Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Thunderbird owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle began idling roughly. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store where the employee found that cylinders 3, 4, and 7 were misfiring, as well as a random misfire. The contact opened the spark plug well and opened the coil pack. The contact discovered that the spark plug and coil pack were covered in oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later spoke to a dealer who stated that they would come pick up the vehicle if the contact decided to have it serviced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
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 diagnosed that all eight vehicle coil on plugs needed to be replaced eventually. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle began to drive abnormally while the misfired warning light illuminated. The contact could not describe the failure in great detail. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and coil pack failed and need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice, but the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
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.
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.
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 station). Ford has acknowledged identical problem for identical engine in 2003-2005 Thunderbird and Lincoln ls, and covers cost of full repair(customer satisfaction program 07m07). …
Driving 45 to 50 MPH, engine starts cutting out, running rough. Check engine light starts flashing which required the coil pack to be replaced by Ford. This is a constant issue with this model and year Ford Thunderbird. It is an expensive repair and yet Ford has not redesigned the coil pack for this car and the coil pack continues to fail time and time again. I'm just grateful that I was not on some remote highway stranded on the side of the road when this happened or trying to pass another vehicle. I consider this a safety issue. Why the 2002 Thunderbird coil, spark plugs and connectors were not covered under the recall of the 2003-5 is beyond me. Ford did an injustice to 2002 owners of the Thunderbird by not accepting that they had an issue with the car and I would like to see this issue remediated.
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 problem and Ford has refused to honor it's quality commitment. Research the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury ls models from 2000 to 2005 on line for further complaints. Some are replacing the cop's themselves every few months to keep the vehicle operational.
Tl 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 each cylinder/spark plug two of the coils have failed. Updated 09/05/07.
Engine complaints in other Thunderbird years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Ford Thunderbird?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, 39% of the model year's 93 complaints. The component named most often is engine (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Thunderbird engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Thunderbird engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.