7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$310
Average Mileage:
57,300 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace shorted out spark plug coil (2 reports)
2002 Ford Thunderbird engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Ford Thunderbird Owner Comments

problem #4

Mar 012014

Thunderbird V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

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

Engine light does not come on. But car his been missing for awhile now. In reading other complaints, seems like there is problem with coils foul spark plugs and maybe valve cover problems. Typical cost to repair $700. This is crazy. Has anyone gotten Ford to admit to this problem??

- sharonflorida, Naples, FL, US

problem #3

Sep 222013

(reported on)

Thunderbird 3.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

Ok I am wanting to know from everyone who has the coil pack shorting problem. if anyone has experienced a problem of the engine rpm not accelerating above 3000 rpm? Changed the coil pack and engine is still slightly missing but the rpm goes to 3000 rpm and the engine starts trying to jump or rise up. The old coil pack was floating off of the spark plug when I finally got the cover off of the valve cover assembly (who ever put that 7mm bolt all the way to the left and on the bottom should have their butt kicked). So it was #8 cylinder and the coil pack mount was broken off the coil body. That alone worries me since it is no accessible and covered. I bought the bird in 07 with only ten thousand miles on it (actual miles) I checked and pulled the manifest on it before purchase. So if anyone can answer the rpm limitation I would be grateful.

- Robin H., Memphis, TN, US

problem #2

Sep 262010

(reported on)

Thunderbird 3.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,106 miles

I am A very Dissatisfied Ford Owner. One of many as I have Read. My 2002 Thunderbird has the recurring defective coil problem. I know ford has redesigned the valve cover gasket and Coils The valve cover gaskets are over $50.00 each and the new improved coils are about $85.00 each. New Valve covers are over $200.00 each. Then you have to find a competent mechanic to do the work. All of my work has been done at Ford Dealerships by Ford Certified Mechanics. The last work being both valvecover gaskets and 1 coil replaced. now I have more than 1 cylinder missing and upon inspection I find my car is missing several nuts, half installed bolts and missing parts. The dealership I bought the car from has gone out of business and two other dealerships also followed suit. You dial the Ford customer satisfaction number and all you get is the run around. My solution is to park my T- bird until I feel like fooling with it and putting my 68 model truck back on the road. It is cheaker ot operate.

- Tony P., Greensburg, LA, US

problem #1

May 102010

Thunderbird 3.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

The car started missing shortly after I had a power steering problem fixed at Ford. It was bad when pulling up hills. I took it to Firestone after Ford had ripped me off for $1,200.00 on another problem. They did a tune up for $350.00. The next day it was missing again. I took it back to Firestone, they couldn't find anything wrong on a 20 minute test drive. No codes were kicked up on the computer. The next time I drove it, it started missing again. I drove over to Firestone and picked up the mechanic. It was missing on idle and still had not kicked up a code from the engine. Just before I left, the engine light came on. The code indicated a bad ignition coil. I had that replaced for $220.00. The next time I drove the, it was missing again! I'm now afraid to take it out of the driveway. Ford quoted me $1,550.00 to replace the rest of the coils.

I am so pissed, I will never buy an American car built after 1970 again. I wanted to keep this car until it was a classic, but the repair bills are ridiculous. The recalls for the coils do not include the 2002's! The only car I can depend on is my 1993 Honda! FORDS SUCK!

- Bob K., Stevenson Ranch, CA, US

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