Ford Thunderbird engine problems

engine problem

9.0

really awful

Typical Repair Cost:

$1,028.00

Average Mileage:

55,483 miles

Number of complaints:

4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace valve covers, coils and spark plugs (2 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. replace coil and sparkplugs (1 reports)

Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Thunderbird coil and sparkplug failure

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

problem #4

2007Jun 04

Thunderbird 3.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,500 miles

I have a 2002 T-Bird with 31,500.m on it. I had # 3 coil, plug, & boot replaced along with the cover, one week later # 4 coil,plug & boot was replaced. I now have another one bad that has not been replaced as of yet. The car is never used in bad weather. It's a sunny day top down toy that I can't afford to keep. Is their a one time fix for this problem?

Ed Herrmann

Edward H H.

Edison, NJ, USA

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problem #3

2008Jan 09

Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

this problem is known by Ford--engineering problem!! Problem was addressed by Ford for the 2003 vehicles, but refuses to recognized for 2002.

the problem is that, with time, the valve covers warp and allow oil to seep into the spark plug/coil cavities--the accumulation of oil short-out the coils causing the spark plus to foul and fail.

the cause is the warping of the valve covers and gasket/seal failure. Once coils fail, it makes for costly repair-- four coils, spark plugs, valve covers, gaskets, and labor $1500.00

Joel R.

Orlando, FL, USA

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problem #2

2007Aug 20

Thunderbird V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

It is now the third time!!!! Overheated, smells like oil burning had been getting poor mileage, engine skips and loses power. DIAGNOSIS... SAME THING, LEAKING INTO THE CASE, TWO MORE COILS REPLACED!!!!!! A $43,000 automobile with 60,000 miles and I have spent near $3,000 on engine repairs with absolutely no relief from FORD!!!!!

OK EVERYONE, I KNOW OF TWO OTHER T BIRD OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS.... MAKE SOME NOISE... HOW AB OUT A CLASS ACTION SUIT TO GET THEIR ATTENTION!!! I HAD BEEN A LOYAL FORD OWNER UNTIL NOW..... NEVER AGAIN....

Jeannie R.

Lawrenceville, GA, USA

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problem #1

2007Jul 25

(reported on)

Thunderbird V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,431 miles

This is the third time to repair the car this time it is #7 that fouled. Proceeded by the car missing and the engine light coming on. Again the dealership said that it is a design flaw service adviser William Thurmond, I suggested replacing all of them at one time and was told they can't do that, why not.. guess it would not be financially beneficial to the dealership Johnson Sewell in Marble Falls Texas.

Jo I.

Horseshoe Bay, Texas, USA

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