This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
9.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$699.00
Average Mileage:
56,544 miles
Total Complaints:
46 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace coil and spark plugs (18 reports)
- replace valve covers, coils and spark plugs (14 reports)
- not sure (9 reports)
- replace coil, cover and seal (2 reports)
- class action lawsuit (1 reports)
- replaced coil #7, spark plug, & valve cover gasket (1 reports)
engine problem
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2003Jun 01
Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 12,000 miles
Ford did an injustice to 2002 owners of the Thunderbird by not accepting that they had an issue with the car!!!!!
2010Aug 13
Thunderbird 3.9L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Obviously this is a design defect by Ford or Jaguar and they should come up with a solution by creating a coil that is not destroyed by the heat created by THEIR engine. They need to fix the problem, not just treat the symptoms. As of 1-17-12 I have now had to replace 4-6 of the coils and the engine is running rough now, the engine light is on and it is occasionally hard to start.
Do any attorneys own a T-bird having these problems. If so is there anything we can do?
If so contact me at jimhazel123@yahoo.com.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Aug 11
Thunderbird
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
Should you feel Ford has not adequately addressed the trouble you are having with the Coil and Plugs, please feel free to contact Ford US via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, local time, Monday through Friday.
Rise up and raise heck.......
2011Aug 11
Thunderbird
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
If you have this defect call Ford and raise Heck - Ford offers a fix for this the 2003 thru 2005 but claims there have not had an issue with 2002. All made at the same plant - 2002 has the highest failure rate on this component/s.
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2011Jul 30
Thunderbird 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I'm having the same problem again, but I have not had problem repaired yet.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jul 11
Thunderbird 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,300 miles
Same thing coil number 8 is bad. Had the problem repaired by replacing the coil and spark plugs.
2011Jun 17
Thunderbird 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I purchased my 2002 for T bird in 2005. I had second thoughts about buying a ford, because I hear bad reports about ford. But I like the way the T bird looked. This year in June the car started missing really bad. Found out the #4 and 5 coils had gone bad. The car was running good for 4 weeks. Its started missing again. This time is was coil number 8. The car was running good again. Two weeks later now it's doing the same thing.
I have a 94 buick park avenue with 170,000. It runs better than my T bird. The engine is garbage. I can't believe ford is getting away with this. I called to see if their is a recall on the coils. I've had no success.
2011Aug 16
Thunderbird When I Can Get It. Hehe V8
- Automatic transmission
- 88,846 miles
Aug. 2011 was first repair, car still wasn't running correctly when I left dealership. Ford of Port Richey in Hudson Beach, FL had the Thunderbird for a total of 4 days. I informed them car still wasn't running correctly. My car is now at the dealership in Evansville, IN and they have had it for 11 days. Same problem.
I give up, can't find out about the recalls. I am now going to sue Ford Motor Company myself. Stern Low
2011Jun 14
Thunderbird
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
this piece of crap from ford has already cost me over 10,000 dollars in repairs in just under two years for the same problem the coils and sparkplugs and engine misfire. i think its time to sue ford for this problem. i will never own another ford product thats for sure!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011May 31
Thunderbird V8 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,200 miles
I bought this car from a Ford Dealership 2 months ago. I think that since this car was originally purchased at the same dealership by its first owner and now me the second owner purchased the car with 65k on it should not have to have all of the spark plugs replaced and a coil after 1500 miles. I specifically asked them to look at the coils on the car before I bought the car as I had seen it was a popular complaint about the 2002 Thunderbird.
I will never purchase a FORD again if this is the type thing that consistantly happens with FORD doing nothing to make this right. I have driven Honda and Toyota before this purchase and never had to take the car into the shop for this type of service in the 65K mileage range.
2010Jun 01
Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
INITIAL PROBLEM WAS A GENUINE CONCERN . I WAS AFRAID IT WOULD CRITICALLY DAMAGE THE ENGINE OR AN ENGINE COMPONENT.
2011Jan 05
Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,445 miles
THIS TIME THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE VALVE COVERS, COILS AND ALL SPARK PLUGS. MUCH EXHAUST SMOKE WITH SEVERE SMOKE OUT THE TAIL PIPE. VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP.
2011Jan 07
Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,470 miles
3 DAYS AFTER LAST FIX CAR STARTED MISSING AGAIN. THIS TIME THE #3 COIL WAS REPLACED. THEY DID NOT CHARGE FOR THE LABOR. JUST THE COST OF THE COIL. NOW WAITING FOR THE NEXT DAMAGING INCURSION.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jun 24
Thunderbird V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,019 miles
This is the third fix in a six months....sorry to find out that it's not just me. Looks like I'm going to have to sell my car. There's no way I can afford to have my car in the shop every 3-6 months and pay over 700.00 to fix. This is criminal!!! I'm so #$%$# aggravated.
2010Apr 01
Thunderbird
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
Ford fixed the problem, put new #2 coil and sparkplug in.
2009Nov 24
Thunderbird
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
Second time with this problem. Disgusted with Ford. Should not have to go through this a second time. Another fire and safety hazard with the strong odor of gasoline every time the vehicle is started!!!!!
2007Apr 25
Thunderbird
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
There was a smell of gasoline... fire and safety hazard. Should be better product for the price and new technology. " Quality is job one" ????????
2009Aug 18
Thunderbird 3.8L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
Engine ran rough, esp during idle, or hi rev; engine light on. Best repair shop in DC replaced coil and spark plugs. Fix lasted only about 3 weeks.
2009Oct 26
Thunderbird 3.8L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 31,000 miles
Car is back for 3rd extended time, this time for 5 days, at the Best Repair shop in DC (Consumer Checkbook). Replaced coil, this time also replaced a fouled injector (but the oil is still getting in), replacing the gasket on the 2nd repair, did not work. Now taking car back for 4th visit ... plan is to replace the VALVE COVERS as probably warped.
2009Nov 12
Thunderbird 3.8L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 31,500 miles
Car is back in TODAY, for 4th time, this time to REPLACE BOTH THE VALVE COVERS, BOTH GASKETS, and whatever coils have fouled again, and spark plugs (and change the oil) ... this is the Consumer Checkbook best shop in DC ... they will get it soon and are great to work with ... this is a basic flawed design in the VALVE COVERS. I will up date this complaint upon pickup in a few days. I would never take the car to Ford, as during the warranty period, I became convinced that FORD was TOTALLY INCOMPETENT to effect any repair. My shop in DC is fair, and is struggling to really get to the bottom of this ... this is my ONLY car, I am a retired Navy Captain, and only use the car socially, about 2 days a week, and to go to the commissary, car is the only way to do that.
2009Sep 16
Thunderbird 3.8L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 30,500 miles
Engine failure, light on, runs very rough, this is 2nd fix. Best shop in DC changed coil, some plugs, and replaced the GASKET for the valve covers, in attempt to actually stop the oil fouling the plugs. This lasted only 3 weeks.
2009Jan 12
Thunderbird Convertable V8
- Automatic transmission
- 60,146 miles
Lost all power while trying to drive up hill. Had Jackson Ford check and they claimed that #3 coil had failed which fowled the plugs. Found both valve covers leaking oil and fowled plugs and coil.
2009Jan 21
Thunderbird Convertable V8
- Automatic transmission
- 60,408 miles
After having the #3 coil, valve covers and plugs replaced on 1/12/09 the car again lost power, engine light came on and it was smoking. Jackson Ford again checked and confirmed two more coils needed replacement, 2 coil assembly ignitions, and 2 wire assemblies. They also replaced all the oil, oil filter and inserted some dye?
2009Feb 05
Thunderbird Convertable V8
- Automatic transmission
- 60,605 miles
After two times at the Jackson Ford in Jan 09, my car again began missing and not having power while climbing hills around my home. Jackson Ford again checked my vehicle out and found all coils oil soaked and two of these were mis-firing. This time Ford replaced all coils and coils assembly ignition, valve cover gaskets. Ford did not charge me for this repair due to the costs already put out for the same problem in Jan 09.
2009Jun 05
Thunderbird
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I had Cylinder #2 replaced at Ford dealer after breaking down on a road trip. Then had #2, #4, and #5 go on me 3 months later. Had all 8 replaced. Read about everyone else's SAME problem and how Ford is jerking the '02 owners around. I am an attorney and rounding up people for a class action law suit v. Ford. Please contact me at dsa315@mac.com if you are interested in getting some justice here...it is clear that Ford does not care about us or our future business...once again, Detroit is concerned only with short term profits and not concerned with their long term viability. Even after having the car "fixed," I don't know if I'll ever be confident in it again.
2009Sep 29
Thunderbird 8 cyl 3.9 L
- Automatic transmission
- 38,659 miles
I took my car to the Ford dealership as it was missing and the service engine light came on and they said it was the #7 cylinder misfire and needed coil,cover and seal replaced. I called to see if it was covered on my extended warranty. They said yes but needed the mechanic to call them. The mechanic called them and said water had gotten into the cover and shorted it out. Needless to say then it was not covered. They admitted they have that problem often and they have a different cover now. I called Ford Company to see if it was a recall and of course it isn't. My car is a 2002 and has 38,659 miles on it. It is garage kept and rarely driven as they can see it has been driven a little over 5,000 miles a year. I guess you have to not drive in the rain or the cover to protect the coil is faulty from Ford to begin with. I've read many others have this problem so we have to join together to have Ford take the responsibility for this faulty part. I have a Chevolet with over 200,000 miles and have never had this problem with it. I'll never buy another Ford.
2009Aug 12
Thunderbird 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
This is ridiculous. This is the 5th coil/plug I am replacing. Next time the valve covers get replaced and I will think about suing Ford. For Ford to do something for the 2003 model and then not do anything for the same problem on the 2002 model is just wrong. I will never buy another Ford product and i will make sure every member of my family know why not.
I have also been told that this engine is made by Jaguar. If I knew that there is no way I would have bought the car.
2009Aug 12
Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Today I will drop my car off at Byery Ford in Louisville for the fifth coil repair. I want either my warranty extended, my car recalled, my money back for repairs or cash for this clunker.
It is crazy that this was addressed for the '03s, but we are ignored and neglected! What do the lemon laws cover anyway?
Can someone come up with a patch so I can stop doing this every six months? Does anyone want to start a class action suit so we can get this settled? My frustration is endless...
2009Jul 06
Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
this is the fourth coil replacement. the previous 3 were due oil leak from value cover. i have spent over $1500 on this type of repair. i believe it is an engine defect but i can not get ford dealer to do anything.
2009Jun 05
Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
THE 4th Coil on Plug Problem with a leaking cover......... I haven't had it fixed. My car is a 2002 that was purchased Jan 2, 2003 and was one of the last ones off of the 2002 assembly line. The problem has been recalled for 2003, my coils are exactly the same!!!!! Please can someone tell me where to turn on this issue. I had purchased 3 vehicles from the same dealership and they were totally useless. Now that Dealership Arrington Blunt Ford in Lawrenceville,GA has gone out of business. This is THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Please see my other complaints below.
Passenger side auto door lock
Clock spring problem in the steering wheel that effects the radio and CD controls, the cruise control, the horn doesn't work, the cruise control doesn't work, the airbag light stays on (is it working???) In my opinion these are safety issues and FORD needs to take responsibility!!!!
2009Jun 24
Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
Car started running rough and check engine light came on, took it to our local garage and they found that there was oil in the Coil on Plug wells due to valve cover/valve cover gasket failure. I did research and found this is a common failure in Thunderbird assembled at the Wixom plant. The Ford engineers acknowledge this issue starting in 2003 - 2005, and "Customer satisfaction Program 07M07" implemented "extending the limited warranty to 10 years from the warranty start date or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has more then 100,000 miles then the coverage extends to 11/30/2008." This is the Eleventh Generation of the Ford Thunderbird years 2002 - 2005, CSP 07M07 needs to be extended to include the 2002 model year as the problem effects these cars as well.
2009Jun 29
Thunderbird 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,901 miles
Ok this is coil # three for me, first was caused to oil leaking from valve cover gaskets, fixed by replacing seal on valve covers, BUT........guess what the last two coils gone bad not caused by oil leak, they just short out sometime around 45,000 to 75,000 miles. Well three down only 5 more to go??? asked Ford dealer if new coils are good and will last, no answer..... asked dealer what are my chances of making it on a 500 mile trip without having another coil go out.....; no answer......... Is there anything that can be done to make Ford fix THEIR mistake??? so far I have spent over $1750 bucks with more many to be spent I am sure.......
2008Dec 10
Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 35,407 miles
Yes, This is # 4 coil replacement, only 4 more to go. FORD will not replace them all so back for 1 each time. When will they have a recall? No bailout for me!
2008Jul 30
Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
Yes, Another coil problem. 2 this time. New service writer, filed a complaint with the dealer the last time I was there, however the liar was still working? ? ? I was told that this coil problem has not become a recall- not a hazard. Another 2 days off work. When will it end? Yes, I did purchase the Ford extended warranty. You would think they would fix this issue-- I will not buy another FORD, my other cars are CHEVROLET I had to buy 2 so we could get to work on time.
2008Feb 11
Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 31,000 miles
Yes, Another coil problem with the T-BIRD. Another 2 days off work, more lies at the dealer. I had the mechanic put the car on the lift because they said they replaced the transmission --another complaint. It sure look like the original to me. I found the rack and pinion stering leaking down the right side under side. The mechanic said he told the service writer about this - I was never told! More deception at the FORD dealer.
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
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
2003May 30
Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
Car was still under warranty and would not pass emission inspection. They kept putting the computer on it and saying it was fine. It finally passed. 30 days later car starts skipping the dash lights up and the engine overheats. "Bad Gaskets" caused leaking into the crankcase on two cylinders and had to replace all gaskets and two coils/plugs. Fords response.... we offered you the extended warranty when you had the car in here last month!!!!
2006Aug 08
Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
Car has an odd smell like rubber burning and engine starts to skip and run poorly. Red lights start flashing and engine overheats.... Guess what COILS AGAIN!!! had 2 more replaced. Still no response from Ford.... except for "we have seen this happen in the T-birds.
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....
Update from Sep 23, 2011: Final complaint. I had replaced 6 coils, had plugs replaced numerous times and valve cover gaskets 3 times. Car still cut out and stalled.
The less than 2 miles from home, while sitting at a stop light, the engine light comes on and within 30 seconds the temperature guage starts rapidly rising. I tried to accelerate to drive through the intersection to get to the frist parking lot I could see and the vehicle won't go over about 10 miles an hour. I have it towed and the verdict: The last two coils are broken. Plugs fouled. Oil and water in the cylinders. Valve gasket leaking oil AND A BAD HEAD GASKET! The repair estimate was over 4k. Need to replace coils and rebuild the engine. I am out of money. The car is the prettiest turd I've ever had the misfortune of owning. I will NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AND I JUST CAN"T FORGIVE THEM FOR CLAIMING THIS HASN'T BEEN A PROBLEM. Do they think we are stupid or are they simple unscrupulous liars without morels or ethics?
2007Jul 25
(reported on)Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 72,526 miles
I thought that this may be connected to the previous problem - crank case had a leak. #6 was replaced, they test drove it and came back and told me #1 had fouled and they replaced that one. Service adviser James Parsons said that this is common in Tbirds, Jaguar because of the location of the engine and that he has seen numerous cars with this problem. He said it is a design flaw, the coils get too hot and foul the plug. Unbelievable, I purchased the car of my dreams and it turns out to be a living nightmare. Add to that the dealership does not want to assist.. any ideas?
2007Jul 25
(reported on)Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 83,500 miles
July 24, 2007... I give up after being away since the last repair on July 6, 2007 the first time I drove my car #3 and # 5 fouled. The cost is over $1000 in two weeks, and I have been told that this will continue to happen because of the design flaw, who can afford to repair these cars, this has to be a lemon. The owner of the dealership will not return my phone calls, the dealership does not have a service manager, the acting service manager Marilyn does not return my phones calls, the service adviser Kevin said they have not had any luck talking with their representative at Ford. What do I do I really don't know who to turn to, obviously Ford does not want to deal with their mistake so why should the consumer have to bear the financial burden alone... this car should have a recall or we should file a class action suit to get their attention.
2007Jul 25
(reported on)Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 83,254 miles
July 6, 2007 the car started missing and the engine light came on, again it is the coil fouling the spark plugs this time it is #8-I requested new plugs and coils to be replaced another service guy Kevin Holcomb. I had been told that it is the coil overheating causing the spark plugs to foul so this approach made sense to me. Unfortunately Kevin decided that the coil cost too much to replace and only replaced the spark plugs. None of this is covered by warranty because it is considered a maintenance issue. How can Ford get away with this, by the way if you complain to Ford, their response is to thank you for your positive feed back... WHAT PLANET ARE ON!!!!
2007Jul 25
(reported on)Thunderbird V8
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
12/05 The car was missing, dealership said the car had a leak in the crankcase that was causing the fouled plug. The engine light was on and the car could not be driven over 45 mph. This was the first time I had any problems with the car at all, the mileage was 60K +/-. Repairs were covered by the warranty.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Apr 19
Thunderbird Convertible 3.9L 8 cyl. Fuel Inj
I've had my T-bird for seven years and started out loving it. I drive it back and forth to work - it does not just sit in the garage and look pretty. My mileage is not that high for the engine work it is requiring. The love relationship is over. I have now had to replace five coils, every time having to replace the valve covers. I just had the fifth replaced four days ago and this morning the engine light came on AGAIN, so I guess I'll be going for the sixth. I am calling Ford today - this is not acceptable as I am tired of pouring money into car repairs.
Paula H.
Pooler, GA, USA
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