELY OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER. ALSO, AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, VEHICLE WILL RESTARTEASILY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK Look up ODI 895018 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	18,775–62,000 mi	43,700 mi	13	ODI 10240703 · 18,000 mi I AM WRITING TO PROACTIVELY PREVENT WHAT I PERCEIVE TO BE A DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS SITUATION. I OWN A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD AND OTHER 2002'S LIKE IT HAVE DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS WHICH COULD CAUSE THE CAR(S) TO BECOME INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS. THE COILS ARE PRONE TO CEASE FUNCTIONING AT ANY MOMENT, THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SUDDENLY AND RAPIDLY LOSE POWER. THIS COULD BE DEADLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS ISSUED A LETTER STATING THAT 2003-2005 THUNDERBIRDS CAN HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. HOWEVER, THEY HAV… Look up ODI 10240703 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10260381 · 3,200 mi I AM WRITING TODAY TO EXPRESS GRAVE CONCERNS FOR MY 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR MODEL YEARS 2003-2005 FOR THE COIL OVER PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEM, BUT HAS CHOSEN TO OMIT THE 2002 MODEL YEAR EVEN THOUGH A MAJORITY OF 2002-2005 THUNDERBIRDS WERE PRODUCED IN MODEL YEAR 2002. MY CONCERN IS THAT MANY OWNERS OF THE 2002 MODEL YEAR HAVE EXPERIENCED COP FAILURES WHICH HAVE RENDERED THEIR CARS VIRTUALLY INOPERABLE WITHOUT NOTICE OF THE IMPENDING FAILURE. TO TAKE THIS A STEP FURTHER… Look up ODI 10260381 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10272605 · 62,000 mi I AM WRITING TO HOPEFULLY PREVENT A DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS SITUATION. I OWN A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THIS PARTICULAR CAR AND OTHERS LIKE IT HAVE DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS WHICH COULD CAUSE THE CAR(S) TO BECOME INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS. THE COILS ARE PRONE TO CEASE FUNCTIONING AT ANY MOMENT, THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SUDDENLY AND RAPIDLY LOSE POWER. THIS IS DANGEROUS AT BEST AT LOW SPEEDS, AND DEADLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS ISSUED A LETTER STATING THAT 2003-2005 THUNDERBIRDS CAN HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OW… Look up ODI 10272605 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	30,000–45,000 mi	34,000 mi	12	ODI 10469592 · 45,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE IGNITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE MISFIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS AND THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000. Look up ODI 10469592 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10483837 · 37,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKETS FAILED DUE TO HEAT AND CAUSED OIL TO FLOW INTO THE SPARK PLUGS AND COILS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000. Look up ODI 10483837 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10543082 · 12,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10543082 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	26,750–57,050 mi	41,568 mi	10	ODI 10305193 · 39,436 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THE OIL AND GAS ARE MIXING IN THE VALVE. THE RINGS WERE REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY ON THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM THEMSELVES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,436. Look up ODI 10305193 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10327553 · 56,000 mi FORD RECALLED THE COP'S (COIL ON PLUG) FOR LEAKAGE AND FAILURE. FORD SO SAY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THEIR REPAIR. THE EXACT SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. APPARENTLY, THEIR ARE A NUMBER OF ISSUES WITH THE 3.9 LITER ENGINE AND IT'S COIL PACKS. ONE ONLY HAS TO DO RESEARCH ON LINE TO FIND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE COP SYSTEM. HOWEVER, FORD HAS REFUSED TO OWN UP TO IT'S RESPONSIBILITY. THE ENGINE MISSES AND IS A CAUSE OF POSSIBLE FAILURE WHILE IN OPERATION. SILSBEE FORD IN SILSBEE, TX HAS REFUSED TO RE REPAIR THE… Look up ODI 10327553 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10360144 · 35,000 mi NO PARTICULAR EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE, JUST MILEAGE (ABOUT 35K). PROBLEM IS IGNITION MISFIRES - NOT CONSISTENT AT ALL BUT CAUSES NEARLY COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, STUMBLING, PARTICULARLY ON ACCELERATION (ON RAMPS, PASSING, ETC.). THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT - AT TIMES CAUSES LOSS OF POWER, ENGINE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY, AT OTHER TIMES CAUSES INABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR EVEN HOLD CONSTANT SPEED. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM EXCEPT HAVING MISFIRE CODES CLEARED FROM TIME TO TIME (WHEN CAR RUNS LONG ENOUGH TO GET TO A SERVICE… Look up ODI 10360144 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	19,700–59,283 mi	55,931 mi	8	ODI 10276539 · 55,861 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55,861. Look up ODI 10276539 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10416705 · 90,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENATL PANEL FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG HAD A HIGH RESISTANCE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. UPDATED 09/19/11 BF UPDATED 2/22/12 CN Look up ODI 10416705 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	10,538–49,013 mi	23,500 mi	8	ODI 10014291 · 10 mi 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. SOME 2000-2002 LINCOLN LS & 2002 THUNDERBIRD VEHICLES MAY EXH… Look up ODI 10014291 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10036977 · 4,800 mi ENGINE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING APPROX 40 MPH. SLOWED TO STOP FOR AN ANIMAL IN THE ROAD AND ENGINE FAILED. I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED W/O PROBLEM. HAD THIS OCCURED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND NOTIFY FORD. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST COMPLAING YOU HAV RECIEVED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. AK Look up ODI 10036977 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10044792 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. CONSUMER TOWED VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM.AK Look up ODI 10044792 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	25,875–36,650 mi	29,000 mi	8	ODI 10108837 · 25,500 mi WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD ABOUT TWO CAR LENGTHS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK TIRES SPIN AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF RUBBER. JB THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NM Look up ODI 10108837 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10259924 · 28,000 mi 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. DRIVING ON THE ON RAMP TO GET ONTO HIGHWAY ACCELERATING TO GET INTO TRAFFIC. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OF THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE A FULL SPEED. APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CAR WAS STILL DOING 60 MPH WITH THE BRAKES ON. HAD TO STAND ON BRAKES TO GET OFF THE NEXT EXIT RAMP. COULD NOT BRING IT TO A FULL STOP SO I THREW IT INTO PARK. IT WAS TERRIFYING BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE CONTROL OVER THE ACCELERATOR. TURNED OFF THE CAR. RESTARTED IT IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL SCREAMING. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE… Look up ODI 10259924 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10274732 · 61,745 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD. FOUR YEARS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AND THE IAC CONTROL WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,332 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,745. UPDATED 07/28/09. LJ Look up ODI 10274732 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	Too few reports for a range	70,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11542638 · 75,000 mi 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 con… Look up ODI 11542638 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11542652 · 70,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11542652 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	Too few reports for a range	59,289 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10105416 · 26,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10105416 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10416703 · 92,578 mi HAD THE VEHICLE TUNED-UP. AFTER A FEW DRIVEN MILES THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS LIT. THE PROBLEM "DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG HIGH RESISTANCE" CAUSES "A POOR CONNECTION WHERE THE CLOCKSPRING CONNECT INTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS." COST TO REPLACE/REPAIR $681. THIS IS A DEFECT SAFETY PRODUCT. FORD REFUSED TO PAY STATING, "THERE IS NO EXTENDED COVERAGE OR RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE." THERE ARE NOT "SUFFICIENT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS" REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT DEALING WITH A SAFETY ISSUE WITH FORD REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS T… Look up ODI 10416703 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2004: 8 complaints · 2005: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2004	3	6	8
2005	0	3	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2004	32	0	2
2005	27	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling	Air Bags	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Vehicle Speed Control	Steering	Air Bags:Frontal
Electrical System	—	1 ODI 10692070 · 45,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE NUMBER 8 COIL AND SPARK PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. Look up ODI 10692070 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10428109 · 43,700 mi I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND I'VE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON IT. MY 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD BEGAN HAVING THIS PROBLEM AT 43,700 MILES. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND IT WAS INTERMITTENT. WITHIN THE PAST MONTH (SEPTEMBER, 2011), I HAVE PERSONALLY REPLACED ALL EIGHT PLUGS, BOOTS AND COILS. WHILE DOING THIS I FOUND THREE PLUGS THAT WERE OIL FOULED. AFTER COMPLETING THIS REPAIR THE CAR CONTINUES TO DRIVE ROUGH. THE TACH WILL RACE, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY OR AT ALL WHILE TRYING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY AND B… Look up ODI 10428109 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10457933 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 DEALER AUTOWAY FOR IN BRADENTON FLORIDA. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR Look up ODI 10457933 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10350609 · 48,351 mi MULTIPLE ENGINE IGNITION COIL FAILURES IN MY 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. IN SPITE OF A DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED COMMON PROBLEM WITH FREQUENT COIL FAILURES BY 50,000 TO 60,000 MILES, FORD REFUSES TO WARRANTY THESE VEHICLES. THEY DO WARRANTY THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE 2003, 2004, 2005 THUNDERBIRDS. WHAT'S GOING ON? *TR Look up ODI 10350609 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10416703 · 92,578 mi HAD THE VEHICLE TUNED-UP. AFTER A FEW DRIVEN MILES THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS LIT. THE PROBLEM "DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG HIGH RESISTANCE" CAUSES "A POOR CONNECTION WHERE THE CLOCKSPRING CONNECT INTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS." COST TO REPLACE/REPAIR $681. THIS IS A DEFECT SAFETY PRODUCT. FORD REFUSED TO PAY STATING, "THERE IS NO EXTENDED COVERAGE OR RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE." THERE ARE NOT "SUFFICIENT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS" REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT DEALING WITH A SAFETY ISSUE WITH FORD REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS T… Look up ODI 10416703 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	1 ODI 10692070 · 45,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE NUMBER 8 COIL AND SPARK PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. Look up ODI 10692070 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10872774 · 30,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY AFTERWARDS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE PAST APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. AFTER THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL ON PLUG WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNO… Look up ODI 10872774 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11542652 · 70,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11542652 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	1 ODI 10428109 · 43,700 mi I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND I'VE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON IT. MY 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD BEGAN HAVING THIS PROBLEM AT 43,700 MILES. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND IT WAS INTERMITTENT. WITHIN THE PAST MONTH (SEPTEMBER, 2011), I HAVE PERSONALLY REPLACED ALL EIGHT PLUGS, BOOTS AND COILS. WHILE DOING THIS I FOUND THREE PLUGS THAT WERE OIL FOULED. AFTER COMPLETING THIS REPAIR THE CAR CONTINUES TO DRIVE ROUGH. THE TACH WILL RACE, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY OR AT ALL WHILE TRYING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY AND B… Look up ODI 10428109 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	1 ODI 10457933 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 DEALER AUTOWAY FOR IN BRADENTON FLORIDA. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR Look up ODI 10457933 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	1 ODI 10350609 · 48,351 mi MULTIPLE ENGINE IGNITION COIL FAILURES IN MY 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. IN SPITE OF A DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED COMMON PROBLEM WITH FREQUENT COIL FAILURES BY 50,000 TO 60,000 MILES, FORD REFUSES TO WARRANTY THESE VEHICLES. THEY DO WARRANTY THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE 2003, 2004, 2005 THUNDERBIRDS. WHAT'S GOING ON? *TR Look up ODI 10350609 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	1 ODI 10872774 · 30,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY AFTERWARDS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE PAST APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. AFTER THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL ON PLUG WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNO… Look up ODI 10872774 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	0
Steering	0	1 ODI 11542652 · 70,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11542652 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi 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 MINU… Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Air Bags:Frontal	1 ODI 10416703 · 92,578 mi HAD THE VEHICLE TUNED-UP. AFTER A FEW DRIVEN MILES THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS LIT. THE PROBLEM "DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG HIGH RESISTANCE" CAUSES "A POOR CONNECTION WHERE THE CLOCKSPRING CONNECT INTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS." COST TO REPLACE/REPAIR $681. THIS IS A DEFECT SAFETY PRODUCT. FORD REFUSED TO PAY STATING, "THERE IS NO EXTENDED COVERAGE OR RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE." THERE ARE NOT "SUFFICIENT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS" REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT DEALING WITH A SAFETY ISSUE WITH FORD REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS T… Look up ODI 10416703 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

11 mentions · 11.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,000 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10044792 · 21,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. CONSUMER TOWED VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10044792 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10279466 · 26,000 mi

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 MINU…

Look up ODI 10279466 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10360144 · 35,000 mi

NO PARTICULAR EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE, JUST MILEAGE (ABOUT 35K). PROBLEM IS IGNITION MISFIRES - NOT CONSISTENT AT ALL BUT CAUSES NEARLY COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, STUMBLING, PARTICULARLY ON ACCELERATION (ON RAMPS, PASSING, ETC.). THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT - AT TIMES CAUSES LOSS OF POWER, ENGINE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY, AT OTHER TIMES CAUSES INABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR EVEN HOLD CONSTANT SPEED. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM EXCEPT HAVING MISFIRE CODES CLEARED FROM TIME TO TIME (WHEN CAR RUNS LONG ENOUGH TO GET TO A SERVICE…

Look up ODI 10360144 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

11 mentions · 11.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 43,237 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10416705 · 90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENATL PANEL FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG HAD A HIGH RESISTANCE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF UPDATED 2/22/12 *CN

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ODI 10449151 · 4,500 mi

THIS IS A COPY OF A THUNDERBIRDNEST.COM FORUM MEMBERS COMPLAINT, WHICH THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS REPORTING THE SAME CONDITION. I COULD NOT SAY IT BETTER SO IM USING IT. THIS COULD BE REAL SCARY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAYS. I AM WRITING TO HOPEFULLY PREVENT A DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS SITUATION. I OWN A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THIS PARTICULAR CAR AND OTHERS LIKE IT HAVE DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS WHICH COULD CAUSE THE CAR(S) TO BECOME INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS. THE COILS ARE PRONE TO CEASE FUNCTIONING AT ANY MOMENT, THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE…

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ODI 10469592 · 45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE IGNITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE MISFIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS AND THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

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Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 38,373 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10184549 · 15,000 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE SET THE CRUISE CONTROL IT WOULD NOT STAY ENGAGED. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD PROBLEMS TURNING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE CRUISE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH BEING INOPERATIVE. A NEW SWITCH WAS INSTALLED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS PROPERLY. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICE. *AK

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ODI 10274732 · 61,745 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD. FOUR YEARS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AND THE IAC CONTROL WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,332 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,745. UPDATED 07/28/09. *LJ

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Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 30,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11055850 · 30,500 mi

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. THE COST WAS $1500.00. THERE WERE 4 OTHER T-BIRDS THERE PLUS MINE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHAT NEXT? DO I NEED A TOW TRUCK TO FOLLOW ME ALL THE TIME.

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Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 51,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10197920 · 51,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT A COIL AND A SPARK PLUG WERE DEFECTIVE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT A COIL AND A SPARK PLUG WERE DEFECTIVE AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR ONCE AGAIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,705 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS 8 COILS, ONE FOR EAC…

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Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11542652 · 70,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11542652 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b