2002 Ford Thunderbird

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/23/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  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

• 12/21/2017· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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.

• 12/17/2013· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,533.

• 11/23/2015· ENGINE

  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.

• 11/09/2012· ENGINE

  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.

• 11/05/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY WIFE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE SHUT DOWN OF OUR 2002 THUNDERBIRD WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR "ROLLED" ACROSS THE ONCOMING LANE AND SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THIS FAILURE IS IDENTICAL TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES DESRIBED IN ODI ID NUMBER: 10014291 DATED MARCH 3, 2003. *AK

• 11/05/2003· STRUCTURE

  WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE SOFT CONVERTIBLE LOCK MECHANISM BROKE. *AK THE TOP FLEW UP WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAY. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO GRAB THE LOCKING MECHANISM WHEN IT BROKE. *SCC *JB

• 11/01/2018· AIR BAGS

  MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND I WANT TO KNOW IF I HAVE A TAKATA AIRBAG. IF SO HOW TO I GET IT FIXED?

• 10/27/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

• 10/12/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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). FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON 2003-2005 VEHICLES TO COVER REPAIR (REPLACE CAM COVER GASKETS, SPARK PLUGS AND COILS ON PLUGS), BUT FOR SOME REASON DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2002 MODELS. COMPLAINT HAS BEEN REGISTERED WITH FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER, BUT THEY CLAIM THEY CAN'T EXTEND WARRANTY TO 2002 MODELS AND THEY CAN'T COMMUNICATE COMPLAINT TO ENGINEERING OR MANAGEMENT STAFF. *TR

• 10/03/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I JUST PURCHASED A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD AND HAVE BECOME AWARE OF A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT POTENTIALLY COULD BE FATAL TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS. I HAVE LEARNED THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR MODEL YEARS 2003-2005 FOR THE COIL OVER PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEM, BUT NOT FOR THE 2002 MODEL YEAR. A MAJORITY OF 2002-2005 THUNDERBIRDS WERE PRODUCED IN MODEL YEAR 2002. I FURTHER LEARNED THAT MANY OWNERS OF THE 2002 MODEL YEAR HAVE EXPERIENCED COP FAILURES WHICH HAVE RENDERED THEIR CARS VIRTUALLY INOPERABLE AND WITHOUT NOTICE OF THE IMPENDING FAILURE. CLEARLY THIS CREATES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY AT BEST, AND MORTAL AT WORST. IN ADDITION TO BEING A SAFETY ISSUE THERE IS AN EQUITY ISSUE AS WELL. REPAIRS COST OWNERS OF 2002 THUNDERBIRDS IN EXCESS OF $1,500 BUT OWNERS OF NEWER MODELS ARE COVERED FOR 10 YEARS/100,000 MILES FREE OF CHARGE FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. I HOPE THAT NHTSA WILL CORRECT BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD AND ITS 2002 THUNDERBIRD: HIGHWAY SAFETY AND EQUITY. THANK YOU. *TR

• 10/01/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 BEHAVES POORLY ON BOTH NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS AND THE HIGHWAY. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THE DEALER MAKE THE REPAIRS. AS A MATTER OF FACT, JUST A WEEK BEFORE I REPLACED THE PLUGS, BOOTS AND COILS, I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT THE DEALER. THEY CHANGED THE OIL, ROTATED THE TIRES, REPLACED THE OIL FILTER AND AIR FILTER AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THEY CHARGED ME $151 FOR THIS. I THINK THAT IS ROBBERY!! WHEN I CHECKED OUT, THE MECHANIC SAID THAT IT APPEARS I HAVE A "COIL" PROBLEM. HMMM. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND KNOW THAT FORD WILL NOT ADMIT NOR INCLUDE THE 2002 IN THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM. THIS IS SHAMEFUL! THIS COIL ON BOOT PROBLEM IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND MANY FOLKS CAN BE HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE OF HOW THE CAR BEHAVES WHEN THIS PROBLEM ARISES. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT FORD CORPORATE TO ATTEMPT TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON SAID "WE DON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS THAT WE CAN TALK ABOUT WITH THIS MODEL". WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE AN ADMISSION OF GUILT TO ME. I AM HOPING THAT PERHAPS YOU CAN ASSIST ALL OF US WHO OWN 2002 T-BIRDS GET JUSTICE FROM FORD AND HAVE THEM ADMIT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND FIX IT! EXTEND OUR WARRANTIES BEFORE ANOTHER OWNER HAS AN ACCIDENT OR DIES AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE 1000S OF US! I'VE OWNED SEVEN FORDS AND NEVER HAVE I HAD AN ISSUE OR TREATMENT LIKE THIS BEFORE. *TR

• 09/27/2002· AIR BAGS

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

• 09/26/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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 OWNER. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED TO INCLUDE THE OWNERS OF 2002 MODELS IN THIS ACTION. THE RESULT OF THIS IS THAT 2002 OWNERS CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED DUE TO THE EXPENSE (BETWEEN $1500 AND $2500). THIS PLACES THOUSANDS OF CARS ON THE ROAD THAT ENDANGER NOT ONLY THEIR OWN OCCUPANTS, BUT THOSE OF OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. SINCE FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS (THE 2002 USES THE SAME AS THOSE BEING REPLACED FOR FREE), I IMPLORE YOU TO USE WHATEVER INFLUENCE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. MANY POTENTIAL DEATHS COULD BE AVOIDED IF FORD WOULD SIMPLY INCLUDE THE 2002 MODEL THUNDERBIRD IN THE LIST OF APPROVED VEHICLES FOR COIL REPLACEMENT AT NO COST. *TR

• 09/26/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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, IMAGINE DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED INTERSTATE AND HAVE THE SYSTEM FAIL. THE CAR IS DESIGNED TO GO INTO "LIMP" MODE WHEREBY THE CAR CANNOT GO ANY FASTER THAN 25 MPH. THIS IS A DISASTROUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN! NOT ONLY IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, THE REPAIRS ARE COSTING OWNERS OF MY 2002 CARS IN EXCESS OF $1,500 WHERE OWNERS OF NEWER MODELS ARE COVERED FOR 10 YEARS/100,000 MILES FREE OF CHARGE FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. THIS INEQUITY MUST SERIOUSLY BE INVESTIGATED AND CORRECTED BY THE NHTSA! *TR

• 09/23/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  COIL AND PLUG FAILURE IN TRAFFIC - MY CAR EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT STALLING IN TRAFFIC AND MISFIRING ON THE HIGHWAY.LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO START THE FORD CAR AND MOVE ME AND THE FORD CAR OUT OF HARMS WAY.FORD RECOGNIZES THE ISSUE WITH THE 2003 AND IN MAY OF 2008 FORD COVERED THE 2004 AND 2005 THUNDERBIRDS BUT IS IGNORING THE 2002. I HAD TWO OF THE EIGHT COIL ON PLUG ASSEMBLES REPLACED AND I AM CONCERNED THAT ANY ONE OF THE NEXT SIX WILL AGAIN FAIL ON THE ROAD. *TR

• 09/11/2013· ENGINE

  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.

• 09/08/2014· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND MISFIRED, AND A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,200.

• 09/07/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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 OWNER. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED TO INCLUDE THE OWNERS OF 2002 MODELS IN THIS ACTION. THE RESULT OF THIS IS THAT 2002 OWNERS CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED DUE TO THE EXPENSE (BETWEEN $1500 AND $2500). THIS PLACES THOUSANDS OF CARS ON THE ROAD THAT ENDANGER NOT ONLY THEIR OWN OCCUPANTS, BUT THOSE OF OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. SINCE FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS (THE 2002 USES THE SAME AS THOSE BEING REPLACED FOR FREE), I IMPLORE YOU TO USE WHATEVER INFLUENCE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. MANY POTENTIAL DEATHS COULD BE AVOIDED IF FORD WOULD SIMPLY INCLUDE THE 2002 MODEL THUNDERBIRD IN THE LIST OF APPROVED VEHICLES FOR COIL REPLACEMENT AT NO COST. *TR

• 09/07/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THIS IS A COPY OF A FORUM MEMBERS COMPLAINT. I COULD NOT SAY IT BETTER SO I'M USING IT. I HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM YET. BUT 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 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 OWNER. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED TO INCLUDE THE OWNERS OF 2002 MODELS IN THIS ACTION. THE RESULT OF THIS IS THAT 2002 OWNERS CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED DUE TO THE EXPENSE (BETWEEN $1500 AND $2500). THIS PLACES THOUSANDS OF CARS ON THE ROAD THAT ENDANGER NOT ONLY THEIR OWN OCCUPANTS, BUT THOSE OF OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. SINCE FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS (THE 2002 USES THE SAME AS THOSE BEING REPLACED FOR FREE), I IMPLORE YOU TO USE WHATEVER INFLUENCE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. MANY POTENTIAL DEATHS COULD BE AVOIDED IF FORD WOULD SIMPLY INCLUDE THE 2002 MODEL THUNDERBIRD IN THE LIST OF APPROVED VEHICLES FOR COIL REPLACEMENT AT NO COST. *TR

• 09/05/2023· STEERING

  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 dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

• 09/05/2023· STEERING,ENGINE

  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.

• 09/04/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 OWNER. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED TO INCLUDE THE OWNERS OF 2002 MODELS IN THIS ACTION. THE RESULT OF THIS IS THAT 2002 OWNERS CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED DUE TO THE EXPENSE (BETWEEN $1500 AND $2500). THIS PLACES THOUSANDS OF CARS ON THE ROAD THAT ENDANGER NOT ONLY THEIR OWN OCCUPANTS, BUT THOSE OF OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. SINCE FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS (THE 2002 USES THE SAME AS THOSE BEING REPLACED FOR FREE), I IMPLORE YOU TO USE WHATEVER INFLUENCE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. MANY POTENTIAL DEATHS COULD BE AVOIDED IF FORD WOULD SIMPLY INCLUDE THE 2002 MODEL THUNDERBIRD IN THE LIST OF APPROVED VEHICLES FOR COIL REPLACEMENT AT NO COST.

• 09/02/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 HAVE FAILED TO INCLUDE THE OWNERS OF 2002 MODELS IN THIS ACTION. THE RESULT OF THIS IS THAT 2002 OWNERS CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED DUE TO THE EXPENSE (BETWEEN $1500 AND $2500). THIS PLACES THOUSANDS OF CARS ON THE ROAD THAT ENDANGER NOT ONLY THEIR OWN OCCUPANTS, BUT THOSE OF OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. SINCE FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS (THE 2002 USES THE SAME AS THOSE BEING REPLACED FOR FREE), I IMPLORE YOU TO USE WHATEVER INFLUENCE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATHS COULD BE AVOIDED IF FORD WOULD SIMPLY INCLUDE THE 2002 MODEL THUNDERBIRD IN THE LIST OF APPROVED VEHICLES FOR COIL REPLACEMENT AT NO COST. *TR

• 09/02/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 OWNER. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED TO INCLUDE THE OWNERS OF 2002 MODELS IN THIS ACTION. THE RESULT OF THIS IS THAT 2002 OWNERS CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR COILS REPLACED DUE TO THE EXPENSE (BETWEEN $1500 AND $2500). THIS PLACES THOUSANDS OF CARS ON THE ROAD THAT ENDANGER NOT ONLY THEIR OWN OCCUPANTS, BUT THOSE OF OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. SINCE FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS (THE 2002 USES THE SAME AS THOSE BEING REPLACED FOR FREE), I IMPLORE YOU TO USE WHATEVER INFLUENCE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. MANY POTENTIAL DEATHS COULD BE AVOIDED IF FORD WOULD SIMPLY INCLUDE THE 2002 MODEL THUNDERBIRD IN THE LIST OF APPROVED VEHICLES FOR COIL REPLACEMENT AT NO COST. *TR

• 09/01/2015· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  I WENT TO PARK THE CAR AND THE CAR WENT RACING INTO THE SPOT AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAKE IT STOP. I THROUGH THE CAR INTO PARK AND EVEN THEN I WAS SURE IT WAS GOING TO STOP. IF I DIDN'T HAVE AN EMPTY PARKING LOT I DON'T THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THEN I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME WHICH I DIDN'T WANT TO DO, BECAUSE THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. THEN DRIVING HOME AT THE STOP LIGHT I JUST PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE IT WAS STILL RACING AND I DIDN'T THINK PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WOULD HAVE KEPT IT IN A STOPPED POSITION. THEN WHEN I TRIED TO TAKE OFF IT ACTED LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL. NOT A COOD FEELING AT ALL.

• 09/01/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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

• 08/26/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I HAVE A 2002 FORD T-BIRD WITH APPROX 60K MILIES, ORIGINAL OWNER. I'VE HAD THREE COILS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. ON 25 AUG 2011, WHILE DIVING IN THE FAST LANE (THREE LANES) AT APPROX 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT, CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKES AND STEERING. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO MUSCLE THE CAR INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE AND STOP. THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ISSUE AFTER PUTTING IT IN PARK. *TT

• 08/19/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE CLUSTER LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT ON MY 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. WHEN THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED I REALLY DON'T KNOW SINCE THE CAR IS MAINLY A SHOW CAR AND WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT DUSK COMING BACK FROM A CAR SHOW THE CLUSTER LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. WE PARKED THE CAR AND ONLY DROVE IT DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. THEN THE FUEL SYSTEM QUIT WORKING SO WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE HEADLIGHT FAILURE, TAILLIGHT FAILURE, TURN SIGNAL FAILURE, TILT STEERING WHEEL FAILURE, PARKING LIGHTS FAILURE, AND DRIVING LIGHTS FAILURE. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT YOU CANNOT TELL HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING AND YOU ALSO HAVE THE RISK OF YOUR TURN SIGNALS, HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS GOING OUT. YOU CAN GOOGLE FORD THUNDERBIRD AND FIND INFORMATION WHERE OTHER OWNERS OF THIS CAR HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. I BELIEVE THIS CAR NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL SINCE THEY CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT OR REALLY ANYTIME. WHICH IS A RISK NOT ONLY TO ME BUT ANY OTHER VEHICLE AROUND ME. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER TO GET THE CAR LOOK AT AND FOR THEM TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE CAR AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A NETWORK PROBLEM AND IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO DIAGNOSE. HE SAID IT COULD TAKE HOURS TO DAYS TO FIGURE IT OUT CONSIDERING THE COMPUTER AND NETWORK SYSTEM ON THE CAR. THE SERVICE MAN ALSO TOLD ME THEY DID NOT LIKE TO WORK ON THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. HE ALSO STATED THAT WAS THE REASON FORD QUIT MAKING THIS VEHICLE. I HOPE YOU CAN SEE THE SAFETY ISSUES THIS VEHICLE CREATES. FROM SPEAKING WITH OTHER DEALERS FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THERE IS A WEBSITE ABOUT THE CLUSTER PROBLEMS IT IS : WWW.THUNDERBIRDSPECIALTIES.COM/2002-2005THUNDERBIRD-INSTRUMENT-CLUSTER-PROBLEMS/. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR.

• 08/19/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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

• 08/13/2016· STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A OIL CHANGE THE DEALER WROTE UP A LIST OF PROBLEMS NEED TO REPAIR ON THIS CAR .THIS CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE AND DRIVEN WEEKLY IT ONLY HAS 30,600 MILES ON IT. I THINK IT WILL COST ME 2500 DOLLARS TO REPAIR THIS CAR. I NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE WITH A CAR.

• 08/08/2002· SEATS

  CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ADVISING THAT FORD IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL TO INSTALL AN INSERT BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT LOWER TRIM ON THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER VISITED THE FORD DEALER AND LEARNED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FORD ORDER THE PARTS AND SEND THEM TO HIS DEALER. *JG

• 08/07/2012· ENGINE

  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.

• 08/05/2009· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  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 MINUTES LATER THE HORN WORKED. THE NEXT DAY I TRIED ABOUT 30 TIMES AND I GOT IT TO BEEP TWICE. THE RADIO/CD CONTROLS SOMETIMES WORK AND SOMETIMES DON'T. CHANGE FROM RADIO TO CD AND SUDDENLY THE VOLUME IS BLASTING (SHOCKED ENOUGH FOR IT TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE). I WAS TOLD OVER THE PHONE IT IS A CLOCK SPRING ISSUE AND THE ESTIMATE WAS $450!!!!! IN ADDITION MY 2002 THUNDERBIRD WAS PURCHASED JAN 2,2003. IT WAS ONE OF THE LAST CARS OFF OF THE LINE BEFORE THE 2002 MODEL SWITCH TO 2003. I HAVE HAD THE SAME COIL ON PLUG ISSUES THAT WERE RECALLED ON 2003'S, YET DEALER WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME.IT STARTED ONLY 2,000 MLS OUT OF INITIAL WARRANTY. I HAVE REPLACED 3 OF THE COILS/GASKET COVER AND NOW THE 4TH COIL IS BAD WITH GASKET LEAKING. THE DESIGN IS UNCHANGED FROM 2002 TO 2003, WHY NOT FIX MINE? TWICE I HAVE LOST POWER WHEN ACCELERATING AND THE CAR HESITATED OR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING. IF YOU DON'T CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY ISSUE THEN TRY PULLING OUT IN ATLANTA TRAFFIC AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK. IN ADDITION NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE AUTO DOOR LATCH WON'T WORK. THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. I HAD PURCHASED THREE PRIOR FORD VEHICLES AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. I NEVER HAD THE FIRST COMPLAINT ON ANY OTHER FORD VEHICLES.... NOW THE DEALER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS...... PLEASE I AM BEGGING YOU SEE IF YOU CAN GET THESE ISSUES FIXED I HAVE POURED ENOUGH MONEY INTO THIS CAR AND IT ISN'T FAIR! *TR

• 08/02/2011· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  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 THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. *KB

• 08/02/2011· AIR BAGS

  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

• 07/31/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 EACH CYLINDER/SPARK PLUG TWO OF THE COILS HAVE FAILED. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB

• 07/16/2014· ENGINE

  RE:2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD AT 43,237 MILES THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH AND MISFIRING.THE PASSENGER AREA IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO FILL WITH EXHAUST FUMES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED BUT DID NOT FLASH TO INDICATE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. UPON LETTING THE TOP DOWN THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWLY DRIVEN TO A NEARBY FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CYLINDER EIGHT COIL AND SPARK PLUG WERE REPLACED WHICH SEEMED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. AT 45,280 MILES THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED AND THE CYLINDER SIX COIL AND SPARK PLUG WERE REPLACED. AT 47,459 MILES THE SAME THING OCCURRED YET AGAIN AND CYLINDER COILS TWO AND THREE WERE REPLACED AS WELL AS FOUR SPARK PLUGS. DESPITE THE COST INVOLVED IN THE NECESSARY REPAIR WORK AND THE FACT THAT ALL OF THE ABOVE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WELL WITHIN THE MILEAGE OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY I MAINTAINED THROUGH FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THE COMPANY ADVISED THAT THE TIME LIMIT ON MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THE COMPANY IS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE THE REMAINING CYLINDER COILS AND SPARK PLUGS. I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AS A RESULT OF THE PASSENGER AREA FILLING WITH EXHAUST FUMES WHEN THE ENGINE BEGINS RUNNING ROUGH. I DO KNOW HOWEVER THAT WHEN AN ENGINE BEGINS MISFIRING, RAW GASOLINE POURS INTO THE COMBUSTION SYSTEM AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE, I ALSO KNOW THAT CARBON MONOXIDE IF NOT DETECTED QUICKLY CAN BE FATAL TO HUMAN BEINGS. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE ABOVE INCIDENTS ARE NECESSARILY A WARRANTY ISSUE. THEY ARE HOWEVER A HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE SYSTEMIC IN NATURE AND RELATED TO DESIGN PROBLEMS OF THE 3.9L V8 ENGINE UTILIZED IN THE 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. I RECOMMEND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALL THE 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD AND REPLACE ALL COILS AND SPARK PLUGS WITH RELIABLE PARTS AS I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY A FORD SERVICE EMPLOYEE THAT THE REPLACEMENT COILS SOMETIMES FAIL AND MUST BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. *TR

• 07/15/2005· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  THIS COMPLAINT IS REGUARDING A 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD. I AM THE ORIGIANL OWNER, AND HAVE HAD THE CAR IN A FORD REPAIR SHOP 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ENGINE THROTTLE STICKS, USUALLY WHEN THE THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE LAST INCIDENT RESULTED IN THE CAR RUNNING THROUGH THE KITCHEN OF MY HOUSE. FORD CAN NOT FIND ANY REASON FOR THIS REOCCURING PROBLEM

• 07/14/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY CAR WAS RUNNING AND I EXITED THE VEHICLE TO PUT GARAGE DOOR DOWN. I PUT VEHICLE IN PARKED WITH IT RUNNING AND DOOR SHUT AND WHEN I CAME BACK TO THE VEHICLE ALL THE DOORS WERE LOCKED AND CAR WAS RUNNING. VERY DANGEROUS I WAS UNABLE TO GET INTO VEHICLE ALL DOORS LOCKED WITH CAR RUNNING. I NEVER LOCKED THE DOOR WHEN I EXITED.

• 07/14/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  STEREO CUTS ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME AND SOMETIMES THE CAR ALARM GOES OFF.

• 07/13/2011· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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, IMAGINE DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED INTERSTATE AND HAVE THE SYSTEM FAIL. THE CAR IS DESIGNED TO GO INTO "LIMP" MODE WHEREBY THE CAR CANNOT GO ANY FASTER THAN 25 MPH. THIS IS A DISASTEROUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN! NOT ONLY IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, IT THE REPAIRS ARE COSTING OWNERS OF MY 2002 CARS IN EXCESS OF $1,500 WHERE OWNERS OF NEWER MODELS ARE COVERED FOR 10 YEARS/100,000 MILES FREE OF CHARGE FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. THIS INEQUITY MUST SERIOUSLY BE INVESTIGATED AND CORRECTED BY THE NHTSA! *TR

• 07/13/2009· AIR BAGS

  TL*THE 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.

• 07/12/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FOR SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, TEMP AND FUEL GAUGES FAIL TO TURN ON WITH HEADLIGHTS. THE DIMMER SWITCH IS FUNCTIONAL SINCE OTHER LIGHTS FOR ODOMETER, RADIO, A/C FUNCTION CORRECTLY. FUSES CHECK OUT. CANNOT VIEW SPEED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS MAKES DRIVING AT NIGHT DANGEROUS. FORD DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE CLUSTER FOR THE DASH MIGHT NEED TO BE CHANGED. HOWEVER, NONE ARE AVAILABLE ANYMORE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 8237 MILES ON IT.

• 07/01/2013· AIR BAGS

  AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. WAS TOLD BY DEALER CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING. MORE THAN LIKELY THIS CAUSE AIR BAG NOT TO BE DEPLOYED IF NEEDED. . I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. FROM OTHER SOURCES ON LINE THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. FORD REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND LEAVES IT UP TO THE OWNER TO HAVE REPAIRED $700.00. *TR

• 06/29/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD COILS HAVE PROBLEMS, THEY SHORT OUT, CAUSING POWER TO BE LOST AND SHUTTING DOWN VEHICLE TO ONLY 4 CYLINDERS, IF YOU ARE ON HIGHWAY, MAJOR PROBLEM, CAN'T GO OVER 40-45 MILES AN HOUR.I HAVE HAD THREE COILS GO OUT SO FAR, ONLY FIVE MONTHS TO GO, EACH TIME IT GOES OUT PUTS PERSON BEHIND WHEEL IN JEOPARDY, DUE TO LACK OF POWER. *TR

• 06/23/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  IGNITION COILS MALFUNCTION REPLACEMENT NEEDED. ENGINE MISFIRE AT LOWER SPEEDS. *TR

• 06/23/2009· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  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

• 06/18/2008· POWER TRAIN

  MOST 2002-2005 THUNDERBIRD HAVE HAS COP IGNITION FAILURES. FORD HAS ISSUED A TSB AND HAS AUTHORIZED FREE REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS ON 2003-2005 THUNDERBIRD BUT NOT 2002 MODELS. THERE ARE MORE 2002 MODELS THAN ANY OTHER YEAR, YET FORD IS IGNORING THE PROBLEM. A CHECK ON ANY THUNDERBIRD FORUM WILL SHOW THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM, HTTP://WWW.THUNDERBIRDNEST.COM/FORUMS/FORUMDISPLAY.PHP?F=172 IS A GOOD PLACE TO START. I HAVE HAD 2 REPLACED AND NOW HAVE 2 MORE THAT NEED REPLACING. FORD MUST HE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR A POOR DESIGN OR A SUB-STANDARD PART. *TR

• 06/15/2012· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  VEHICLE STALLS AND WONT RESTART UNLESS YOU PUT IN A NEW 15 AMP FUSE FOR THE FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT. FUEL PUMP IS FAILING. THIS IS A KNOWN PRODUCT PROBLEM ON THE FORUMS AND FORD HAS NOT ANNOUNCED A RECALL. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID SORRY NOTHING WE CAN DO. *JB