Model year guide

2002 Ford Thunderbird

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Ford Thunderbird is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 45 on record.

2002 Ford Thunderbird — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Ford Thunderbird at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints93
Combined17 mpg
Typical price$13,543

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Ford Thunderbird recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #06E056000 · 13/06/2006

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.

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #02V169000 · 14/06/2002

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

Fix: 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…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Ford Thunderbird common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2002 Ford Thunderbird safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2-DR Convertible w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Ford Thunderbird MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,850

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2002 Ford Thunderbird worth?

Low
$8,500
Typical price
$13,543
High
$19,250

From 43 comparable 2002 Ford Thunderbird listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Ford Thunderbird costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,250
Fuel only$24,250
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Ford Thunderbird trims & engines on record

Trims
Premium · Deluxe · Base
Engines
3.9L 8-cyl 252 hp

2002 Ford Thunderbird vehicles on record

2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A72Y119331 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A72Y115408 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A02Y107828 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A02Y112639 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A32Y118774 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A22Y123805 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A82Y111402 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A52Y123619 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A82Y109648 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A72Y129857 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A22Y119916 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A62Y124701 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A62Y120258 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A62Y108725 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A32Y124154 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A32Y114997 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A12Y117686 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A92Y128502 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A92Y113076 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60AX2Y102023 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60AX2Y131392 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60AX2Y116018 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium1FAHP60A22Y108673 2002 Ford Thunderbird 2002 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe1FAHP60A62Y103802

Other Ford Thunderbird model years

2005 2004 2003 1997 1996 1995 1994 1984

2002 Ford Thunderbird — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Thunderbird?

Across all 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, air bags.

What is the 2002 Ford Thunderbird safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 Ford Thunderbird crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Thunderbird get?

The 2002 Ford Thunderbird has a U.S. EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined (15 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2002 Ford Thunderbird worth?

Comparable 2002 Ford Thunderbird listings run roughly $8,500–$19,250, typically around $13,543 (from 43 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.