2002 Ford Thunderbird
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 36 of 93 complaints (39%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,550 | 4,300 | 4,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 17 | 18 | 18 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15 / 22 | 16 / 22–23 | 15 / 21–23 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 523 | 494 | 494 | |
| Complaints filed | 93 | 33 | 34 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 2 | 5 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 3 | 6 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 Ford Thunderbird?
Engine: 36 of 93 NHTSA complaints (39%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird get?
EPA rates it 17 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 Ford Thunderbird?
EPA estimates $4,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 3.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 15 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 523 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 16 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 11 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 06E056000 · Jun 23, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING · Campaign 02V169000 · Jun 26, 2002
Defect: 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.